Leopard Sighting Expected Oct. 26

Oct 16, 07:00 PM

Current Headlines: SAN JOSE, Calif. _ Leopard is ready to leap into the computing world.

Apple announced Tuesday morning that its newest operating system, one in a long line named after cats, will be released at 6 p.m. Oct. 26. That should please Macintosh enthusiasts, who have followed development of the delayed system through blogs and online discussion groups.

The new system will include 300 new features, including Stacks, which will allow users a new way to access files and will spring up accordion-style from the dock. Another highlight is expected to be Time Machine, a quick way to automatically backup everything on Mac.

"Leopard, the sixth major release of Mac OS X, is the best upgrade we've ever released," Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs said in a statement. "And everyone gets the `Ultimate' version, packed with all the new innovative features, for just $129."

Apple hopes the new release will refocus consumer attention on its line of computers. For much of the year, Apple's new iPhone and a refreshed line of iPods have grabbed most of the headlines. The Cupertino, Calif.-based company attributed Leopard's half-year delay to work on the iPhone, which hit the stores in July.

The new operating system, which will update the current Tiger, is bundled with every new Mac desktop and laptop.

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