Snow Leopard brochure (2009)

This Snow Leopard brochure, titled “Mac OSX Snow Leopard: Installation, features, and refinements” describes the 2-step installation process and outlines the main features of Mac OS X, Version 10.6.

Features that are described include:

  • Exposé
  • Safari 4
  • QuickTime X
  • Microsoft Exchange Support
  • Universal Access
  • Several different “Refinements” to its Leopard predecessor

Each of 5 panels are square and measure 125mm. Folded out, the entire brochure is 625mm long. The brochure is primarily white and printed in full color.

Source: Apple

Mac OS X Tiger, Version 10.4, installer DVD, Not for Resale (2005)

Mac OS X, Version 10.4, was the fifth major release of the Mac OS X [ten] operating system. It was referred to by its codename, “Tiger,” 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 announced as “Jaguar,” 10.3 was named “Panther,” and this version, 10.4, was called “Tiger.”

According to Apple, “Tiger delivers more than 200 new features and innovations including Spotlight, a revolutionary desktop search technology that lets users instantly find anything stored on their Mac, including documents, emails, contacts and images; and Dashboard, a new way to instantly access important information like weather forecasts and stock quotes, using a dazzling new class of applications called widgets.”

This Not for Resale DVD is unopened.

When it was released on April 29, 2005, this Mac OS X upgrade cost US$129. Likely because this DVD is “Not for Resale,” it is packaged in a plain white cardboard envelope.

Source: Apple

Mac OS X Public Beta CD folder (2000)

On September 13, 2000, Steve Jobs released the Mac OS X Public Beta at Apple Expo in Paris. During the unveiling, Jobs said:

“Mac OS X is the future of the Macintosh, and the most technically advanced personal computer operating system ever. We’re excited to have our users test drive this public beta version and provide us with their valuable feedback.”

Somewhat controversially, Apple charged $29.95 for the software—a Beta version that was known to be buggy and not quite finished. The issue was not that the operating system was buggy and unfinished—that is the definition of a software “Beta”—but that Apple was charging faithful users to get an early look at the future of their products while testing it for the purpose of improving the final release. In an article at the time, a writer at Ars Technica provided a balanced opinion:

“Taken all together, ‘Mac OS X Public Beta’…means that for $29.95 you get an unfinished, buggy version of Apple’s next generation operating system. Charging for public beta software is increasingly common among the big software companies… If you don’t want to pay for buggy software, don’t buy the beta.”

The Mac OS X public beta was a completely new operating system for the Mac and provided the foundation of the macOS we still use today—over 20 years later. Apple’s press release described some highlights of Mac OS X:

“Mac OS X features true memory protection, pre-emptive multi-tasking, and symmetric multiprocessing when running on the new dual-processor Power Mac G4 line. Mac OS X includes Apple’s new Quartz 2D graphics engine (based on the Internet-standard Portable Document Format) for stunning graphics and broad font support; OpenGL for spectacular 3D graphics and gaming, and QuickTime for streaming audio and video. In addition, Mac OS X features Apple’s new user interface named ‘Aqua,’ which combines superior ease-of-use with amazing new functionality such as the ‘Dock,’ a breakthrough for organizing applications, documents and miniaturized windows.”

This white cardboard folder measures 8 x 9.5 x 0.25 inches and opens to reveal a compartment for a single CD. Unfortunately, the original installer CD is not included in this folder. The welcome message in the folder reads:

“Dear Mac OS X Beta Tester,

You are holding the future of the Macintosh in your hands.

Mac OS X is a new, super-modern operating system that will usher in a new era for the Macintosh. New from the ground up, Mac OS X is specifically designed for the Internet and includes advanced technologies for incredible improvements in stability and performance. It also features a stunning new interface called Aqua.

This Public Beta will give you a chance to start using Mac OS X and give us a chance to hear what you think. Let us know by visiting our website at www.apple.com/macosx.

Thanks for your help and for being a part of Apple history. We couldn’t do it without you.”

Sources: Ars Technica, Apple

Mac OS X Panther, Version 10.3, installer CDs and guides (2003)

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 Jaguar, Version 10.2, installer CDs and guides (Not for Resale, 2002)

Mac OS X Jaguar, Version 10.2, was the third major release of the Mac OS X [ten] operating system, and the first to be referred to by its codename, “Jaguar,” in its product marketing. The previous two versions were codenamed “Cheetah” (Version 10.0) and “Puma” (Version 10.1), but they were referred to only by their version numbers.

Among over 150 new features, Jaguar included Quartz Extreme, “which accelerates graphics performance by using the power of the Mac’s built-in graphics engine to make the desktop more responsive and deliver seamlessly blended 2D, 3D and QuickTime content directly onto the desktop.” This new graphics technology was used to render the Jaguar fur in high resolution on the “X” [Roman numeral 10] that was used in the image on the install CD and on other product marketing.

Other Jaguar features included:

“a new Mail application designed to eliminate junk mail, iChat AIM-compatible instant messenger, a system-wide Address Book, Inkwell handwriting recognition, QuickTime 6 with MPEG-4, improved Universal Access, an enhanced Finder, Sherlock 3 with Internet Services and Rendezvous, Apple’s revolutionary home networking technology.”

This is a “Not for Resale” set of all installer CDs and a 7.5 x 9-inch brochure with installation directions. The set is packaged in a 8.25 x 9.25-inch clear plastic envelope.

Sources: Apple, Wikipedia

AirPort Time Capsule 802.11n (Generation 3, 2TB, 2009)

The AirPort Time Capsule was a device that combined Apple’s Wi-Fi base station with a built-in hard drive that allowed network-attached storage (NAS). This example (A1355) is the third of five generations of this product released between 2008 and 2013. Apple described this product as a “Backup Appliance” that was designed to work with its Time Machine software that was released with Mac OS X 10.5.

Using the Time Machine software, Time Capsule creates backups of the operating system and files wirelessly and automatically, thus eliminating the need for an external hard drive. Time Machine made hourly backups of the files that were changed and managed older backup images to save space. The initial backup of a computer using Time Machine could take several hours (or overnight) on an 802.11n wireless network, but subsequent hourly backups occurred instantly and far more quickly (depending on file sizes).

This Generation 3 model used the same design as Generations 1–4: 7.7 inches square and 1.4 inches tall. The Generation 3 included the following interfaces:

  • One Gigabit Ethernet WAN port for connecting a DSL or cable modem
  • Three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for connecting computers or network devices
  • USB port for connecting a USB printer or USB external hard drive
  • 802.11n wireless

Time Capsule used a Hitachi Deskstar hard drive, the same hard drive sold with Apple’s Xserve server products. The Hitachi Deskstar met or exceeded 1 million hours mean time between failures (MTBF) status, common for server-grade hard drives.

Sources: Apple, Wikipedia

Mac Box Set (2009)

This Mac Box Set included a set of software that allowed users to purchase one product and install several products at once. The front of the box specified: “Includes Mac OS X Leopard, iLife ’09, and iWork ’09” and showed images of icon-like depictions of each product.

The back of the box had the headline “An upgrade to the Apple software for your Mac. All in one box.” Mac OS X Leopard was described, and iLife and iWork listed each of their component apps with one to three bullets describing key features:

Mac OS X Leopard
The world’s most advanced operating system.
• Automatically back up your Mac with Time Machine
• Flip through your files in the Finder with Cover Flow
• Keep your files organized using Stacks
• Preview a file without opening it using Quick Look
• Group your windows in spaces and quickly switch between them
• Show off your photos, movies, and presentations with iChat Theater
• Email personalized stationery, create to-do lists, and take notes

iLife ’09
iPhoto
• Organize photos by people using facial recognition
• Browse and search photos based on GPS location
iMovie
• Fine-tune your movies with new Precision Editor
• Fix shaky clips using automatic stabilization
GarageBand
• Master piano or guitar basics with interactive lessons
• Learn how to play hit songs from original artists
iWeb
• Create custom websites and publish anywhere

iWork ’09
Pages

• Choose from over 180 Apple-designed templates
• Write with full-screen view
• Easily lay out newsletters, posters, flyers, and more
Numbers
• Mix tables, graphics, and charts on a freeform canvas
• Choose from over 250 functions
• Make sense of your data with interactive Table Categories
Keynote
• Create sophisticated presentations with ease
• Build stunning animations with simple transitions
• Edit with powerful graphics tools

The box contained three install DVDs and printed and electronic documentation.

Source: Apple (product package)

Mac OS X Leopard v10.5.1 Retail Family Pack (2009)

This boxed retail version of Mac OS X is version 10.5.1, also known as “Leopard.” This particular box is the Retail Family Pack, licensed for “up to five computers in one household.”

Leopard (Mac OS X v10.5) was marketed to contain over 300 enhancements from its predecessor, Mac OS X v.10.4, Tiger. The Leopard Finder included a redesigned Desktop and Dock, a semi-transparent menu bar, and the addition of Cover Flow, a visual file navigation method borrowed from iTunes. This release also introduced Time Machine automated backups, Spotlight searches across multiple Macs, the Photo Booth app, and the Front Row system that served as a simple multimedia interface.

The design on the outside of the box is printed with a high-gloss finish and foil-metallic accents for the outer space design elements—a somewhat perplexing concept given the name of the OS was “Leopard.” The back of the box highlighted five operating system features: Cover Flow in the Finder, Time Machine automatic backups, iChat video chat effects, stationery in Mail, and Spaces window organization.

The box contained an install DVD and a color-printed manual. The exterior of the box lists the following contents:

DVD containing Mac OS X; printed and electronic documentation. Requirements Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512MB of physical RAM; DVD drive for installation. • Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply. • Time Machine requires an additional hard drive, sold separately. • iChat requires a compatible camera. • Some features have additional requirements; see www.apple.com/macosx/techspecs. 826-8133-A

Sources: Apple (product box), Wikipedia, Ars Technica

The future has already arrived Apple Education brochure (April 2008)

This brochure was sent to education customers and had purple/violet space-themed cover art that resembled the Mac OS X Leopard (10.5) default wallpaper. It had the text: “The future has already arrived at www.apple.com/education/hslabs.” The text is printed in Apple Myriad, Apple’s corporate font used at the time.

The back of the mailing is all white and included address and postal information. The folded piece measures 8.5 x 14.25 inches.

The bottom of the mailing includes the following text:

© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Boot Camp, and iLife are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft product screenshots) reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation. *Windows XP and Windows Vista sold separately. April 2008 L363415A

This brochure remains in its original plastic.

Source: Apple

Tiger World Premiere brochure (2005)

This Tiger World Premiere brochure was given at Apple stores the evening of the “Tiger,” Mac OS X, version 10.4, operating system’s release. A giveaway accompanied the event. The front of the brochure reads: “Win a PowerBook G4, an iPod, or other prizes. Friday, April 29, 6 p.m. to midnight.”

The back of the brochure has the headline: “Rethought. Reengineered. Reborn.” Several of Tiger’s “over 200 new features” are highlighted below, including: Spotlight, iChat AV, Automator, .Mac, Dashboard, Safari RSS, QuickTime 7, and Mail.

Upon release, Tiger cost $129.95. While Tiger was the current Mac OS, Apple transitioned to Macs with Intel chips. Therefore, Tiger was the first Mac OS to support the Intel architecture on Mac. Tiger was preceded by Mac OS X 10.3 Panther and succeeded by Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.

This 1-page brochure measures 4.25 x 8.75 inches and was printed with metallic ink.