10.3 – mattjfuller.com

Mac OS X Panther, Version 10.3, was the fourth major release of the Mac OS X [ten] operating system, and the second to be referred to by its codename, “Panther,” in its product marketing. Previous versions were codenamed “Cheetah” (Version 10.0) and “Puma” (Version 10.1), but they were referred to only by their version numbers. Version 10.2 was publicly announced as “Jaguar,” and this version, 10.3, continued the “big cat” codenames with “Panther.”

According to Apple, “Panther delivers more than 150 breakthrough new features including a completely new Finder that provides one-click access to a user’s favorite files and folders; Exposé, a revolutionary new way to instantly see all open windows at once; and iChat AV, a complete desktop video conferencing solution for business, education and consumers.”

This set includes all installer CDs and a set of three 7.5 x 9-inch booklets, including installation directions, the software license, and a “Welcome to Panther” booklet describing the operating system’s main features. The set is packaged in a 8.25 x 9.25-inch clear plastic envelope.

When it was released on October 24, 2003, this Mac OS X upgrade cost US$129.

Source: Apple

Mac OS X, version 10.3, named “Panther,” was the fourth release of the Mac OS X [pronounced “Mac O S ten”] operating system. The operating system was released October 24, 2003.

Upon release of Panther, Apple Stores gave customers these commemorative dog tags. Each set includes two two-sided tags—the front tags are black and have a stylized “X” (ten) logo with the words “Mac OS X Panther v10.3 Worldwide Release,” while the back tag only features the stylized “X” logo on the front. Both tags have a silver back with a black Apple logo. The tags are held together with a silver loop, and the set includes a ball chain style neck chain. The dog tags are similar in style to identification worn by military personnel. The tags measure 50×30 mm.

Incidentally, the reason that the stylized “X” (ten) logo appears with a brushed-metal texture is because the operating system’s Finder added this texture to various interface elements, including the menu bar, Finder windows, and some dialog boxes. A version of Safari that preceded Mac OS X v10.3 was the first indication that the brushed-metal design style was forthcoming. Mac OS X v10.3 was also the first Mac OS X version to use Safari as the default web browser.

I have two of these sets in my collection, one opened and one unopened in the original package.

Wikipedia (Mac OS X Panther, Ball Chain, Dog Tag)