Grab the Mac upgrade

10/04/2001

By DOUG BEDELL / The Dallas Morning News

MAC OS X v. 10.1

Maker: Apple Computing

Rating: Three and a 1/2 stars

System: Macintosh

System requirements: iMac, iBook, Power Macintosh G3, Power Mac G4, Power Mac G4 Cube, PowerBook G3 or PowerBook G4 computer, 128MB RAM, 1.5GB free hard drive space

Suggested price: $129 for full, boxed version; $19.95 (for shipping and handling) for the upgrade

More information: store.apple.com

Wisely, many Mac faithful decided to sit out the first version of OS X before switching over to Steve Job's revolutionary Unix-based operating system. The first release was like an aging antelope – slow but still beautiful to behold.

Saturday's release of OS X v. 10.1 marked the halfway point in Apple's efforts to craft a speedy replacement for the system that has served it well for more than 17 years. And, from first looks, it appears to be a winner.

Some nagging problems persist for everyday use. Specifically, software makers have been slow to move vital graphics programs such as Adobe Photoshop to the new platform. Before undertaking an upgrade to OS 10.1, users should note Macworld's list of what's not yet available ( www.macworld.com/subject/macosx/applications.html.)

Still, this upgrade is such a remarkable improvement over OS X that it should be considered by anyone running a Mac with the minimum hardware requirements.

When installed on a G3 with 128 megabytes of RAM, the performance boosts were immediately apparent. Launching of "native" programs – those designed specifically for OS X – is at least twice as fast as the first version.

In the older version, the Internet Explorer icon bounced around on The Dock tool bar for 10 seconds or more before the program sprung to action. OS 10.1 kept us waiting less than five seconds.

Non-native programs still require switching into the Classic mode of OS 9. But even that process is less painful with 10.1. In fact, nearly every chore – from booting to file copying – seems hypercharged.

Visually, the Aqua interface presents the same attractive look with some important tweaks. The Dock, a colorful tool bar previously anchored to the bottom of the desktop screen, can now be moved to the left or right side of the monitor. Vital controls, including those for display options and speaker volume, find a new home in the upper right part of the desktop for better accessibility.

The first OS X version provided no alternative to the genie effect – the animation of the windows collapsing as they are returned to the Dock. For those with older machines, the genie often seemed to be onerous eye candy that unnecessarily sapped performance. With 10.1, users can opt for an alternate, zippy effect that is much less taxing.

Concessions have been made to the Internet and the abundant file extensions that Macs have long ignored. Under default installations, 10.1 now recognizes .jpg and other key suffixes, launching appropriate applications automatically.

More support has been added for an array of important hardware. Syncing a Palm, for example, is now possible. We could never get our Palm V working on the older OS X version, even in Classic mode. And, most importantly, OS 10.1 can burn CDs and play DVDs without launching into OS 9.

On another front, Mail has been updated with new features, including the ability to flag important messages and view response history at a glance. Automatic USB printer recognition and support for more than 200 additional PostScript printers makes printing much easier. And OS 10.1 includes the complete version of Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1, which performs admirably.

For a real treat, try out the free beta release of Microsoft Word X for Mac (available at www.apple.com/macosx/applications/office or www.microsoft.com/mac/download/wordtestdrive/default.asp). This preview version portends great things for the upcoming Microsoft Office v. X for Mac. The look and function of Word X for Mac makes the older Windowslike versions seem prehistoric.

The most frustrating aspect of 10.1 may be trying to get your hands on it. Saturday, many retail outlets reported running out of boxed upgrades. To keep up with demand, many CompUSA locations began burning their own upgrade CDs for free distribution.

Apple Stores, including the recently opened outlet at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, apparently have the best supply. If you ordered your first copy of OS X from the Online Apple Store, calling 1-200-MY-APPLE can expedite delivery of the update.

Otherwise, you'll have to fill out a form available at store.apple.com and mail in a request with $19.95 for shipping and handling.

If you're a Mac fan with OS X already installed, don't delay. Apple says these Instant Up-To-Date Program bundles will be available through Oct. 31 or "while supplies last."