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You are here: MacNN Forums > Software - Troubleshooting and Discussion > macOS > So... upgrade to Leopard or not?

So... upgrade to Leopard or not?
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Oct 30, 2007, 05:48 AM
 
I'm about to receive my copy of Leopard (Shipped on the 25th, but still no news..) but I was wondering if it would be best to wait for 10.5.1 or .2 before committing to Leopard. I've read many positive comments, but also a plethora of horror stories (or simply negative experiences).

So do you recommend to go ahead with the upgrade, or would you suggest that people wait a bit if they can?
     
schuey100
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Oct 30, 2007, 08:19 AM
 
I have to say, I'm pleased with it. It's much faster on my MBP, some great new features. Sure, a few bugs and stacks is horrid but I'm getting used to it. All my apps work so no problem there either.
     
MacosNerd
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Oct 30, 2007, 08:20 AM
 
Yeah, why not.

I've not really run into a "plethora of horror stories" so I cannot comment. For me and for what I've read its a really stable OS.

Since you already paid for the product, it makes no sense not to load, especially given the fact that it seems to be fine for the majority of people.

I installed Leopard with the Archive and install option and that was smoothly, my machine didn't have any hack or software that may have interfered with the install. I'd make sure if you have unsanty's APE installed you uninstall or disable it. That's the only thing I heard that could give you a headache
     
zerostar
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Oct 30, 2007, 08:21 AM
 
An archive and install on 2 machines (dual 2.5 G5 and 1.5 G4 Powerbook) Went perfectly. No problems and the G5 has a ton of peripherals (HD Capture, USB Cards, PCI Video, 8 USB Devices, Fibrechannel Card, 2 FW800 Drives, Studio Monitors & 3 screens) Everything works and all my programs work (Mainly Adobe Suite & Final Cut Studio) So-far so good. Now if stacks wasn't taking me backwards in the UI I would be happy.
     
Cold Warrior
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Oct 30, 2007, 10:24 AM
 
Go for it.

I archive-installed 2 MacIntel portables this past weekend. Both the installs and performance since then have been great.
     
Geobunny
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Oct 30, 2007, 06:15 PM
 
If you've already bought it, then you may as well go ahead.

A few things to note first.
Make a bootable backup of your 10.4 installation (and keep it separate if possible) so you can revert if you don't like 10.5.
If you use Photoshop 7, be prepared to give it up or buy something newer 'cos that version ain't going to work.
If you use hierarchical menus by right-clicking folders in the dock, make sure you keep a copy of your 10.4 dock handy and follow these instructions to replace it after the upgrade (it means forfeiting spaces though)
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gradient
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Oct 30, 2007, 10:44 PM
 
Another vote for go ahead. I've installed on two machines and haven't had any real problems at all. It did much up the login password on my iBook, but after I rebooted from the install DVD and changed my password everything else was perfect.

Overall there are little annoyances but the new features more then make up for them. As far as stability I couldn't be happier and my G5 noticeably faster after the upgrade.
     
0157988944
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Oct 30, 2007, 11:01 PM
 
Keep in mind that people do not usually take to the internet in droves to complain about their system working well. So you'll see a whole lot more "It doesn't work" threads than "It's great" threads.
     
- - e r i k - -
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Oct 30, 2007, 11:12 PM
 
^ I was just about to post that.

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~bash $
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Oct 30, 2007, 11:47 PM
 
Just do the backups, etc. and make sure you do things like unplug external drives and disable stuff like Unsanity stuff or Uno possibly. Any GUI modification should probably be removed before the upgrade option is used. Or any non-standardness or kernel type modifications -- this might even include VPN and Little Snitch type stuff. Just precautions.

Oh, and I've heard holding your breath and standing on one leg makes it go faster. At least it did for me.
     
Mac4Decade
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Oct 31, 2007, 12:22 AM
 
Do iiitt!! Do it now!


(I've installed it on three computers now, smooth operator. Just remove ClearDock/App Enhancer first)

TiBook G4, MacBook Pro 1.83 Intel Core Duo
     
sc_markt
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Oct 31, 2007, 12:46 AM
 
So far, I am very pleased with it. There are a few hair-brained ideas with some of the interface items but I can live with them for now.

Read some of the reviews. I like the Ars review as it notes lots of changes under the hood that I wasn't aware of.

- Mark
     
zipperzap
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Oct 31, 2007, 04:39 AM
 
I think I'll wait.
Scott
     
nickclarson
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Oct 31, 2007, 10:28 AM
 
The only horror stories I have heard is just the overall process of upgrading from the old to the new. I haven't heard any complaints over the actual OS itself. Aside from simple user preference things like the transparent menu bar and such.

There are a lot of articles out there already on the best way to go about upgrading, so I would just Google it and do a little research. That should save you from most of the horror.

In general... I heard it's much less trouble to just do a fresh install rather than just an upgrade. Also, make sure your **** is backed up first.
     
Eriamjh
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Oct 31, 2007, 12:25 PM
 
There really is NO REASON to upgrade to leopard at this time.

There are no Leopard-only apps that aren't from Apple. You have to decide if you want what Leopard adds:
iChat backgrounds? Who really spends a lot of time video chatting?
Transparent menu bar? Most don't like it!
Mirror dock? Pfft!
Stacks? Tiger can do a folder in the dock and Leopard can't!
Time Machine? I use CCC to make bootable backups already!
Should I go on?

I stayed with Panther until Tiger 10.4.3 came out. I think I waited 3 months. For now, Leopard can wait. I'm happy with my stable system. And now with the reports that Leopard's firewall is basically broken, what else could go wrong?

I love Apple and I wanted Leopard, but every day I wait past launch day, it gets easier NOT to upgrade.

I'm a bird. I am the 1% (of pets).
     
EvilTed
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Oct 31, 2007, 12:33 PM
 
If you use it stand alone, then go for it.
If you need to connect to a NAS using Samba or a Windows machine, it doesn't seem to work?
This is a HUGE problem.
     
Mastrap
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Oct 31, 2007, 01:01 PM
 
Originally Posted by Eriamjh View Post
TAnd now with the reports that Leopard's firewall is basically broken
It isn't. It's switched to off by default after install, but that's about it.
     
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Oct 31, 2007, 09:53 PM
 
Originally Posted by Eriamjh View Post
There really is NO REASON to upgrade to leopard at this time.

There are no Leopard-only apps that aren't from Apple. You have to decide if you want what Leopard adds:
iChat backgrounds? Who really spends a lot of time video chatting?
Transparent menu bar? Most don't like it!
Mirror dock? Pfft!
Stacks? Tiger can do a folder in the dock and Leopard can't!
Time Machine? I use CCC to make bootable backups already!
Should I go on?

I stayed with Panther until Tiger 10.4.3 came out. I think I waited 3 months. For now, Leopard can wait. I'm happy with my stable system. And now with the reports that Leopard's firewall is basically broken, what else could go wrong?

I love Apple and I wanted Leopard, but every day I wait past launch day, it gets easier NOT to upgrade.
Correction: There is no reason FOR YOU to upgrade to leopard at this time. There are plenty more improvements then the surface level UI stuff you mentioned. The finder and network connectivity improvements alone are worth the upgrade in my mind.
     
TheoCryst
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Oct 31, 2007, 10:20 PM
 
I'd do it. I was one of the brave ones to upgrade on launch day, and I've had no problems (aside from a little issue with installation which was almost certainly my fault). Do it!

Any ramblings are entirely my own, and do not represent those of my employers, coworkers, friends, or species
     
milhouse
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Nov 1, 2007, 01:57 AM
 
UNless you are jonesing to play with Leopard and have the patience of an angel, stick with Tiger. ONe joy of Leopard is Spotlight. It's very fast.

Too many inconsistencies in user experiences leads me to believe that this one was rushed out the door with too little testing.

My Mac Pro is utterly frustrating but my MBPro almost works excellently.

I'm archiving and installing over my original upgrade on the MacPro. Hopefully that will take care of what ails me.

As always with these kinds of things, YMMV and good luck
"-Dodge This"
     
milhouse
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Nov 1, 2007, 02:10 AM
 
I upgraded to Leopard. If I could use hindsight, I would not have done so.

There are few compelling reasons, performance under Leopard NOT being one of them. I would guess we'll see a point upgrade or two in the coming week(s) which should squash most of the issues most are seeing.

If you don't mind experimenting and have time for troubleshooting, I think you'll find the new features interesting.

YMMV
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goMac
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Nov 1, 2007, 03:15 AM
 
Meh, if you're computer savvy, go for it. I'm fine in dealing with the little glitches that I know will be fixed in 10.5.

I'm introducing my parents slowly to Leopard. I upgraded their iMac G5. They still have a Powerbook G4 I gave them and an iBook G4 running Tiger.
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peeb
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Nov 1, 2007, 03:29 AM
 
I'm hugely happy with it - it's faster than Tiger, and has some really useful features that I have quickly come to depend on.
     
Richard Richard
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Nov 1, 2007, 04:51 AM
 
the finder seems more responsive on my pro , but the interface has some serious problems

the bizarre fact you can search by size but not see results sorted by size is utterly mad and needs looking at asap
mac 4 evaah
     
wobbly
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Nov 1, 2007, 10:41 AM
 
I recommend waiting. I have a nice sweet spot on 10.4 and the cost of upgrading including time is not worth it for the few crumbs apple is throwing at us. And with upgraded OS you often prematurely kill perfectly fine applications and are forced to upgrade them too.

Seems this version of OS X was maybe pushed out the door a bit early. I doubt apple will listen to the bitching about the problems, but one sure way to get their attention it to not purchase the upgrade. Fewer people purchasing it would send a clear message that Apple can and should do better.

Besides most of the upgrades are eye candy for the vast majority of users, from what i gather its pretty poorly planned eye candy at that.
     
.Neo
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Nov 1, 2007, 10:48 AM
 
Like every new Mac OS X to date Mac OS X Leopard has it's issues. That said, overal I'm very pleased with it. All of my important applications seem to run just fine and have seen small updates to bring Leopard support, or will receive them shortly. It runs faster too on my iMac and boot/shut down times have been improved as well.

People claiming that Mac OS X Leopard has been rushed out the door by Apple apparently weren't around when the same company released Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger in 2005.
     
talisker
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Nov 2, 2007, 06:13 AM
 
You're enough of a computer geek (no disrespect intended) to buy a new OS as soon as it is released, and visit a specialist forum to discuss it. Therefore install it. The worst that happens is that you will have some problems, and because of the above you will enjoy fixing them.
     
Eriamjh
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Nov 2, 2007, 12:24 PM
 
Originally Posted by Mastrap View Post
It isn't. It's switched to off by default after install, but that's about it.
Not according to this: A second look at the Mac OS X Leopard firewall - heise Security. Off is one this. Not actually working properly is another!

Originally Posted by gradient View Post
Correction: There is no reason FOR YOU to upgrade to leopard at this time. There are plenty more improvements then the surface level UI stuff you mentioned. The finder and network connectivity improvements alone are worth the upgrade in my mind.
I can't argue with you about the networking improvements. Tiger takes forever to disconnect a network drive when the drive itself becomes unavailable (happens a lot at my house).

However, I find that the 300 improvements will not be all used by many people. I was just giving reasons NOT to upgrade, which is what I thought the original poster was looking for.

Outside of the OS itself, unless you want or need a particular feature, there are no 3rd party reasons to upgrade, AFAIK. iLife 2008 doesn't even require Leopard, although it might benefit from it.

If you have the upgrade, go for it! There is no point in delaying it. Just make sure you back up!

I'm a bird. I am the 1% (of pets).
     
nickclarson
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Nov 5, 2007, 09:45 PM
 
I got leopard for $80 from my college's store which is pretty awesome. Upgrade went 4 stars out of 5 except that ithad problems recognizing my drive at first on my macbook.

I highly suggest an upgrade... and for the people who say otherwise... they probably just haven't tried it out for them selves yet. I think it rocks!

On my macbook it actually runs a lot faster for me overall than Tiger. I love the spaces thing, and the airport menu icon slowness is fixed which is nice, as well as a crap load of other features.
     
Timo
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Nov 5, 2007, 09:54 PM
 
I'm holding off. Enough of my applications which work perfectly fine in Tiger don't work at all in Leopard. Sucks.
     
BoingoBongo
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Nov 5, 2007, 10:13 PM
 
Go for it, it's great!

(as long as you have made sure all your necessary programs are able to run with it)
     
FireWire  (op)
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Nov 5, 2007, 11:50 PM
 
Well thank you everybody for your replies! It seems all my usual applications are supported under Leopard, so I will install it as soon as it arrives! I will procede by Archive and install. I never had problem installing new OS in the past but it seemed there was more problem with this release (data loss, slower Internet connection, etc) so I just wanted to be sure.

Have a nice day!
     
FireWire  (op)
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Nov 9, 2007, 10:15 PM
 
I finally received my copy after a long wait (more than 2 weeks). I'm pleased to report that everything went smoothly. I ran the periodic scripts, repaired the permissions and ran fsck. It took less than an hour to install, about 8 min for Spotlight to index my HD, and I'm currently filling my backup drive using Time Machine. So far all my applications are running fine, including Photoshop CS3.

My only gripes for now are purely cosmetic.. I preferred the old traffic light buttons (the new ones look amateur-ish, oversaturated, and they lack depth) and the lights in the Dock to indicate open apps are too faint. I'm not too fond of the new menu bar, especially the Apple menu, but anyway, I will get used to it quickly.
     
aehaas
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Nov 9, 2007, 11:25 PM
 
I upgraded a 3.0 Intel, 2.7 powermac, 2.4 macbook pro and other than a lack of hierarchal folders I like it. Make sure you have the latest program updates. For me only AOL is not right. Uninstall any 3rd party system stuff before the upgrade. The new system is faster and does have benefits.

aehaas
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nickclarson
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Jan 2, 2008, 04:14 PM
 
If they cost is an issue for anybody.. I can get $80 copies if anyone wants one
     
The Placid Casual
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Jan 6, 2008, 07:36 AM
 
If you have Leopard already, install it.

If you were buying it specially, don't bother. I am hugely underwhelmed and find myself using my 10.4 machines to get things done quicker atm.
     
alvinator
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Jan 6, 2008, 09:53 AM
 
I'm sorry I did. Leopard screwed up my faxing ability with my HP3390 printer. I cannot fax out of the computer now. I get an error message saying, "no fax modem found".

So much for Leopard. Waste of money.
     
   
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