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Q: What is the cheapest way update eMac to OS X 10.5 Leopard?

My eMac is running on OS 10.3.9 that I want to upgrade to 10.5.6 Leopard.  I have 1.25 GHz and 256 MB of memory so my understanding is that this would be most recent OS that I can run with a PowerPC processor.  I am trying to determine if I get this update cheap, otherwise I might as well consider updating the whole machine.  If anyone has advice on a reatiler that is good, I'd love to hear it.

eMac, Mac OS X (10.3.x)

Posted on Apr 23, 2011 1:25 PM

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Q: What is the cheapest way update eMac to OS X 10.5 Leopard?

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  • by Kappy,Helpful

    Kappy Kappy Apr 23, 2011 1:36 PM in response to bigmac
    Level 10 (270,278 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 23, 2011 1:36 PM in response to bigmac

    Your cheapest option is to call AppleCare Customer Support and ask if you can still purchase a copy of Leopard.  Price is $129.00.  Other sources will be more expensive such as Amazon.com or eBay vendors.

     

    Given how old your computer is you might want to consider buying a newer model.  New iMacs start at $1,199.  Refurbs start at $1,019. 

  • by bigmac,

    bigmac bigmac Apr 23, 2011 2:07 PM in response to bigmac
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 23, 2011 2:07 PM in response to bigmac

    What about the ones that are on ebay, do I need a new DVD or will used work too?

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Apr 23, 2011 2:20 PM in response to bigmac
    Level 10 (270,278 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 23, 2011 2:20 PM in response to bigmac

    What "ones" were you referring to - computer or Leopard?  If the latter you do not need a new drive for your eMac unless it doesn't have a DVD drive.  If you purchase Leopard from eBay be sure you only purchase a full retail package.  The so-called cheap "universal" installers only work on specific hardware.

     

    If you were asking about computers then the later model iMacs all have DVD drives.

  • by Dick Deaton,Helpful

    Dick Deaton Dick Deaton Apr 23, 2011 2:27 PM in response to bigmac
    Level 1 (45 points)
    Apr 23, 2011 2:27 PM in response to bigmac

    You will need to add RAM, I have 2 GB and on my Dual 1.25 GHz G4. You should have at least 20 GB of space after installation of the OS 10.5.6 upgrade; I have OS 10.4.11. installed I was in the Apple Store on day and ask about installing Leopard and he suggested I not upgrade because my machine would run slower.

     

    Dick