Good-bye Classic, Leopard on Old Macs, Leopard Books, and More

This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News

PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV news is covered in The iNews Review.

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News & Opinion

• Say Bye to the Classic Mac OS
• Apple Quietly Disposes of Classic in Leopard
• Installing Leopard to an External FireWire Drive
• More Observations Regarding Leopard on Old Hardware
• Coriolis Systems Reports Apparent Leopard Kernel Bug
• Opera Adds Bookmarks Sync, Revs Mac Browser
• OWC Announces G4 Upgrades Compatible with Leopard Operating System

Products

• Take Control of Upgrading to Leopard
• iMovie '08 & iDVD, Mac OS X Leopard - New Missing Manuals from O'Reilly Media
• Freedom Driver Turns Tables Into Speakers

Software

• Ettore Software Announces TypeIt4Me 3.2

Desktop Mac Deals

News & Opinion

Say Bye to the Classic Mac OS

Mac 360 's Jeffrey Mincey reports:

"The end of a Mac era is upon us. The dawning of the new Golden Age of Mac begins. Soon. That would be OS X Leopard.

"Meanwhile, with little or no fanfare, Apple quietly put to rest the Mac we all knew and loved. Well, some of us. Mac OS Classic is dead. Long live the Mac.

"Apple watchers and Mac users have known this day would come, but it still seemed like a surprise, what with no announcement, or ceremony, or celebration. Mac OS X Classic, the remnants of the Mac OS that started it all back in 1984, is dead."

Link: Leopard Makes It Official. Say Bye to Mac OS Classic

Apple Quietly Disposes of Classic in Leopard

Ars Technica's Iljitsch van Beijnum reports:

"If, like me, you came to the Mac in the past five years or so, you may not be aware of the fact that 'Mac OS' wasn't always followed by the letter 'X' - sorry, the number ten. But the Mac did have a long and illustrious life before it gained its current UNIX underpinnings. Part of this legacy has lived on - on PowerPC Macs, at least - in the Classic environment....

"Classic applications do not work on Intel processor-based Macs or with Mac OS X 10.5."

Link: Apple Quietly Disposes of Classic in Leopard

Installing Leopard to an External FireWire Drive

MacFixIt says:

"Earlier, we published a tutorial explaining how to clone the Tiger installer DVD to an external FireWire drive. In that tutorial, we suggested that while you're doing this you should also have a second partition on the external drive on which you can actually install the system. Well, now the truth can be told; in that tutorial, we were just preparing you for a valuable Leopard installation technique.

"You see, Leopard is the first Mac OS X system that comes on a Universal Binary DVD. The very same DVD can be used to install Leopard either on a PowerPC Mac or on an Intel Mac. This means that the very same system can be used to start up either a PowerPC Mac or an Intel Mac. With Leopard, you can make a universal boot disk.

"Since Leopard is very new, and since not every application has been updated to work with it, an external FireWire boot disk can be a very good way to get started. Think of the advantages...."

Link: Installing Leopard to an External FireWire Drive (subscription required)

More Observations Regarding Leopard on Old Hardware

Blackfriars' Marketing reports:

"We now have four Leopard upgrades running in the house, including my non-supported dual 800 MHz Quicksilver desktop. I thought I would provide some of my personal observations of the corners of the OS I've wandered into.

• Leopard Front Row is amazing.
• Photoshop 7 doesn't run.
• Selective screen capture has new helpful data.
• DVD playing doesn't require a 1.6 GHz processor
• System timing is different.
• Photobooth and iChat are the source of much entertainment."

Editor's note: Low End Mac's Unsupported Leopard Installation article notes that Mac users have successfully installed and run Mac OS X 10.5 on AGP Power Macs, Gigabit Ethernet Power Macs, Digital Audio Power Macs, sub-867 MHz Quicksilver Power Macs, 400 MHz and 667 MHz G4 PowerBooks, 700 MHz and 800 MHz eMacs, an 800 MHz G4 iMac, and an 800 MHz iBook G4. The only sub-867 MHz G4 model we haven't received a success story about is the PCI Power Mac G4. dk

Link: More Observations Regarding Leopard on Old Hardware

Coriolis Systems Reports Apparent Leopard Kernel Bug

"The release version of Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5 build 9A581) does not appear to be fully compatible with iPartition or iDefrag, at least on some systems.

"The problem appears to be a kernel bug; we have reported this to Apple and will be working with them to resolve it as soon as we are able. We will update this FAQ as soon as we have a definitive solution. If updates are required to make our applications work with Leopard, they will be provided free of charge."

Link: Coriolis Systems Reports Apparent Leopard Kernel Bug

Opera Adds Bookmarks Sync, Revs Mac Browser

The Register's Andrew Orlowski reports:

"Web browser pioneer Opera has seen its innovations ripped off so many times it can be excused for borrowing some ideas itself.

"Today the company took the wraps off a feature with a distinctly familiar feel to it: synchronized bookmarks. Users will be able to sync the bookmarks saved in Opera Mini with the "Speed Dial" in the desktop version, and vice versa."

Link: Opera Adds Bookmarks Sync, Revs Mac Browser

OWC Announces G4 Upgrades Compatible with Leopard Operating System

PR: Other World Computing (OWC) announced that its award-winning line of OWC "Mercury Extreme" G4 Processor Upgrades are fully compatible with Apple's latest operating system, "Leopard" 10.5 OS. Leopard introduces new features and benefits that owners of Apple PowerMac G4 models AGP Graphics and Sawtooth, Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio, and Quicksilver can benefit from with an OWC Processor Upgrade. The OWC Mercury Extreme G4 Processor enables these otherwise unsupported Macs with less than an 867 MHz G4 Processors (the minimum processor speed required by "Leopard") to have the processor performance required by Apple's latest 10.5 Operating System.

The OWC Mercury Extreme G4 Processors are available immediately in a 1.2 GHz speed with 2 MB L3 Cache for $199.99 and 1.5 GHz Speed with 2 MB L3 for $259.99. The Mercury Extreme is Plug and Play and 100% compatible with existing hardware and software. It provides needed processor speed to meet the requirements for the latest operating systems and newer applications. The Mercury Extreme's higher processor speeds enable existing applications and software to run much faster. It only takes less than 10 minutes to install to make your old Mac like new all over again.

"Since 1999, Other World Computing has been the leader when it comes to G3 and G4 processor upgrade solutions," said Lawrence O'Connor, CEO, OWC. "It has been and remains our mission to make the Mac you have the best Mac it can be. In fact, current OWC Mercury Extreme G4 owners will also find that with all of our G4/900 MHz models and faster, these too give you a machine ready for Apple's OS 10.5 'Leopard.' Apple has built some of the best computers on the planet and we're pleased that our upgrades can well extend their usefulness and real-world usability."

Introduced in March 2007 as the world's first available and shipping G4 7448 processor upgrade, the MAXPower Processor Upgrade gives PowerMac G4 owners with less than the Leopard-required 867 MHz processor speed the hardware support needed to run Leopard. Additionally, by adding a MAXPower Processor Upgrade, PowerMac G4 owners can experience better performance from existing applications, as well as the ability to run new processor demanding applications.

Plug-and-Play, Hassle-Free

MAXPower Processor Upgrades are easily installed in 10 minutes or less and offer PowerMac G4 owners a hassle-free solution to meet Leopard's processor speed requirement. At a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new system plus the additional cost of installing software and hardware upgrades to work with the new system, PowerMac G4 owners can continue to use their current system and enjoy the many exciting new features found in the "Leopard" operating system.

State-of-the-Art Engineering

MAXPower G4/7448 Processor Upgrades utilize state-of-the-art, latest generation Freescale 7448 processors and are 100% compatible with existing hardware, application software, and previous and current versions of Mac operating systems, OS 9.2.2 and OS X 10.3.5 or later with NO operating system modifications needed. Performance increases are achieved with a strategic set of engineering enhancements, including 1 MB of on-chip L2 cache fully pipelined for two-cycle throughput, a full implementation of AltiVec technology featuring enhanced support for out-of-order instruction, and the use of 90 nanometer silicon on insulator (SOI) CMOS process technology to dramatically increase clock and bus speeds while reducing power requirements.

Priced Starting at $349

NewerTech MAXPower G4/7448 Processor Upgrades are available in four configurations: 1.8 GHz single, 2.0 GHz single, 1.7-1.73 GHz Dual, and 1.8 GHz Dual, priced starting at $349. NewerTech MAXPower Processor Upgrades are available from select computer and consumer electronics accessories retailers.

• Link: NewerTech MAXPower G4/7448 Processor Upgrades
• Link: CPU Upgrades, OWC

Products

Take Control of Upgrading to Leopard

PR: Start on the right foot with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard!

Few things are more exciting and unnerving than a major operating system upgrade for your Mac, but thousands of people have upgraded to Panther and Tiger calmly and successfully with the advice in Joe Kissell's previous hit Take Control of Upgrading... titles. Joe's expert guidance, developed over innumerable test installations, walks you through the six steps necessary before upgrading, which of Leopard's three installation options is right for you, how to perform the actual upgrade, and post-installation checking and cleanup.

Worried that something might go wrong? Joe provides in-depth discussions of what exactly each installation option does (and does not do), how to restore missing files, practical troubleshooting tips for the most common problems, and even step-by-step instructions to downgrade to your previous system if necessary. You'll also find tips on a few things that may surprise you, including special notes on Spotlight, Apple Mail, Keychain, and Time Machine. Bonus Section! Direct links to software update sites for FireWire hard drives, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, video cards, audio equipment, common utilities, and more.

Read this ebook to learn the answers to questions like:

• Will my Mac and peripherals work with Leopard?
• Which upgrade method should I use?
• Should I partition my hard disk before upgrading?
• Which files aren't copied by Archive and Install?
• What if I can't print after upgrading?
• Do I need new versions of my utilities for Leopard?
• What should I do if my Mac refuses to boot under Leopard?
• What should I do if Time Machine wants me to let it start backing up?
• 125 pages
• Version 1.0
• Published 26-Oct-07
• 3.0 MB download
• Free 26-page PDF sample with Table of Contents, Introduction, Quick Start, and section starts.

About the Author

Joe Kissell has written numerous books about the Macintosh, including Real World Mac Maintenance and Backups and many popular Take Control ebooks. He's also Senior Editor of TidBITS, contributes frequently to Macworld, and previously spent ten years in the Mac software industry.

Table of Contents

• Read Me First
• Introduction
• Quick Start
• Learn about Leopard Installer Changes
• Check Your Hardware for Compatibility
• Back Up Your Disk
• Clean Up Your Mac
• Consider Partitioning Your Hard Disk
• Say Goodbye to Mac OS 9
• Carry Out Final Preparations
• Choose an Upgrade Method
• Perform a Customized Upgrade
• Run Software Update
• Set Up Your Leopard Environment
• Restore Missing Files
• Troubleshoot Upgrade Problems
• How to Downgrade
• Appendix A: Software Sources
• About This Book

Link: Take Control of Upgrading to Leopard

iMovie '08 & iDVD, Mac OS X Leopard - New Missing Manuals from O'Reilly Media

PR: If you're like David Pogue you love new computer software and gadgets, but dread wading through dry, difficult-to-understand manuals. In fact, David founded the Missing Manual series to provide superbly written instructions for computer products that don't come with printed manuals (which is just about all of them). Every Missing Manual delivers addictively readable guidance - truly, the book that should have been in the box.

And just in time for the holidays - following the best-selling iPhone: The Missing Manual - David has authored two exciting new titles which are sure to bring smiles to the faces of Apple aficionados everywhere. iMovie '08 & iDVD: The Missing Manual (O'Reilly, $39.99) is available now. And Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual (O'Reilly, $34.99) is scheduled for release in early December.

In iMovie '08 & iDVD, David provides a crash course in cinematography to show users how to give their home movies professional polish. He ably covers iMovie '08's features - fast, effortless editing of video from tape and tapeless camcorders, both standard and high-definition. And he illuminates what's new - a different focus and overhauled workflow. David also shows budding cinematographers how to find an audience by exporting their masterpieces to the Web (YouTube, .mac Gallery, or your own site) or to their Apple TVs, iPods, or iPhones.

David also details movie distribution - Hollywood-style. "iDVD can preserve your movies on home-recorded DVDs that look and behave amazingly close to the commercial DVDs you rent from Netflix or Blockbuster," explains David. "iDVD '08 wasn't a huge update from the previous version, but there are a few useful changes. It's faster, for one thing. It accepts more video formats, and comes with more predesigned menu-screen themes."

And if you're planning to upgrade your operating system, stuff a new Mac into a loved one's stocking, or gift yourself, be sure to pick up a copy of Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual. Due in stock in early December, David's timely new book will offer honest, straightforward instructions on all things Leopard, detailing what's hot, and what's not. You'll find useful information about all the features of "the sleek, modern-looking Leopard" and learn how to use its Time Machine, Boot Camp, and File Stacks.

Indeed, there's something new on practically every page of thesebooks, and David Pogue gets extra points for bringing his celebrated wit and expertise to every one of them. Whether you plan to make the next indie hit, just create more polished home movies, or upgrade to Leopard, David's new Missing Manuals provide all the information you need - and keep you smiling, too.

• Link: iMovie 08 & iDVD: The Missing Manual (available for $26.39 from Amazon.com with free ground shipping)
• Link: Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual (available for $23.09 from Amazon.com)

Freedom Driver Turns Tables Into Speakers

PR: Turn Virtually Any Solid Surface into an Audio Speaker and Sound System Phenomenon.

These compact size devices will virtually turn any flat surface into a High Quality Sound System. Simply connect your digital music players such as iPods - MP3 players - PDA's - Portable CD or DVD players - Laptop Computers and even Mobile Phones, for an incredible music and sound experience. You won't believe your eyes . . . or your ears.

Freedom Driver's are elegant in design so they can be easily placed in any room in the home or office. Freedom Driver Colors compliment the Apple iPod White and Mirror Black.

Imagine turning any table or surface made of Wood, Glass, Marble, Stone, even Drywall into GIANT speaker systems. Customize your listening pleasure by changing tabletops and notice the different effects. Perhaps you feel that Wood is better for Classical music, and Marble or Glass is better for Rock n Roll. And unlike conventional speakers, no matter where you stand the music is clear from all directions.

Link: Freedom Driver

Software

Ettore Software Announces TypeIt4Me 3.2

PR: Apart from fixing a number of bugs and sporting a redesigned Settings tab, this release adds a number of new features

Ettore Software announces the release of version 3.2 of TypeIt4Me, the original text expander software for Mac OS since 1989.

Apart from fixing a number of bugs and sporting a redesigned Settings tab, this release adds a number of new features, including:

• sorting by date created, modified and last used;
• sorting by number of times an abbreviation has been expanded;
• automatic replacement of " (double quotes) with "smart" quotes;
• prevention of unwanted DOuble CAps;
• easier creation of AppleScript clippings;
• usage statistics showing you the number of keystrokes saved and your personal average WPM (Words Per Minute) typing speed.

Meanwhile, Ettore Software's founder & CTO/CEO, Riccardo Ettore - a veteran Mac developer since 1984 - is already working on a new release with a major new feature to be revealed at next January's Macworld show in San Francisco.

Link: TypeIt4Me

Desktop Mac Deals

Low End Mac updates the following price trackers once or twice a month:

• Intel iMac deals
• iMac G5 deals
• iMac G4 deals
• iMac G3 deals
• eMac deals
• Mac mini deals
• Mac Pro deals
• Power Mac G5 deals
• Power Mac G4 deals
• Power Mac G3 deals

For more deals on current and discontinued notebook models, see our MacBook, MacBook Air, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4, iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.

We also track iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.