I wish I had a Mac.  Perhaps some generous person at Apple will send me one to review, but I won’t hold my breath.  Nevertheless, they have released enhancement software for Leopard.

Apple notes that the software is faster and runs smoother than the plain ol’ Leopard using Mac’s 64 bit hardware to its fullest extent.  The so-called ”Grand Central Dispatch” is said to process applications at an accelerated speed.

QuickTime usually annoys the crap out of me but on the Snow Leopard, QuickTime X allows you to record video and audio.  You can play a movie, click the Share button, and convert the movie into a file compatible for your iPhone, iTouch, iPod, and any other Apple device that might come around the corner.  If you’re chatting away on your webcam and the other person is doing something interesting that you want to remember, you’re able to record that too!  It also makes video editing a snap by allowing you to cut out clips as if you were looking at a movie reel.

There are several user interface tweaks and added capabilities that will make finding and accessing various files easier and faster than ever.  If you’re using Microsoft Exchange 2007, Snow Leopard will allow you to connect to the Exchange Servers without having to go through any additional applications.  Snow Leopard; however, was built for Intel Macs only, so PowerPC users will have to stick to their current functionality.  If you do have an Intel Mac, this $29 upgrade from Leopard to Snow Leopard appears to be worth the money.  If you don’t have Leopard already, you can purchase Snow Leopard for $169.  What is Microsoft charging again?  Can you believe $319.95 for Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1 64-bit?  Are you kidding me?  Seriously?  Why are they even still selling Vista?

My next computer will be a Mac.

Although this partnership between Microsoft and Netflix is not news, it is now official that the partnership is exclusive.  Available to Xbox LIVE Gold Members (Go me!), who are also Netflix Unlimited members: Netflix streaming content.  I haven’t had time to play my Xbox 360 games lately, and my LIVE membership is about to expire.  However, in light of the Netflix streaming, I may have to not only keep my membership active, but also purchase a Netflix subscription.  I’ve never used Netflix, but in the past, I have used GameFly which I found to be a godsend when you’re spending at least $120 per month on games.  My gaming has gone down to nothing lately.  I even *gasp* froze my World of Warcraft account.  That’s right, folks.  News flash:  I am a nerd. 

To add to this, Netflix is offering a free 2 week trial.  Netflix never interested me before because if I’m in the mood to watch a movie now, I want to watch it now.  I usually end up going up to Redbox on my way home because of the convenience or perusing On Demand.  This may be a thing of the past for me.  My time is money and instant gratification is a good thing (usually.) 

My only issue is that the Netflix website says you can view some movies and TV episodes on Xbox Live.  I don’t like limited selection.  That’s what keeps me out of the movie renting game altogether.  I can be quite the cinema whore.  In 2007, I saw 76 movies in the theater.  I counted.  That’s more than one movie a week!  I’m not one of those movie gurus who can remember every line, though.  If you ask me how a movie played out, I will likely have forgotten a couple of months later.  That just gives me more reason to watch the movie several times over.

Those of you who may be Netflix subscribers, especially those with Xbox Live accounts, have you used this exclusive partnership to your benefit?  If so, what did you think of the selection they offered via Xbox 360 LIVE?  I’d love to hear from you, so please comment!