It seems like developers have finally gotten their hands on the first build of the new Mac OS X 10.5.5 from Apple. However, this new release comes with a caveat - the company advised developers not to install the software on Macs with integrated graphics chips.

Graphics errors were noted in a set of seed notes that accompanied the release (dubbed as the 9F5 build). To be more specific, here's a quote taken from an Apple representative: "Do not install on the following machines: MacBook Air, MacBook, Mac Mini, iMac (with Intel integrated graphics)".

Apple requested developers to focus their efforts on testing the core system components of the new build. These include AirPort, FileSync, the Finder, graphics drivers, iCal, iChat, Networking, Text Services, Time Machine, and ExpressCard & USB modems.

Various issues were also addressed (a whopping 82 bugs squashed!) since the release of Mac OS X 10.5.4. The more notable bug fixes that were included were kernel crashes in Dashboard, iCal events, scripting, synching, as well as several errors with networking and printer sharing. It was also noted that text handling was improved.

The new Mac OS X 10.5.5 is still undergoing an extensive set of maintenance and security checks to the Leopard operating system for distribution before the weekend.