14 DAY TRIAL // Those who’ve managed to snatch themselves a copy of what is believed to be the final version of Mac OS X Snow Leopard have been greeted by a new OS X install icon, “which is usually indicative of how the disc is going to look,” Gear Live reports.
Numerous Mac-focused sites now claim that OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard Build 10A432 is likely the final version of the software, preceding its official release next month. Also, Build 10A432 reportedly went GM (Golden Master) earlier this week, according to multiple sources. It is even said that the build is already on its way to manufacturing, “where it will be pressed onto optical media ahead of a formal availability date next month,” AppleInsider discloses.
Another interesting aspect regarding the latest Mac OS X 10.6 seed is that “installation initially triggers a large chunk of data to be copied from the installation DVD to the user's primary hard drive,” the same source claims to have found. “The bulk of the installation is then managed from the hard drive, speeding up the installation process considerably. After a successful installation, that large chunk of data is automatically removed,” reads one of the many observations made by the web site.
As for the disc art in question, Apple appears to have dropped the purple galaxy design in favor of the actual large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central Asia – the Snow Leopard. The cool picture is of a specimen that seems to be stalking its pray, covered in snow and keeping a low profile. Windows 7, beware!
For those looking to grab the software as soon as it’s made available (September), Apple has announced a $29 upgrade price from Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, and a $49 price tag for the five-license family pack. Mac OS X Server 10.6 Snow Leopard, priced at $499, is said to be the most prominent Server Mac OS since Mac OS X Server was originally released. Additionally, buyers of a “qualifying” Mac or Xserve (systems that meet Snow Leopard requirements) before the cat’s public release can upgrade to Snow Leopard for as little as $9.95, through Apple's "Up to Date" program.