Mac OS X Leopard coming Friday 26th October, 6pm. Read it and weep, Vista lovers
Cutting it a little fine, and in the knowledge that Microsoft worshippers will use the fact that Apple delayed it by four months thanks to iPhone deadlines against it, Apple has finally announced the official date for the launch of Mac OS X 10.5 – codename Leopard.
Perhaps operating systems shouldn’t garner as much interest as they seem to, but there was enough publicity about Windows Vista, and we all know (well, OK, all of us Macheads know) that Vista is just a pale knockoff of OS X anyway, so why shouldn’t Apple get another chance to revel in the limelight?
Let’s be honest, OS X isn’t as exciting as the iPhone, or even the iPod (it’s probably a bit more exciting than the doorstop Apple TV — see, I’m not totally sold out on Apple stuff) but there are some cool new functions in there that really make the upgrade worthwhile.
We’ve talked about them before — Steve Jobs has shown off the desktop Stacks, redesigned Finder, Cover Flow throughout, Time Machine, and Quick Look. There are, allegedly, 300 new changes. Of it, Steve Jobs spouted, “Leopard, the sixth major release of Mac OS X, is the best upgrade we’ve ever released,”
Admittedly, you won’t see all of those changes, but those that aren’t eye candy (if that’s all you want, use Vista), or designed to make using your Mac and finding files easier, will help make it a more stable, tamed animal. Or something like that.
Version 3 of Mail is a complete redesign, with stationery designs, Notes and To-Do lists, and tighter integration with the Address Book and iCal. No mention of any improved spam filtering, though, which is an absolute necessity. Perhaps they could pinch some of Google’s Gmail algorithms when they’re not looking?
Fortunately, Apple remain committed to some older Macs, and while it’s likely that a number of the “whizzier” visual functions won’t work, Leopard will install on any Mac better than a 867MHz G4 with 512MB of RAM. Eat that, Microsoft.
Oh yes, and it’ll have the complete version of Boot Camp, for Intel Mac users who really want to run Windows. The bad news for anyone using BC that isn’t upgrading to Leopard, though, is that their version will cease to function. Boo.
Stay tuned to Tech Digest, as your resident Mac fanatic (that’s me) buys, installs, and gives his verdict of the new operating system.
The single user version retails for £85, while a five-user family pack goes for £129. It can also be pre-ordered at the UK Apple Store, as well as various other retailers including Amazon.
Bring it on!
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7 comments
You see,
No one likes a monopoly..
..unless, you have an artist, visionary, master architect & digital lifestyle guru like Steve Jobs, at the helm. Apple is one predator that I am, along with millions of other people, more than happy to see it unleash its creations which are not only beautiful, but dominate most facets of technological excellence, innovation and ease of use.
Having worked in the Apple channel for some years now, and using a range of Macs & Windows PC’s, it’s clear here who the Master is and what an often flawed, stealth apprentice, Microsoft is. I cant think of anything that has made me go “uuuu… ahhh…. ohhhh my…. woooooow”, from what MS have released thus far. The guys at Redmond definately always seem to have a tough time using their ‘photocopiers’, resulting in uninspiring, error prone yawnware, that makes you want to thrust your fist into that screen. I’m sure every windows user has been driven nuts at some point, for one reason or another. The difference here is that Apple has from the ground up, designed in-house, complete software & hardware solutions that work harmoniously, synergistically and more than entice the end user. By consistently pushing the envelope, Apple is enhancing productivity and altering the way we document and navigate our digital lives.
The bottom line is:
Apple Inc. has a Soul. Microsoft is a somewhat evolved, cash stuffed calculator – without one. Jobs and his troops have a vision, and have created an eco system of perfection – with beautiful form factor and liquid-like smooth interactivity , with new family members on their way. Jobs and his brilliant engineers, along with his impecable taste, have inundvertandly, but rightfully so, created a religious following.
I solute a champion oh and ah Apple…
KEEP IT UP!
Thanks Asher.
Note that I did say that I don’t totally buy into *everything* Apple. However, I have found every incarnation of OS X that I’ve used to be great for productivity. Yes, I am sure I could find ways of doing that using Vista or XP, but the times that I’ve had to use it (and I mean, extensively) all I’ve ended up with is a PC that crashes, software that crashes, and wasted hours. Yes Macs crash too, but not so much, and not so catastrophically (not since the mid-90s, anyway)
Please read the humour that was supposed to be in this post. Having said that, I’m sure there are Microsoft/Windows worshippers, too.
“Apple is a predatory monopolist that created an image of a stylish (“extremely cool”) underdog”
Better than being a predatory monopolist who creates productivity-sapping software, yet somehow still manages to convince every major corporation that their stuff is the best and must be used. 🙂
Obviously Asher Pat must be using a “M$ Windwoes” machine that’s why the comment was posted so many times. Just Look at what Vista promised and what it actually delivered, also compare the price of Vista and the cost of the required upgrades to use the advertised features. Vista is such a knock off of Mac OS X anyone waiting for something to crash/load will be reminded so by the timer icon.
Thanks for caring so deeply about the issue, Asher Pat, that you felt the need to repeat yourself several times over!
If you were a loyal reader of Tech Digest, you’d know that there are indeed Microsoft worshippers in existence, you’re looking at one right now. Sure, Andy may be obsessive about Apple, but diversity amongst the writers makes this blog all the more interesting.
There are no “Microsoft worshippers”. How can anyone love a corporate like Microsoft or for that manner any other company?
It is the people that support Apple in a ridiculously religious manner, that use this “oh we are not the only crazy ones, some people worship our greatest enemy” thing not to appear ridiculous to themselves.
Wake up, Apple is a predatory monopolist that created an image of a stylish (“extremely cool”) underdog, believed blindly by people like the poster o this blog.
There are no “Microsoft worshippers”. How can anyone love a corporate like Microsoft or for that manner any other company?
It is the people that support Apple in a ridiculously religious manner, that use this “oh we are not the only crazy ones, some people worship our greatest enemy” thing not to appear ridiculous to themselves.
Wake up, Apple is a predatory monopolist that created an image of a stylish (“extremely cool”) underdog, believed blindly by people like the poster o this blog.
There are no “Microsoft worshippers”. How can anyone love a corporate like Microsoft or for that manner any other company?
It is the people that support Apple in a ridiculously religious manner, that use this “oh we are not the only crazy ones, some people worship our greatest enemy” thing not to appear ridiculous to themselves.
Wake up, Apple is a predatory monopolist that created an image of a stylish (“extremely cool”) underdog, believed blindly by people like the poster o this blog.
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