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Os X Lion 10.7 Download
We already adored Apple OS X Lion ($29, 4.5 stars). Now for the still-enticing price of $70 Apple is distributing its Editors' Choice winning OS physically, via the slender OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive ($69). At more than twice the cost of the OS, it transports, the Thumb Drive isn't cheap. Furthermore, if, heaven forbid, you need to restore your Mac, you'll need that key to turn back the clock. (I recommend investing in one of those chains they attach to pens at banks). Nevertheless, the Thumb Drive is OS X Lion sans Internet. If you can, save yourself some money and use the Mac App Storeâor, better yet, create your own USB keyâbut if you're in a place where that's not practical, Apple's USB Thumb Drive does exactly what it's supposed to do: unleash OS X Lion.
What I tested
To test Apple's thumb drive, I used an Intel Core i5 (2.5GHz) iMac with 4 GB of RAMâa bit above about the median requirements (Apple requests 2+ GB of RAM and an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor). Unlike Internet-based method, which requires about 4 GB of space for installation, installing with the thumb drive requires a hefty 7 GB. Finally, to upgrade, your Mac will need OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later. Mac Lion Os
How it works
Take a look at the slideshow: As Apple's minimalist packaging visualizes with two images, there's nothing to installation: Plug the drive into an available USB portâthe hardest part is determining which direction it fitsâand double-click on the installer. Similar to the iPhone or iPad, the drive mounts on your desktop with a visually representative icon, just in case you had other USB keys titled 'Mac OS X Install.' Best Mac Os X Apps
Why it's worth it
The entire process, from the initialization to reboot and installation took just 32 minutes. Using the USB key was slightly faster than an Internet-install that relied upon PCMag's wireless networks, which required between 36 and 39 minutes. Honestly, though, this drive isn't intended for PCMag's Labs. If you have sluggish or unreliable Internet connection, the USB method will be hands-down faster. Antivirus for os x el capitan 10 12. Furthermore, if and when something breaks, you won't have to rely on Apple's Internet-based Recovery HD to restore your Mac.
Why it isn't
There's one key reason (sorry) you might pass on Apple's thumb drive: price. At $69, you're paying a $40 premium for the USB key, shipping, and distribution. Granted it's a svelte little chip of plasticâit measures just 1.5 by .5 by .1 inches (HWD)âbut that doesn't change the fact that, at last check, you can get the storage on Logic Buy for $9. In other words, Apple is charging you more for an 8GB thumb drive than it is for the Macintosh Operating System. While the Thumb Drive carries a premium over its Internet-savvy sibling, compared to Windows 7âwhich will set you back $110 for the Home Premium UpgradeâOS X Lion is a still a bargain, not to mention it arrives on a svelte USB key rather than a old-school disk.
Check out our Mac OS X Lion Review
Now, for the weeds
Non-geeks, you can skip this section. Now that we're alone, Apple fanboys and girls, here are two key caveats (sorry). First, at the bottom of the Apple's Store posting is an 'Important Notice' that is so important you probably won't see it: 'When you install OS X Lion using the USB thumb drive, you will not be able to reinstall OS X Lion from Lion Recovery. You will need to use the USB thumb drive to reinstall OS X Lion.' Let's unpack this: Once you install OS X Lion using Apple's thumb drive, you will not have the option to restore your Mac via the Internet using Apple's Recovery HD partition. So don't lose that eminently losable key.
Next, just because this method of installation doesn't require the Mac App Store, don't expect to upgrade Macs running anything older than OS X 10.6.6. I tested first-hand using a Quad-Core Intel Xeon with 6 GB of RAM running OS X 10.5.8. When I attached the drive and tried to run the installer it was, as the image to the left suggests, x-ed out. For anyone who has an extra 8 GB stick lying aroundâor for those willing to buy a less Apple-iconic keyârefer to my story How to Make Your Own Apple OS X Lion Bootable USB Key. It's not difficult, it will save you cash, and most importantly, using the DIY method I was able to upgrade a Mac running 10.5 to 10.7.
The Lion Unleasher
Had Apple begun by distributing the OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive ($69), praise would have been unequivocal. The trouble is, by distributing OS X Lion via the Mac App Store for less than half the cost ($30), Apple trained us to conceptualize the OS as an app. Psychology aside, the availability of the OS X on a USB key is welcome news for Apple fans with slow or intermittent Internet connections or those suffering from some tactile nostalgia. The OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive is an easy, elegant, and efficient way to install Apple OS X Lion without relying on your Internet connection. ![]() Mountain Lion Os X
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