Can I download Snow Leopard 10.5.8 instead of buying the disc?

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Level 1

35 points

Can I download Snow Leopard 10.5.8 instead of buying the disc?

I need to upgrade from 10.4.11 to 10.5.8 so that I can sync my new iPhone 4 (which the rep at the Apple store neglected to tell me... but that's another story).

I live over an hour away from the closest Apple store so would rather download the software instead of having to go there and buy the disc.

Can I download this? If so, how? I don't see that option on the Apple site.

iMac 2.46 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.4.8), iPhone 4, Dell laptop at work;

Posted on Aug 28, 2010 6:33 AM

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Answer 1

R C-R

Level 6

17,782 points

Aug 28, 2010 6:39 AM in response to bythecshore

You cannot download any major OS version like 10.5 or 10.6. These are paid upgrades, not updates. There is no such thing as "Snow Leopard 10.5.8" -- Leopard is 10.5.x & Snow Leopard is 10.6.x.

If you iMac meets the minimum system requirements for Snow Leopard, then you can buy a copy for $30 & have it shipped to you if you do not want to revisit the store.

EDIT: Many computer stores also sell Snow Leopard.

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Answer 2

bythecshore Author

Level 1

35 points

Aug 28, 2010 6:53 AM in response to R C-R

Thanks - IMO they should let you pay & download... the technology exists, even if you have to burn a bootable disc.

Regarding availability at stores, I checked my local AT&T retail shop and they don't carry it. Any ideas on national chains that might?

I have the 2.4 GHz Intel core 2 duo iMac... would I need Leopard or Snow Leopard?

Message was edited by: bythecshore

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Answer 3

R C-R

Level 6

17,782 points

Aug 28, 2010 7:09 AM in response to bythecshore

1. The main problem with downloading an OS installer is the difficulty of making sure it is un-compromised throughout the download & burn-to-disk process. Any problem in the computer that resulted in a flawed DVD could leave you with an inoperable computer when you tried to install it. The Snow Leopard installer is also difficult to duplicate: it is actually a hybrid disc with both Mac & Windows partitions, the former for installing Snow Leopard & the latter for installing Windows drivers for use with Boot Camp Assistant.

2. Most major computer retail store chains sell Snow Leopard. Try the third option at http://www.apple.com/buy/ to find one near you or do a search with Google or your favorite search engine.

3. The system requirements are listed at Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.) & many other places. Basically, the only one that your iMac might not meet is 1 GB of working installed memory. To check, run System Profiler & click on the "Memory" item. As long as it shows at total of at least 1 GB for the installed modules & they each say "OK" in the last field, you should be fine.

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Answer 4

Aug 28, 2010 7:10 AM in response to bythecshore

Try Best Buy.

Allan

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Answer 5

Russa

Level 4

1,343 points

Aug 28, 2010 7:11 AM in response to bythecshore

Yep, I hear you on downloads. Standard shipping is $4. 2-day shipping is $10. And Overnight is $16. 🙂

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Answer 6

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,568 points

Aug 28, 2010 7:11 AM in response to bythecshore

If you have a Best Buy in your area they may sell it, it's available to order from their web site. Another solution is it can be ordered from Apple's online store, Amazon and many other online stores.

I believe the reason it's not downloadable is the media can also be used to do some diagnostics. If it were downloadable running those diagnostics would be impossible.

Regards,

Roger

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