I recently upgraded to the new Leopard operating system and consider the system a success. It functions smoothly. That's more than Windows Vista can proclaim. We can chalk it up to another win by Apple in the Mac vs PC world or we can take a closer look and see more than just an operating system.

A computer is —simply put— a tool. It's not about what the tool or computer can do for you — although that stuff is cool. It's more about finding the right tool for you and what works for you.

The changes made between Tiger and Leopard are not subtle. They cause the mac user to take a second look at things like Apple Mail, storing documents and downloads, Front Row, and Spaces. However radical these changes may seem, the average mac user adapts quickly. Personally, I've had the new system for a month or more. I'm only now beginning to utilize the full potential of leopard.

I no longer use stickies or an application for reading RSS feeds. I take notes in Apple Mail where I can save or send my notes, I make a to do list and mark off when I've completed it, and I read all my RSS feeds with my email, not to mention the Microsoft Word-like spell check I apply to notes, emails, etc. Saving address or dates is no longer a copy paste job, but [ctrl + click] one where it automatically adds the information. Before my upgrade to Leopard, I wasn't a big fan of iCalendar. The sync with Apple Mail is to thank for this change.

The look of Leopard is simple and sleek like most of Apple's products. A shelf replaced the toolbar. The addition gives the bar a 3D look, which makes me smile. Finder has more preview possibilities, which I have found extremely handy. Spaces gives additional screen space. I like this feature, but find it slow in switching between spaces. Also, it becomes one more thing to manage and remember where an application is open. I've actually switched off the spaces feature due to it slowing down my work. When switching from one space to another [assuming you use 'command + tab' to switch between programs], I couldn't go straight to InDesign or Illustrator because I lose my toolbars and panels. I solved this issue several ways. The first option was to press tab twice. This allows for the toolbar to disappear and reappear since the keyboard shortcut for making the toolbar disappear/reappear is tab. The second option is to go to a non-Adobe program when switching back to the space with InDesign/Illustrator open, then [command + tab] to get to InDesign. Doing this, keeps the toolbars and panels in the correct place. So far, I haven't had many other issues or problems when using any of the Adobe Software. I've stopped using iPhoto and completely rely on Finder and Adobe Bridge.

How well you do with this operating system depends on how much you know about previous Apple systems. For example, my brother is a Windows XP user and on occasion uses my computer to check weather, email, etc. I usually have to be nearby because the spaces feature and other normal Mac features pose a problem for him. In contrast, I'm an avid Mac user and graphic designer by trade so the transition from Tiger to Leopard went smoothly.

For a design professional such as myself, the Leopard system is worth getting. It allows me to use fewer applications and get more done. All in all, it works and it's the right tool for me.

Note: I upgraded a Macbook Pro laptop which I've had for several months. A friend of mine has a powerbook and had major problems when upgrading. Do your homework before you upgrade. You'll be glad you did.