On the other hand, the 8 core I'm running now (2008) is so fast that I also don't feel the need to upgrade.
Switching back to windows ?
Ok, and how about for example final cut pro ?
As soon as windows runs all the programs the same way a mac does and has the same multitasking options and looses the registry maybe.
On the other hand, when I was on the PC platform (I only switched in 2008) I needed to install windows every 4-5 months because it was getting slower.
When a program crashed the whole PC needed to be rebooted.
Going to the mac at that time was an incredible speed boost (8 core macpro), over the last two years windows caught up a bit, but you would need a dual CPU board to get real 8 core or 12 core performance like the macpro I'm running now and that drives up the costs and driver problems a lot.
I think I will inform what my 2008Macpro has for trade in value, my wife owns a PC/Mac store and the company that she buys the macs from does some great trade ins.
Maybe I shelf out 2000.00 euros for the 12 core, I don't see me upgrading to an 8 core again.
It runs flawless and fast, so I don't really NEED an upgrade unless it's indeed a lot faster.
On software.
I always upgrade to the newest versions as soon as possible, there is always enough there to give me satisfaction.
With CS5 for example the speed has improved, and content aware fill is very handy.