Apple has worms in new OS X

Associated Press

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Thousands of Mac enthusiasts are expected to scoop up Apple Computer Inc.'s long-awaited new operating system when it hits stores tomorrow, but the version now shipping won't enable them to manipulate music in the manner Apple touts in its latest ads.

Apple users will have to wait for those features.

While some of Apple's new computers are equipped to perform those tasks, users of Mac OS X, the Cupertino-based computer maker's first major platform overhaul since it introduced the Macintosh in 1984, will not be able to record CDs, play DVDs, or make their own DVD movies.

Apple officials aren't too worried. They say there will always be bugs to fix in any early versions of software and promise to fix the CD problem by April and the DVD problem "in the spring."

Apple has its eyes set on the long-term, hoping the new operating system, built on a stable core of Unix code, will reinvigorate the Mac community, attract new users and help return the company to profitability.

"Will Mac OS X help us gain market share in the future? I wouldn't be surprised," Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said.

The company thrust the personal computer into the mainstream with the Macintosh but saw its market share tumble in the 1990s as users turned to IBM compatibles using Microsoft's Windows operating system.

Adding to its woes, the company, faced with a souring economy and slower-than-expected sales of its new computers, posted a loss in January for the first time in years.

Apple hopes the new operating system will be a platform foundation that will last at least 10 years. It's designed to be easier to use than Apple's previous operating systems and more graphically friendly for the new digital era.

The new system could lead to much-needed new customers, but analysts say it's too early to predict its success.

"This certainly provides Apple with a competitive edge and it's something it needed to do," said Chris Le Tocq, an analyst with market research firm Gartner Group. "This will at least help them maintain the market share they have now."

Hard-core fans of the Mac system are not expected to wait for upgraded versions of OS X — complete with CD-RW and DVD support — and are ready to fork out the $129 for the software.

"There certainly will be people standing at the doors when we open at 10 on Saturday. We may even open up earlier for them," said Jeff Walker, president of ComputerWare, the biggest Apple specialty store chain in the United States.