I'm waiting to get a macbook for college after snow leopard releases. If i were to get a refurb macbook after snow leopard releases what OS would it have on it? Would they put snow leopard on it or leave it with leopard?
I think they would give you a disc with it that would contain the latest version of the operating system.
A related question is how long does it take for refurbished models to show up in the online store after a new refresh? For example if they release a minor update in july, how long until they are available as refurbs? 1-3 months?
Leopard is the current version of OS X (10.5). Snow Leopard is going to be the next version (10.6) It's supposed to be a fairly major update, including the transition to a fully 64-bit based operating system, and better handling of GPUs to allow them to parallel process with the CPU. You can read up about it here: http://www.apple.com/macosx/snowleopard/ as well as numerous posts on any of the techblogs (engadget/gizmodo/your blog of choice)
The updates Apple does within the OS are referred to by the 3rd digit in the numbering system. We're currently at 10.5.6, so the 6th update of version 10.5. With that said, 10.5.7 will be dropping very soon judging by the developer releases that have been out recently. These updates are free, like Windows Updates.
The upgrade from 10.5-->10.6 however, will not be free unless you've just purchased the computer within a week or two of the release usually. The upgrade price is usually $129, as you purchase the full install DVD to do the upgrade.
Oh I see. I probably wont notice a difference then. I just read the stuff online and I dont think it will benefit me. I think its aimed for more powerful users.