APPLE'S new version 10.4 of its Mac OS X operating system, known as
Tiger, will be available from 6pm on Friday and distributed on DVD
discs rather than CD-ROMs.
In Australia it will cost $199, $30 less than Apple has been charging
for the 10.3 version or Panther.
Like previous versions of Mac OS X, it runs only on the newer Macs that
have PowerPC G3, G4 or G5 microprocessors.
But not all Macs with these chips have DVD drives as well.
Those who have such machines can install Tiger by buying Tiger CDs for
only $14.95 when purchasing Mac OS X Tiger. This includes GST.
So for owners of these lowlier Macs, the price of the new system
becomes $213.95.
To get the CDs, owners must first buy the DVD version, download, fill
in a special Tiger Media Exchange form and send it in to a mailing
address with a proof-of-purchase coupon and the Tiger install DVD disc.
Orders must be mailed by July 9.
This is an unnecessarily complicated, expensive and time-consuming
procedure.
Apple could simply give all buyers their choice of DVD or CD discs at
the same price.
Other requirements for running Tiger include at least 256MB of random
access memory, at least 3GB of available hard drive space and, for so
far unexplained reasons, a built-in FireWire connection.
