Mac OS X 10.2 Upgrade Price

-- Steve Jobs announced that it will basically cost $129 for most people who want to upgrade from Mac OS X 10.1.x to 10.2. There are three exceptions: Mac OS Up-to-Date Program for those who bought a Mac on or after July 17 will pay $19.95, educational customers will pay $69 and government customers will pay $64.50.

The complainants call Mac OS X 10.2 a bug fix with some fluff. We think improved 2D graphics acceleration may fit this category but generally believe this point of view is wrong. Version 10.2 is a huge improvement over 10.1.x, with lots of new super features and iApps as well as faster 2D graphics. After trying it out in at MWNYC 2002, our view is that it is a fabulous OS that is well worth upgrading to. We understand that there is a significant cost to producing this upgrade and economically times are tough for the technology sector, including Apple. It is an upgrade that must be paid for. However, we believe that a policy that does not in some way recognize those who have already contributed by buying some version of 10.1.x is faulty. We hope Apple will think twice about its pricing and provide an upgrade price for all who own Mac OS X 10.1.x and who do not meet the three exceptions, even if it is $99.