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

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.