OSX bugs...wait to buy?

[sandman42]

Add my vote: no need to wait

I don't think any of the previous respondents has said this explicitly: since this will be your 'first Mac experience' you may not know that updates on this platform are really, really painless (and as has previously been mentioned, free).

The Software Updater utility very reliably scans your computer (automatically on a schedule or manually whenever you want) and determines if all of your Apple software (including the OS) is completely up to date, and then downloads and installs the updates for you. All you may need to do is restart (for updates that require it) after the installation is complete. For someone who has not dealt with Apple software before, it is pretty slick.

For that reason, there's really no reason to wait. Incidentally, even if you do wait, when the update comes out all the computers on the shelves in all the stores will still be loaded with 10.x.0, so you'll have to update right away anyway or wait even longer for those units to be purged and replaced with units loaded with 10.x.1.

Don't wait. 10.x.0 releases work just fine.

 

[matthew24]

I suppose you are running XP at the moment, XP does not have any chance against Leopard, so waiting does not make any sense to me!

 

[digiguy23]

I searched around and couldn't find something on this (not to say it isn't out there but my searches came up with nothing).

I am going to buy my first mac within a few months and willing to wait until Leopard is released. Based on past releases should I wait for awhile after the release to avoid a bugs (ie. 10.5.1 release)? or is the initial release, on the whole, reasonably good from the start? I just want to avoid my first mac experience being a pain because I am dealing with bugs.

Thanks for any advice.

No version is perfect. Every release will have some bug that will effect some MacUser or Window user out there in the world. In all the 25 years I've been using PC's and Macs, I have had no problems with any release of the operating system. Only 3rd party device drivers seem to wreak havoc with my systems.

 

[EngBrian]

You came from using a Windows PC correct? Well Windows IS a BUG. I will be purchasing Leopard the SECOND it is available. Call me crazy.

Well I will be honest, Windows has it problems but I have never had major problems with it, and I don't hold a grudge. I do get tired of the annual format/reinstall but other than that my hardware has been my downfall. Vid card and harddrive failures and now one of my fans needs a little nudge to get it going after it has been off. But this obviously has nothing to do with MS.

 

[EngBrian]

I don't think any of the previous respondents has said this explicitly: since this will be your 'first Mac experience' you may not know that upgrades on this platform are really, really painless (and has previously been mentioned, free).

The Software Updater utility very reliably scans your computer (automatically on a schedule or manually whenever you want) and determines if all of your Apple software (including the OS) is completely up to date, and then downloads and installs the updates for you. All you may need to do is restart (for updates that require it) after the installation is complete. For someone who has not dealt with Apple software before, it is pretty slick.

I only know of the Windows equivalent so forgive my ignorance. But I do like to control what is being updated. Does OSX update have a "advanced user/custom" option to just install the updates I want?

 

[EngBrian]

I suppose you are running XP at the moment, XP does not have any chance against Leopard, so waiting does not make any sense to me!

The wait has nothing to do with doubt about which OS is superior. It was more of a bug concern. As I said before after getting both sides "wait and don't wait" i think I am going to have to see what happens in the moment.

 

[sandman42]

I only know of the Windows equivalent so forgive my ignorance. But I do like to control what is being updated. Does OSX update have a "advanced user/custom" option to just install the updates I want?

Absolutely. When the updater runs, and finds that there are updates that are applicable to your machine, you are presented with a list of all of the available updates, along with some info about each one. You can select which updates you want to install, and which you don't. Trust us, the Apple experience is much more friendly and cooperative -- and non-totalitarian -- than the Windows experience. I'll try to post an image of the updater window later.

 

[SavageLLama77]

Lemme get this straight....you're concerned whether or not to buy Leopard (if it has bugs) when, even if it does, it will be updated and won't matter if you waited or bought it the day it came out?

 

[irishgrizzly]

As a counter point to all these posts, the place where I work has a policy of updating to the last version of software when it reaches it's final release. So we are only going to install tiger 10.4.9 when 10.5 is released. This way they cut down on compatibility issues with different 3rd party software and get a stable OS to work with from day one.

Personally I'd be too impatient to wait to do that with my mac at home, but it works for them.

 

[tuartboy]

I'm really wondering how important this release will be for regular users. As a developer I know there are many new technologies and updated libraries to play with in 10.5, and this may spill over into better 3rd-party software. However, I just don't (yet) see anything to get ma and pa all excited in Leopard. (Or should I say: nothing to get excited about that I haven't been using for years in 3rd-party apps...)

Apple seem to alternate releases between dev-centric and user-centric major point updates (eg. 10.4 to 10.5). Tiger was very user-centric. I have a feeling Leopard may be more focused towards developers.

We still have a bit to wait on the extra details kept from WWDC '06. I'll still update right away, but I'm not sure if we should be *terribly* excited.

 

[EngBrian]

Absolutely. When the updater runs, and finds that there are updates that are applicable to your machine, you are presented with a list of all of the available updates, along with some info about each one. You can select which updates you want to install, and which you don't. Trust us, the Apple experience is much more friendly and cooperative -- and non-totalitarian -- than the Windows experience. I'll try to post an image of the updater window later.

Sounds good I will check for the screenshot later. But I have to say with the Windows updater as long as you don't click on the "express" option and go with "custom" instead you will get a list of available updates and a short explanation about what it will do. I am not saying it is better or worse I am just saying that in text it sounds similar. Regardless that is not something holding me back from mac or something that I am complaining about; I am just curious.

 

[EngBrian]

Lemme get this straight....you're concerned whether or not to buy Leopard (if it has bugs) when, even if it does, it will be updated and won't matter if you waited or bought it the day it came out?

I am confused with what you are trying to say...let me read again...(and if my interpretation of what you are trying to say is off let me know)

Alright, just to get the basics out of the way: I am definately buying a mac in the coming months, this is not the issue. I am waiting for Leopard to be announced/released to buy and I am using the experience in this forum to give me the pros and cons of jumping on board at version 10.5.0.

So with that out of the way...my original question was: will 10.5.0 be buggy (based on "your" previous experiences with 10.x.0 releases) in which case should I hold off purchasing until 10.5.1 is released to let the masses work through/report the bugs for me or are the bugs minor enough not to affect my first mac experience.

And now after a couple days both camps (wait/don't wait) are telling me the pros and cons. So thanks all...it is helpful.

 

[SavageLLama77]

I am confused with what you are trying to say...let me read again...(and if my interpretation of what you are trying to say is off let me know)

Alright, just to get the basics out of the way: I am definately buying a mac in the coming months, this is not the issue. I am waiting for Leopard to be announced/released to buy and I am using the experience in this forum to give me the pros and cons of jumping on board at version 10.5.0.

So with that out of the way...my original question was: will 10.5.0 be buggy (based on "your" previous experiences with 10.x.0 releases) in which case should I hold off purchasing until 10.5.1 is released to let the masses work through/report the bugs for me or are the bugs minor enough not to affect my first mac experience.

And now after a couple days both camps (wait/don't wait) are telling me the pros and cons. So thanks all...it is helpful.

Well, the question I would need to be answered is, "Does buying 10.5.0, and then upgrading it to 10.5.1, mean it will be the SAME as just buying Leopard after 10.5.1 is released? What's the risk in buying 10.5.0 and then upgrading it through a free software update? I just don't get it

 

[sandman42]

Sounds good I will check for the screenshot later.

Here it is. Sounds like the Windows and Apple updaters are similar. I can say from experience that the Apple 'experience' regarding updates is very good, as in very well managed. No experience with Windows updater.

 

[jayb2000]

Much of what 10.5 is based on is the same as 10.4.9.
Not everything, but enough that the initial release will probably be fine.

I am hoping to get a new computer when 10.5 comes out. I want a MBP, but might do an iMac to get a bit more bang for the buck.

 

[EngBrian]

Well, the question I would need to be answered is, "Does buying 10.5.0, and then upgrading it to 10.5.1, mean it will be the SAME as just buying Leopard after 10.5.1 is released? What's the risk in buying 10.5.0 and then upgrading it through a free software update? I just don't get it

Well I was thinking that if 10.5.0 had some bugs when it was released to the public then buying a mac after 10.5.1 was released would be better. I was not saying it would be buggy because I don't have experience with OSX to know what the first release is like. I guess my background is Windows and with windows I wait for a service pack to be released so I don't have to worry as much about: compatibility issues, security etc...

And I didn't think it would be a "risky" move to get Leopard hot off the presses. I would, however, like to avoid annoying problems that might not make my first few weeks on a mac as pleasant as it might be if I waited for 10.5.1 . But the point of the this thread was to find out if there were typically any troublesome bugs at all upon release.

If that doesn't make sense I honestly don't know how else to explain where I am coming from.

 

[EngBrian]

Here it is. Sounds like the Windows and Apple updaters are similar. I can say from experience that the Apple 'experience' regarding updates is very good, as in very well managed. No experience with Windows updater.

They obviously look very different but it seems based on that shot that the function is the same and the option of what to install is good. That is exactly the kind of control I want over what ends up on my computer. I don't like things just doing their own thing (when it comes to updates) even though I usually end up putting everything on.

Thanks

 

[LethalWolfe]

Well, the question I would need to be answered is, "Does buying 10.5.0, and then upgrading it to 10.5.1, mean it will be the SAME as just buying Leopard after 10.5.1 is released? What's the risk in buying 10.5.0 and then upgrading it through a free software update? I just don't get it

He's asking whether or not he should get 10.5.0 the day it comes out and risk any "new release" bugs/issues or whether he should play it safe and wait until 10.5.1 to upgrade from Tiger so he skips the previously mentioned bugs.


Lethal

 

[SavageLLama77]

He's asking whether or not he should get 10.5.0 the day it comes out and risk any "new release" bugs/issues or whether he should play it safe and wait until 10.5.1 to upgrade from Tiger so he skips the previously mentioned bugs.


Lethal

Oh, so he wants his first few days of Leopard to be 'just perfect' for the sake of a memorable experience with no flaws? I would be more excited to get Leopard as soon as I could, I wouldn't care about the bugs as they would get fixed anyway.

 

[EngBrian]

Oh, so he wants his first few days of Leopard to be 'just perfect' for the sake of a memorable experience with no flaws? I would be more excited to get Leopard as soon as I could, I wouldn't care about the bugs as they would get fixed anyway.

It isn't like I am going to look back on that day like I would my wedding day. But yes I would like to have a great first experience with a new product and totally new OS. I don't want little things getting in the way of the big picture.

 

[shikimo]

As a counter point to all these posts, the place where I work has a policy of updating to the last version of software when it reaches it's final release. So we are only going to install tiger 10.4.9 when 10.5 is released. This way they cut down on compatibility issues with different 3rd party software and get a stable OS to work with from day one.

Personally I'd be too impatient to wait to do that with my mac at home, but it works for them.

While this is a little extreme for home application, the way of thinking is sound...

Well, the question I would need to be answered is, "Does buying 10.5.0, and then upgrading it to 10.5.1, mean it will be the SAME as just buying Leopard after 10.5.1 is released? What's the risk in buying 10.5.0 and then upgrading it through a free software update? I just don't get it

You've obviously never lost a whole bunch of data because of a bug in 10.x.0 that was fixed in a a later firmware upgrade . I know it's rare--and yes I know it was my fault for not being properly backed up--but the fact remains that it can happen, and for a switcher who is unfamiliar with the particularities of keeping OS X healthy and happy (however simple and friendly they may be), why not recommend a start with an uber-solid Tiger, hopefully purchased with a happy little Leopard voucher?

Besides, the above poster is right: for a basic user, Leopard doesn't look too much like it's gonna be that much different than the latest Tiger reincarnation. Add the inevitable 3rd-party compatibility issues while everyone is optimising their drivers, etc. for Leopard...call me a safenik, but I still recommend a Tiger start.