OS X 10.4 upgrade to 10.5

[Deza604]

This may be a really easy question to answer, but I was thinking of purchasing an Intel iMac in the near future, and was wondering if I will be able to update the pre-installed OS X 10.4.6 to the as-of-yet unreleased 10.5 through Software Update or a similar service, or will I not be able to upgrade without purchasing the install DVD?
Thank you in advance!

 

[miloblithe]

You'll have to buy it when it comes out.

 

[Deza604]

Or wait until they package it with the iMac, right?
Okay, thank you for the quick response!

 

[kretzy]

Or wait until they package it with the iMac, right?
Okay, thank you for the quick response!

That's correct. Tiger was released a few days after I'd ordered my PB and Apple let me pay just $15 for the upgrade disc.

 

[WildCowboy]

You'll likely be waiting at least six months if you wait to buy your machine until 10.5 comes out.

 

[Deza604]

You'll likely be waiting at least six months if you wait to buy your machine until 10.5 comes out.

True, what is $199.99 compared to the $1999.99 computer? But if the Merom/Conroe iMac arrives somewhere near 10.5, it might be worth the wait.

 

[sk3pt1c]

or get your machine now and download the os later from a torrent or something...
that's a lot easier and cheaper

 

[Deza604]

Is there any speculation on how much different the Merom/Conroe processors will be from the current Core Duo? I just don't want to rush into a purchase only to have it outdated in a couple months, so if the difference isn't so great, buying now will look more appetizing.

 

[WildCowboy]

10.5 will likely be $129, just like all the other updates.

Merom will be better than Core Duo...the number I've heard is about 20% better. But just what that means is debatable.

But there's always something better around the corner. You can wait forever if you're always waiting for the Next Best Thing.

 

[Deza604]

You can wait forever if you're always waiting for the Next Best Thing.

That may be the answer to all my problems, just gotta bite the bullet. I heard some rumors that the Merom is backwards compatible with the Core Duo, so, theoretcially, you could replace the Core Duo chip with a Merom once it comes out. With the 20" iMac, would that be hard to do?

 

[WildCowboy]

I heard some rumors that the Merom is backwards compatible with the Core Duo, so, theoretcially, you could replace the Core Duo chip with a Merom once it comes out. With the 20" iMac, would that be hard to do?

Theoretically, yes. See this article for some details. But in reality, very few people will do this. It'll be a pricey upgrade and not really worth it in my opinion.

 

[dr_lha]

or get your machine now and download the os later from a torrent or something...
that's a lot easier and cheaper

Not to mention, illegal and immoral.

 

[Deza604]

Alright, makes sense, thanks for all the help everyone, I look forward to getting an iMac soon!