To Snow Leopard or not to Snow Leopard?

The Snow Leopard update is available a few days now, but I still have Leopard installed. Should I upgrade? The answer seems simple enough: New, updated software can improve a computer’s performance and offer new features. Snow Leopard’s $30 pricetag is easy on the wallet. And keeping up-to-date is the best policy. Right?

But… While some are celebrating the arrival of Apple’s OS 10.6 there are also others that call it nothing more than a service pack, dinging the leaner upgrade for being just a package of bug fixes rather than a full-fledged new operating system.

And more troubling, many users have come forward with complaints that some software won’t open under Snow Leopard. Gizmodo has compiled a Mac OS X Snow Leopard Applications Blacklist. My concern goes to: Aperture, Dreamweaver and PhotoShop, I really need those programs to work! And EyeTV not compatible, that’s a bummer.

Still, there are some bright spots to consider when deciding whether to update. First of all, many are noticing that things appear to be sped up a little bit under 10.6. And because of the way Snow Leopard manages the processor, programs run more efficiently, resulting in longer battery life! That’s a plus!

In addition, many report favorable space changes – both from Snow Leopard’s svelte size and the way remaining space is calculated – I expect to get anywhere from one to 10 GB back.

So, should I upgrade? A smart move (as always) might be to wait until Apple and application makers have time to sort out their compatibility issues, and upgrade then. Oh well, let me know what your opinion is please!