Buying Mac OS X "Panther"

I purchased both OS 9.2.2 and OS 10.3.3 from:
http://applerescue.com/
Both were retail copies capable of being installed any computer. They shipped on time with no problems.

I forgot the best part they were $59.00 each.

twothirtyeight,

STOP! Do Not Buy Those Disks!

"Note: These are OEM Install CDs that say, "eMac install" on them, but will install any Panther Compatible Mac"

This is just not true!

You must use a "Full Retail Version" of the "Panther Boxed Set" .

Here is a Closer View of what the CDs look like.

More Info Tip: Mac OS X Install CDs/Use On Multiple Macs.

ali b

Other World Computing is currently selling the Panther "full install" CD set for $65, and "full install" DVD set for $48.
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/osx-center/software-and-more/

AnonyMouse,

both versions you linked to are hardware specific install disks! You CANNOT use hardware specific software install&restore disks that shipped with another computer. These simply do not contain the hardware drivers for any other computer model but the one they originally shipped with. You have to buy the retail full install DVD.

Besides this technical limitation it would also be ILLEGAL. Apple's Mac OS X Software License Agreement states in point 2:

2. Permitted License Uses and Restrictions.
A. This License allows you to install and use one copy of the Apple Software on a single Apple-labeled computer at a time. This License does not allow the Apple Software to exist on more than one computer at a time,...

Hi ali brown & Gulliver,

I can't find the reference anymore: why am I so sure
there has never been a Panther retail version on DVD. Only CDs,
that a Panther install on a DVD has to be machine-specific.

Black discs (CDs): retail versions.
Grey discs (DVDs or CDs): machine-specific versions.

Can you confirm please?
Thanks!
Axl

AxL,

this is absolutely correct. The reason is simple: The retail version was intended for all supported Macs. Many of the supported Macs originally shipped with CD-drives only. Therefore it was logical that the retail disks were CDs.

In case of the hardware specific disks Apple could decide what they packed with it. If the computer shipped with a DVD-drive they added the DVD version.

Gulliver,

While you could be right, each version is stated to be "full install".
Also, I would assume that if there were any hint of illegalities in their sale of the Panther installation disks, Apple would be all over them in no time.
In any case, it might be wise for a prospective buyer to contact them and get a definitive explanation of whether or not they are, in fact, "full retail install CDs/DVDs".

AnonyMouse,

did you read the whole text? The DVD version states:

"Apple Mac OS X 10.3.x "Panther" Universal Installation Set ..."

and a little later it says:

"NOTE: 2 DVD Set - Disc 2 not accessible for most systems, it is designed for use as part of the restore function."

The CD versions states:

"Apple OS X 10.3.x 'Panther' Full Install CD Set - no retail box!"

Now guess what happens when you realize that it does not work and complain or want a refund...

Hi AnonyMouse,

I know this has been answered already, but just wanted to add a little info. The disks OWC sells has been brought up to the moderators before. Unfortunately, Apple can't really do much to stop them. They are not an authorized Apple reseller, so aren't under the same rules as those who are. Where OWC gets hold of so many machine specific disks is another question.

Anyway, as noted already, Panther was never released on DVD as a retail "starts any Mac" product. If you find Panther on a DVD, it is always a machine specific copy. Their CD version is no better. Choose the CD version in the pull down menu on the page you linked to. Then scroll to the bottom of the resulting page. You'll see gray, machine specific disks. Definitely not retail disks. Heck, if you click on the image of the disks to enlarge it, you can even read that they're for an eMac.

While I have purchased a fair amount of hardware from OWC and been very happy with it, they've got a lot of nerve selling those disks as retail copies.

I don't see what all the hub-bub is about. I used these grey eMac disks for my G3 and they worked like a charm. Who cares about all the red tape as long is it's cheap and it works!

Axl, my Panther discs are white with a black and white blended X.
They installed on my computer without a hitch. AppleRescue only sells full retail copies.

Some people rob a bank and don't care about the law.

"Some people rob a bank and don't care about the law."

That's taking it a bit far. It's not like I'm running OS X on my Intel PC or anything. Now THAT, is a travesty (for now).