Does Snow Leopard Come Installed on the new MBP's?

Question

I read on here that Leopard and Snow Leopard need to be installed once the computer arrives. Is this true? Meaning that the OS X Snow Leopard is not already installed on the notebook when it arrives! That can't be.
Also, if I purchase One-on-One at thid Apple Store, it mentions (or I heard fro someone that I can use the 1st class or whatever it is called to get help with installing programs, migrating from the old to the new, learning a little about the SL OS, etc.? I hope this is good for people who purchase the notebook from the online Apple Store too. It has to be, right? Yeah!
Finally, any recommendations on heavy-duty external 500 GB max most likely with the option of USB 2.0 or FW 400 or 800. I would rarely be using the FW 800 until after I graduate.
Thanks!

Answer 1

One2Two wrote:
I read on here that Leopard and Snow Leopard need to be installed once the computer arrives. Is this true? Meaning that the OS X Snow Leopard is not already installed on the notebook when it arrives! That can't be.
It can be but may not be true. Apple frequently ships existing inventory made before the latest OS is released (& thus does not have it installed or on the system discs) with what is known as a "drop in" disc, so named because it is dropped in the product box & the box resealed before being sent to retail outlets or to customers for direct sales. Once this inventory is gone, all new units will be shipped with the new OS installed (& on the system discs), until then you may get the new OS in one or the other form.
Also, if I purchase One-on-One at thid Apple Store, it mentions (or I heard fro someone that I can use the 1st class or whatever it is called to get help with installing programs, migrating from the old to the new, learning a little about the SL OS, etc.? I hope this is good for people who purchase the notebook from the online Apple Store too. It has to be, right?
*One to One* is a separate purchase & includes personalized help for everything you mentioned. Read about it at http://www.apple.com/retail/onetoone/.
Finally, any recommendations on heavy-duty external 500 GB max most likely with the option of USB 2.0 or FW 400 or 800. I would rarely be using the FW 800 until after I graduate.
What is best for you depends on what you mean by "heavy-duty" & how long it will be before you graduate. Do not expect current hard drives to last more than five years (although many will), so figure this into how long you would be using it after purchase. With the current trends in capacity vs. cost, you will probably be able to buy in two years a drive several times as large as a 500 GB one for cheaper than whatever you pay now, so figure that in as well.
In general, Seagate has a good reputation for longevity (mostly perhaps because of its 5 year warranty on some models). The drive products from Other World Computing are also highly regarded. Personally, I like Buffalo drives, mostly for their low cost, & because I plan on replacing/adding new external drives every 1 ½ to 2 years.
If by heavy-duty you mean mechanically rugged, check out the portable drives marketed for portable use & that characteristic -- some have shock resistant cases & contain hard drives with higher g-force shock ratings than is usual.