Bluewater and Leopard feedback
I was at the Release event in Bluewater - there were actually about 250 people there! It was definitely fun. I have photos on my
Flickr Page and Videos on my
Youtube Channel. Have a look.
My official review!:
I stood in line today for Leopard and was amongst the first in the Western Hemisphere to get my hands on this predator. Quite aside from the fun I had actually spending my hard-earned cash on this upgrade, installation was a breeze and the feeling overall is very positive.
Initial Impression:
To label this a minor release would be preposterous. It is a major release in every way. It is well worth checking out the list of 300 new features of Leopard on the Apple website. The main thing I notice with all the new gizmos I've been using on Leopard is that yet again Apple has come up with something where everything 'just works'. Exactly the way it should and without further fuss. I've not had ANY issues after using 10.5 for about 3 hours, editing video etc, everything has been a breeze. If there are major bugs, I haven't come across it.
Notable points:
- The system runs faster. This is apparently a speedup specifically noticable with Core 2 Duo systems (like mine)
- Spaces: Works as advertised. It could be a little bit confusing for someone who's not familiar with the mac but its also not turned on by default. Been using it for a couple of hours now and it really is a great productivity tool. It is one of those things you just end up using naturally which proves its usefulness.
- Frontrow: Front-Row finally has the Apple TV Interface which is nice. It doesn't have YouTube though which I feel should have been included as its a useful option. With the lack of fancy integrations from the desktop, Apple has given Frontrow its pride of place in the home entertainment arena. It feels more like a mode of the computer rather than an app that is depending on there being enough RAM to play a song. You can now also specify the sources like you can on the Apple TV.
- Dock: The new improved dock is an evolution of the familiar dock we've come to know and love. It now features reflective 3D effects which work well. 'Stacks' is a neat feature which is fast and enables clutter free access to your files.
- Spotlight has been improved and seems faster. It launches apps by just selecting the item and tapping the space bar. That's nice because you end up not having to use the mouse to open applications.
- Finder: The main thing I like is Coverflow. It works fantastically and until you use it in the finder, its hard to describe how useful it is. I would have said that finder had its limitations against its cousin Windows Explorer. But with Leopard in Cover flow, it really makes it easier to go through your files, find what you are looking for. Coupled with quicklook, you end up being able to go through your files and find what you like without launching a bunch of applications. The smart folder and networking capabilities work fantastically and if smartly set up, negate any need to rumble through your computer for hours, trying to find "that one file".
- Time Machine: I don't have an external hard drive (yet) so wasn't able to
test this one.
- Issues: The only issue I found is that quicklook should include previews of folder contents. Its such an obvious omission that it will surely be included in a future software update.
I would highly recommend an upgrade to any Mac User. If you are looking for a renewed computing experience, get your hands on Leopard and see for yourself. I have already been using the new features a lot. They prove themselves in the way they work so well and how effortless their implementation seems to be. Productivity is obviously one of Apple's Key focuses and their ability to tie entertainment and productivity into one easy to use package deserves praise at the least. Kudo's to Apple for another great product and for pushing computing forward.
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