Mac OS X: Panther

Is Apple's newest O.S. worth the upgrade?

I've decided to review the preview of Panther, OS 10.3. I do not have a copy of the preview version, so my responses will be limited to what I've read at Apple's new Panther site (check the archives for other feature reviews)
I will also be rating each feature on a scale from 1-10 on whether or not they are worthy of considering upgrading from the might OS 10.2 Jaguar.

A major new feature Apple is touting:
iChat AV:

>Wow. Wow. The demos at the WWDC were amazing. Video or audio conferencing with practically no setup. iChat even automatically detects who has what capabilities. This app is definitely "Video conferencing for the rest of us."

>If you're running Jaguar (OS 10.2), you can install a beta version of iChat AV and try it out for youself. After Dec. 31st, however, the beta stops working and the full version of iChat AV is $29 if you are still running 10.2, but is free in Panther (10.3). (Jobs admitted that this was to create an incentive to upgrade to Panther.)

iChat AV looks like it will be a winner, and it's practically zero configuration capabilities are extremely inticing. I think that the $29 price tag for those running Jaguar is a bit ridiculous. In other words, iChat AV is a very cool feature, but I'm not so sure it's worth the upgrade. If you really want to do video conferencing, AOL's AIM client is free. (To check out other free video conferencing, search google and check out this site for solutions for older OSes)
Worth the Upgrade Rating: 2

Mac OS X: Panther

Is Apple's newest O.S. worth the upgrade?

I've decided to review the preview of Panther, OS 10.3. I do not have a copy of the preview version, so my responses will be limited to what I've read at Apple's new Panther site (check the archives for other feature reviews)
I will also be rating each feature on a scale from 1-10 on whether or not they are worthy of considering upgrading from the might OS 10.2 Jaguar.

The major new features Apple is touting:
Exposé:

>This is an outstanding feature that every user should be able to benefit from. One hot key shrinks all open files and folders in every application and allows you to choose the one you want. Another shrinks only those in the application you are in so you can chose between open files in that Application. (All other open files sort of gray out to allow you to see the chosen application's files clearly) And another hot key causes all open files to disappear to edges to allow you to see your desktop. Don't worry, they come right back after your done selecting what you wanted.

>These three options can be programed for whatever key you want, and you can even program mouse hot corners to use your mouse to activate these amazing features

Exposé is a brilliant move on Apple's part and is definitely going to be a productivity time saver. While this new feature is not necessary, it is definitely one that is worth considering the upgrade.
Worth the Upgrade Rating: 8

Mac OS X: Panther

Is Apple's newest O.S. worth the upgrade?

I've decided to review the preview of Panther, OS 10.3. I do not have a copy of the preview version, so my responses will be limited to what I've read at Apple's new Panther site
I will also be rating each feature on a scale from 1-10 on whether or not they are worthy of considering upgrading from the might OS 10.2 Jaguar.

The major new features Apple is touting:
New Finder:

>The new iTunes-like navigation window looks like it will be a nice reworking of the interface, particularily the blindingly fast searches.

>Labels are back and a lot more tastefully done. 
Instead of shading your beautiful icons, the label shades the name of the file or folder.  Thank you Apple for bringing this feature to OS X. While I may not have much use for them, I know that a good many people of been clamoring to have their colored labels

>There is now a Secure way to delete files.  The Finder has a preference called "Secure Empty Trash" that does more than just free up the space; it actually over writes your files with random data seven different times.

All these features of the new finder seem cool, but I'm not really sure if they're worth the upgrade. There are many utilities out there that securely delete files, and Labels are nice, but I've found them unnecessary. Likewise, the new navigation window is nice, but not necessary. The fast searching feature is the only part of the new Finder that I think would be worth the upgrade.
Worth the Upgrade Rating: 3

Well, I've decided to try my hand at creating a blog dedicated to reviewing computers and operating systems. The primary focus of this blog will be on Macintosh computers and Operating Systems since they are the best systems available on the market. If you're worried I'm a zealot, I have to admit I probably have a touch of zealousness, but I will be fair in my commentary and point out Apple's shortcomings as well as their brilliance. Oh, and Apple Computer is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. as well as anything about the Macintosh and their Operating System. Feel free to e-mail me your comments, especially ones that point out that I might not be as unbiased as I am portending to be, at volenm@yahoo.com