14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is now selling the physical version of Mac OS X Lion through its online store. Priced at $69, the USB stick assists those who cannot download OS X 10.7 from the Mac App Store.
The Cupertino technology mammoth advertises the product on its web store, stating that “OS X Lion is the next major release of the Mac operating system and includes over 250 new features that will transform how you interact with your Mac.”
The description continues with Apple touting the various Multi-Touch gestures supported by Lion, the ability to take apps full-screen and leverage “every pixel of your display,” Mission Control to get “a birds-eye view of everything running on your Mac”, Launchpad for instant access to all your apps, and the completely redesigned Mail application.
Apple clarifies that “OS X Lion is available on a USB thumb drive for installation without the need for a broadband Internet connection.”
“Just plug the drive into your USB port and follow the instructions to install. OS X Lion is also available for a lower price as a digital download from the Mac App Store,” the company adds.
There is one small note (albeit a very important one) on the page advertising the OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive.
Users who install Lion via thumb drive, rather than through the Mac App Store, will only be able to carry out re-installs using the physical media. The internet-based Lion recovery system is not supported, according to the Mac maker.
“When you install OS X Lion using the USB thumb drive, you will not be able to reinstall OS X Lion from Lion Recovery,” says Apple. “You will need to use the USB thumb drive to reinstall OS X Lion.”