I have to assess the OS from a functional stand-point. The intentions were are good, yet for the most part I think this version of OS X just underscores Apples focus- make those who are not keeping up with the Jones' feel inferior. I have been a dedicated apple man for over 5 years. Though this may not seem like a lengthy time of dedication to some of you, it does qualify as such to me. I bought my first iMac and feel in LOVE with everything about it. From the packaging to the little nuances of the OS, I LOVED it. I believe that Apple started venturing down this path of pleasing the masses (windows folks) when the new Intel chip was introduced.
Don't look now but the beautiful fruit we once saw as shiny and unique is starting to reveal a rotten inner filling. My observation is, Apple seems to slowly move into the broader light. To do so they must appeal to the masses. So, this means going for the money before you go with your creative instinct. Let me put this into a perspective which you can relate to today. This operating system was initially due to release in the Spring '07 but was delayed 6 to 7 months. Why did they push it back? Apple says they had to reassign their developers to the iPhone. The iPhone, a product which was not slated for launch before the OS. Apple saw more profit in pushing the iPhone b/c the market was larger. It was a innovative item which hadn't been seen nor introduced to the market. So I ask- what was the BIG hurry? How about appeasing the loyalist, those who have been on this train ride the longest? To Apple's credit I understand that introducing the iPhone opens the Apple door for those who have no exposure, which in turn brings them into the store. As we all know in the store is where the magic happens. People start to star gaze and next thing you know you have purchased one of those COOL systems you see on the commercials. Anyhow, back to Leopard- I think the translucent bar below is a cool new look but the glowing blue circle signifying an app is running is horrible. The smaller triangle was sufficient. The glowing blue ball is hard to see as it blends in with the bar for the most part. Dashboard, some widgets do not work with Leopard. Case and point the 'Gasoline' widgets which helps find the cheapest gas in your area. The biggest disappointment is Time Machine (TM). TM serves as the staple of what this release is all about and it is quite simply the most disappointing. I purchased a 500 GB external and connected it to my AirPort Extreme router only to find that TM can only be used with a hard drive directly plugged into the computer. So does this mean, all of those laptop users have to lug around an external so that they can get the functionality of TM? Again, I am looking at all of this from a functional stand-point. Let's be honest people, at the end of the day an OS is praised when it fulfills our fundamental needs... Functional. There are more annoyances but I will not stand on this soap box long.
Bottom line, I would have purchased the OS regardless b/c I not only support Mac but I own stock which in the larger scope I am paying myself back. But, I would give this upgrade my endorsement. I am personally responsible for having 100+ switchers. I convinced these people to switch b/c I truly believed in Apple products and the honest rock-solid culture they have built. As I say that, I begin the question if this will always be the case. In business, when you begin to question anything you know that doubt leads to non-confidence. I hope this is not the case because I LOVE me some Apple!
I have to assess the OS from
I have to assess the OS from a functional stand-point. The intentions were are good, yet for the most part I think this version of OS X just underscores Apples focus- make those who are not keeping up with the Jones' feel inferior. I have been a dedicated apple man for over 5 years. Though this may not seem like a lengthy time of dedication to some of you, it does qualify as such to me. I bought my first iMac and feel in LOVE with everything about it. From the packaging to the little nuances of the OS, I LOVED it. I believe that Apple started venturing down this path of pleasing the masses (windows folks) when the new Intel chip was introduced.
Don't look now but the beautiful fruit we once saw as shiny and unique is starting to reveal a rotten inner filling. My observation is, Apple seems to slowly move into the broader light. To do so they must appeal to the masses. So, this means going for the money before you go with your creative instinct. Let me put this into a perspective which you can relate to today. This operating system was initially due to release in the Spring '07 but was delayed 6 to 7 months. Why did they push it back? Apple says they had to reassign their developers to the iPhone. The iPhone, a product which was not slated for launch before the OS. Apple saw more profit in pushing the iPhone b/c the market was larger. It was a innovative item which hadn't been seen nor introduced to the market. So I ask- what was the BIG hurry? How about appeasing the loyalist, those who have been on this train ride the longest? To Apple's credit I understand that introducing the iPhone opens the Apple door for those who have no exposure, which in turn brings them into the store. As we all know in the store is where the magic happens. People start to star gaze and next thing you know you have purchased one of those COOL systems you see on the commercials. Anyhow, back to Leopard- I think the translucent bar below is a cool new look but the glowing blue circle signifying an app is running is horrible. The smaller triangle was sufficient. The glowing blue ball is hard to see as it blends in with the bar for the most part. Dashboard, some widgets do not work with Leopard. Case and point the 'Gasoline' widgets which helps find the cheapest gas in your area. The biggest disappointment is Time Machine (TM). TM serves as the staple of what this release is all about and it is quite simply the most disappointing. I purchased a 500 GB external and connected it to my AirPort Extreme router only to find that TM can only be used with a hard drive directly plugged into the computer. So does this mean, all of those laptop users have to lug around an external so that they can get the functionality of TM? Again, I am looking at all of this from a functional stand-point. Let's be honest people, at the end of the day an OS is praised when it fulfills our fundamental needs... Functional. There are more annoyances but I will not stand on this soap box long.
Bottom line, I would have purchased the OS regardless b/c I not only support Mac but I own stock which in the larger scope I am paying myself back. But, I would give this upgrade my endorsement. I am personally responsible for having 100+ switchers. I convinced these people to switch b/c I truly believed in Apple products and the honest rock-solid culture they have built. As I say that, I begin the question if this will always be the case. In business, when you begin to question anything you know that doubt leads to non-confidence. I hope this is not the case because I LOVE me some Apple!