[maconvert]

Hi everyone. Im new to the Mac community as im making the switch and buying a Powerbook in the next few days. I have to go portable, and (like i read on another recent post here) the Dell's look ridiculous. I'm going to be making music with the notebook also, so the Macs were really the only option.

I had a quick question for you guys since Im pretty much clueless...

I called 1-800-My-Apple the other day and asked them if they will be shipping the Powerbooks with Panther preinstalled right when it is released. They said they still do not have a date for Panther to be preinstalled on the computers, so I should just order ASAP, and they'll send me the free upgrade.
I'm wondering if that might have been a move to get me to buy quickly - maybe make money on commissions. If they did not tell me the truth, id rather wait a few days until Panther comes out (I know nothing about Macs right now - let alone installing an OS).
Does anyone have any information on this?
Thanks in advance.

[Saleo]

It's probably going to take a few weeks after Panthers release for them to start pre-installing it on systems. I was going ot wait myself but just decided to purchase now and get the 19.99 upgrade price.
So if you're willing to wait until mid-end Novemember (Possibly December)then just wait. Otherwise just order now.

[cambro]

It depends on where you get it....

At the 10.2. "release party" last year, all of the machines purchased from the Apple Store that night had 10.2 pre-installed. I know because I bought my grandma's eMac last year at this event.

Obviously, if you buy from another source, the machine could have been around well before the 10.3 transition. So, if you really want a machine with 10.3, go to an Apple Store on the 24th, or if you can't do this, order from Apple. They will make sure you get the current OS.

[maconvert]

Thanks for the replies, Saleo and cambro. I think i'll just wait a few days - couldnt hurt if there really is a chance that it will come preintstalled, and if not I can just order it anyways and install it myself.

[clf8]

Originally posted by maconvert:
Thanks for the replies, Saleo and cambro. I think i'll just wait a few days - couldnt hurt if there really is a chance that it will come preintstalled, and if not I can just order it anyways and install it myself.

From Apple:
"Customers who purchase a qualifying new Macintosh computer on or after October 8, 2003 that does not have Mac OS X Panther v10.3 included can upgrade to Mac OS X Panther."

So if you buy now, you'll get the upgrade mailed to you for $20. It comes down to whether you want the hassle of upgrading a week after you've gotten your mac set up just the way you like it. I personally plan on doing a clean install, but I figure I want to go through all the new settings so I don't mind too much. Once it is released though, I'm sure they'll have the CD's available from the Apple Store or some other way, just not actually on the hard drive.

[nagromme]

I'd order next week--after Panther's been out for a few days. Who knows if it will be pre-installed--but it SHOULD be in the box at least. That will save the cost ($20 shipping) and the days of delay for getting your "free" Panther.

I ordered my eMac the day after Jaguar came out, and Apple told me that I'd have to send away for Jaguar: it wouldn't be in the box. But it WAS in the box Wait a little longer and you can be even more sure.

Enjoy your new 'Book, and stop back here with any questions!

[EvanV]

Where is that link to apply for upgrade? What do you need to send in? a serial number?