New Laptop, Software, Printer, Purchase Quandary

Question

Hi
Any insight would be helpful. I'm considering buying new MacBook Pro with 2.2 Ghz Core 2. Only reason I'm considering new purchase is my printer just died. Looked around in Circuit City for replacement printer. All of their stock is made for OSX 10.3 or better. I'm running 10.2.8 now, and will need to buy 10.3 since the operating system is not a update. If I buy new laptop, I'll also have to upgrade to one of the Adobe CS packages which I should do by August (InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop only). Can I just upgrade my old laptop to 10.3 from 10.2.8? Not sure if all of these software are ready for Core 2 model, or 10.3. Anyone know the answer to my delemma? My other choice is to go to Ebay and buy the same printer that just died. Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer 1

Welcome To Discussions inovaone!
"Can I just upgrade my old laptop to 10.3 from 10.2.8?"
Yes, if it meets the System Requirements
Mac OS X Versions 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4, are complete system upgrades that must be purchased.
Once an OS has been installed, the point upgrades, such as 10.1.x to 10.1.5 (Final) 10.2.x to 10.2.8 (Final), 10.3.x to 10.3.9 (Final), and 10.4.x to 10.4.9 (Pending), can be downloaded for free.
Tiger is available for purchase at The Apple Store (U.S.).
Panther, is no longer available directly from the Apple Online Store, as Tiger 10.4.x is the most up to date OS.
If you know what to look for, a Full Retail Version, of the Panther Install CDs, or a Full Retail Version, of the Tiger Install DVD, can also be purchased rather inexpensively, at some online Apple retailers, Amazon, eBay, FastMac, AppleRescue, etc.
Be sure not to purchase grey, upgrade or machine specific CDs or DVDs.
Panther is only on CDs, not DVDs.
Unless purchased from AppleRescue, the discs should look exactly like the images in the above links, and not say Upgrade, CPU Drop-in DVD, or "This software is part of a hardware bundle purchase - not to be sold seperately." on them.
Additional info in these links.
Using OS X Install CDs/DVDs On Multiple Macs
What's A Computer Specific Mac OS X Release
Software Update, Upgrade: What's The Difference?
Once Panther 10.3.x is installed, you can use the 10.3.9 Combo Update, to upgrade to the final version.
If your Mac meets the Tiger System Requirements, you could also consider installing that, and then use the PPC 10.4.9 Combo Update, to upgrade to the current version.
Panther System Requirements
Additional Panther Install Tips
Additionally, "Tiger ships on a DVD, but if your Mac doesn’t have a built-in DVD-ROM player, you’ll need CD media. When you buy Mac OS X Tiger, you qualify to purchase Tiger CDs for only $9.95."
Download the Media Exchange Program Order Form Here. Note that the date on that form is March 19, 2007, but the program was extended to reflect Orders must be mailed by June 22, 2007.
I suggest that if you choose that route, call Apple to ensure that is is still available.
AppleRescue, also sells a Tiger installation set on CD.
Shop Carefully, Examine All Documentation, And I Wish You Success!
Buy the new MacBookPro too! But why not wait until Leopard is released for that? Then you'll have two great up-to-date Macs!
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