[
Update: I got my discs faster than I thought.]
<rant>I love Apple products. I am not a zealot like some, as I am a Microsoft SharePoint Architect and I often have projects going on Linux or BSD Unix as well. But since MacBook Pros started shipping with dual core Intel processors, I have really enjoyed the powerful, elegant, and almost hassle-free computing environment. My Windows 7 VM runs faster on my Mac inside Parallels than I have ever seen it run on a PC.
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| Apple Xserve |
A few years back, I purchased an Apple Xserve 1U server for hosting client websites and web applications. I am since out of that business, but in the years I had this beast running in my colo, it was rock solid and worry-free. It's a bummer they don't make Xserves anymore.
After it sat in storage for more than a year, I had a new need for my Xserve. So I reinstalled OS X. I only had OS X 10.5.x (Leopard Server), but wanted to upgrade to
Mountain Lion Server. The problem is that both Lion and Mountain Lion are only available through the Mac App Store. And the Mac App Store is only available on OS X 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard). Therefore, I would have to obtain a copy of Snow Leopard Server to upgrade it to Mountain Lion.
You cannot simply buy Snow Leopard Server in the Apple Store. Prices for legit copies on Ebay are ridiculous. But I was glad to find a forum post that said to call 1-800-MY-APPLE and order it over the phone for $19.99 plus shipping. Yay!
So I ordered the install media. They said it would take 6 weeks. Grrrr. But what choice did I have? So it has been 6 weeks. No media. I logged in to the Apple Store site to find out that my order had been canceled 2 days after I placed it. Why!?!
I called the Apple Store again. Evidently the demand has been so high and the supply so low that they could not fulfill the order, and they simply canceled it without telling me. Not cool, Apple. The sales guy was able to place the order again, and promised next-business-day shipping at no extra charge. The problem: The lead time is still 4-6 weeks. IF they can fulfill it this time.
So here I am: waiting again for an outdated operating system so I can install the latest operating system. I am not a happy camper. Really not cool, Apple. You should have provided a realistic upgrade path.</rant>