Product review: Mac OS X Leopard
PROS Highly visual, plenty of fun features
CONS Graphic heavy: can slow computer down
PRICE €129 for single-user licence
Think Vista without the incompatibility issues. It’s shiny, slick, highly graphic and full of snazzy features.
One thing that users love about Vista is the interactive mini-software applications, known as widgets, that sit on the desktop and do useful things such as bring you the latest headlines or display your family photos.
Before Microsoft came up with this feature, Apple was already using it. It is called ‘dashboard’ and is still one of the best features of the new Leopard OS as it was on its predecessor — Tiger.
Another much-loved feature is Photo Booth — used with the built-in camera that comes standard on recent MacBook laptops.
You would assume that, being an Apple OS, it looks quite like what you would see on your latest iPod screen, and you would be right. Similar to the iPod Touch, you don’t have to scroll through a boring text-based list of files, songs or photos because you can see them instead.
All the files on your computer can be searched in this way; miniature versions of your files glide by in a pleasing manner on a reflective black platform.
Apple has never shied away from giving its customers highly polished products and Leopard is no different. Unlike Windows, the layout encourages the user to keep the desktop area clutter free, while tucking files, folders and software programs neatly away.
However, this does not mean that the Leopard OS is only for those hell-bent on minimalism; there are some features developed specifically for increasing user productivity.
A good example is Spaces. This feature allows you to create several separate desktops, enabling you to keep your business tools and files distinct from your personal photos, music and movies.
If you’re still not convinced, then there is Bootcamp: a feature on Leopard that lets you install and use Windows XP or Vista as well.
© Silicon Republic Ltd 2007
All content copyright 2007, Silicon Republic Ltd — all rights reserved
Email: editorial@siliconrepublic.com
- Marie Boran
