Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard): Processor upgrade compatibility, Time Machine and AirDisks, No Classic

System requirement questions Some readers have raised interesting questions about the recently published system requirements for Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard).

For instance, Apple states that among the "general requirements" are an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor. A number of readers wonder how multiple processors play into this requirement. For instance, would dual 800 MHz PowerPC G4 systems qualify as meeting requirements and accept installation? In other words, is 867 MHz an arbitrary cut-off representing merely a floor for acceptable performance, or a hard requirement? (We suspect the former).

Processor upgrades Indications so far are that most processor upgrades will work with Mac OS X 10.5. Sonnet Tech, for instance, says it has not experienced any issues with pre-release builds and will post a message regarding compatibility when the golden master (final) edition of Leopard is released.

Does Time Machine work with partitions? Wireless? Some users have asked if Time Machine works with partitions. The answer appears to be yes.

It also appears that Time Machine does work with drives connected to AirPort Extreme Base Stations (AirDisks). A message posted to Amazon's Web page reads:

"With a hard disk connected to your AirPort Extreme Base Station, AirPort all the Macs in your house can use Time Machine to back up wirelessly. Simply select your AirPort Disk as the backup disk for each computer and the whole family can enjoy the benefits of Time Machine."

No Classic support Mac OS X 10.5 does not support the Classic (Mac OS 9 runtime) environment. The only option for running Mac OS 9 applications after updating to Leopard is to boot your system into Mac OS 9 (if it supports the OS) or booting into a Mac OS X 10.4.x or earlier volume.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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