Apple Quietly Adds Xserve Clustering Model For Cheaper Cluster Networks

Than ks to an eagle-eyed Slashdot reader, we can tell you that Apple has quietly released a new model in the Xserve line for Clusters. Called the Cluster Node, the new unit is designed to work with networks of "clustered" Xserves that are usually cooperatively working on tasks such as rendering. Accordingly, the Cluster Node doesn't have a video card, or an optical drive, and is also limited to one drive bay. It also includes a copy of Mac OS X Server that is limited to 10 clients, rather than the unlimited client license provided with the other models. The trade off is that it's US$1,000 cheaper in a dual processor configuration than its more full-featured cousin, which is the same price as if being charged for the full-featured single processor version