Mac OS X Lion replaces the former System Profiler with a graphically-enhanced version called System Information tasked with simplifying the way users gather information about their hardware.
To access the new app, users must select ‘About this Mac’ from the Apple menu, as with former versions of Mac OS X.
The original ‘About this Mac’ window is displayed, but now the ‘More Info” button takes you to a nifty place where you can learn about your Mac like reading from a colorful almanac.
Undoubtedly set to make a splash among those who switched from a geeky PC over to the Mac, System Information boasts a graphical front-end that builds on top of the former System Profiler.
The former app isn’t gone, though. It’s actually integrated in System Information in the right panel under the
Overview tab. Just hit System Report and it launches.
The left panel shows general system info, like the OS X version and build number, and how many software updates are ready for that particular system.
As you move on to the
Displays tab, Lion lets you in on the particularities of your Mac’s display - inches, resolution - as well as the graphics card backing it. Display Prefs. can also be accessed from there.
Storage is where things get a tad more interesting. It uses iTunes-like gauges to show you how much space you have, and what’s eating up most of it. The info is all color based and easy to read through.
Also in the Storage tab, you can get a glimpse at some general stuff relating to your optical drive, and there’s a button to quickly head over to Disk Utility, if you need to carry out some maintenance.
Memory is where you’re given information about how much RAM your Mac currently employs, whether it’s upgradable, and how many slots are in use. The 'Memory upgrade instructions' button takes you to an Apple Support document where you can learn how to get the job done properly.
If you happen to run Lion on a MacBook Air, which doesn’t sport a built-in optical unit, the Storage tab will not show the CD icon, but only the NAND Flash memory modules and potential Flash drives you have connected to the system via USB.
But unlike System Information running on a desktop Mac, the portable version will also display a
Battery tab.
(Credits for the battery tab screenshot go out to www.ihasapple.com) As shown in the screenshot above, the app gathers information about your MacBook’s battery such as its health status, charge level and so on. A trip to the Energy Saver preference panel is just a click away.
Finally, you have
Support and
Service, the last remaining tabs which hold an array of links to Apple’s Support documentation, including user manuals and detailed hardware specifications, as well as warranty information and an option to look into AppleCare.
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