[onemulligan]

I just purchased a new IMac from the Apple store near my house. I was a PC User and decided to switch to Mac. By accident I found out my new computer does not have the Leopard Operating system. I went back to the store and they want me download Leopard and pay for it. They admit it should have been on the computer. I don't want to download it, I want the CD's as they should have been there to begin with. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get Apple to make this right? They want me to bring the computer back to them. I bought the 24" and it is very heavy. I don't think I should have to bring the whole thing back. Thank you

[mdawson]

I did not know that you could download the current operating system from Apple; updates sure, but not a jump in versions. It seems to me that the person you spoke with does not know what they are talking about.
As to needing to bring in the computer, I can understand that. The Apple Store staff would need to verify when you purchased the iMac using the serial number and that it genuinely did come with Tiger instead of Leopard. Once it is confirmed that you just purchased the computer, I would imagine that they would give you a copy of Leopard for free once they confirm that you are not trying to scam them for a free copy. Based on what I have heard and read from others, the Apple Store is pretty fair in such situations.


P.S. It is iMac not IMac.

[onemulligan]

Thanks for the reply. I did go back to the store with the receipt (purchased 10 days ago for a total of over $2600.) I only found out I didn't have Leopard when I went for my first lesson (paid $100.00) and the man asked what color the apple was in the top left corner. It was blue, not grey like it should be. Not a very good way to start my experience with a Mac. I can't believe they would make me bring back the whole computer, but I will. I feel like I got a computer that was old stock. Even had them upgrade the memory. I would think that when they looked at the serial number they would know that it did not come with Leopard. They must have some kind of records.

[MacCheetah3]

Hi
I would just ask for a "drop-in" copy ( upgrade only ), if it were me. That's what they do when you purchase a new or refurbished unit direct from Apple that doesn't have the latest iLife / Mac OS X included. The Mac OS X Up-to-Date Program for Leopard expired on January 26, 2008, so, that's no longer an option. A way to make things possibly go a bit smoother would be to bring in the Install / Restore discs ( should be gray labeled with white text and white Apple logo unless Apple has very recently changed them ) that came with your iMac along with the receipt. The Mac OS version is printed on them.

[onemulligan]

Thank you for your reply. After a lot of talking at the Apple Store they have agreed to give me Leopard. I have taken the computer back to the store and they are going to give me a new computer with Leopard installed (as it should have been to begin with) and transfer my data (pictures and documents from PC) to the new computer. Although I was not happy to have to pack it up and take it back, at least they are doing the right thing. I hope my experience with a Mac will be good after such a problematic beginning.

[mdawson]

Well in all fairness thus far you have had an issue with stock and not the Mac. While it is not the latest version of OS X, Tiger is still a step up from Windows XP—OS X 10.4.x has features that have only made their way into Windows as of 2006 with the introduction of Vista—and you were unlikely to miss that which you have never had. You could have happily gone on with Tiger if you chose to do so.
Fortunately, you were able to get Leopard at no additional cost.

[onemulligan]

I guess I also could have mentioned that I also had to return the wireless keyboard as it would not sync after one week of use. Apple gave me a new one. My understanding after much reading is that the Leopard operating system is a big upgrade from the previous version. My point in writing this to begin with is that it should have been installed when I bought the computer (even thought I didn't know the difference to begin with). I picked up my computer this afternoon and all seems well.

[mdawson]

Having your keyboard not work is definitely a downer.
It is true that Leopard can be a big upgrade from Tiger, but Leopard’s new features are not necessarily for everyone; many may not even use the new features due to inertia. A number of Tiger users have mentioned that they have no compelling reason to upgrade to Leopard, at least not immediately, while others instantly jumped on the new version.
As a Switcher, you could easily go either way, as I mentioned previously, Tiger already offers more in terms of standard features than Windows XP. But to the point of your original post, a new iMac should have had Leopard installed and you were able to get the new OS with what I hope was minimal hassle.
Anyway… welcome to the Mac, welcome to the boards and always feel free to ask your questions on these boards for much less than $100.

[onemulligan]

Appreciate your taking the time to reply. After my last post I found out since I picked up the computer that Apple gave me and restored my settings I can no longer send email. I had a difficult time getting it to work to begin with but at least now I know how to fix it :)) Thanks for the welcome to the Mac World. I'm giving it my best shot !!