News Analysis: Apple has finally released Mac OS X "Lion," which means it's time for Mac users to prospective Mac buyers to take a moment to learn what they will get from this latest upgrade to Apple's flagship desktop operating system.
After
a long wait and some speculation about when it would finally launch,
Apple has officially released Mac OS X "Lion," the latest upgrade
to the company's desktop operating system, for distribution through the Mac App
Store. Now that the operating system is released, consumers and enterprise
users around the globe can determine if it's the right platform for them.
But
before those folks decide to download the operating system or buy a Mac running
it, they should be informed of several things about Apple's latest software
release. Not only are there some outstanding new additions, but the operating
system also comes with some new ideas that might make folks pause before they
buy the new version.
The
following information should help customers determine if Lion is worth using on
a daily basis.
1. Say good-bye to discs
Perhaps
the biggest change with Mac OS X "Lion" is the end of discs.
Rather than offer hard storage media to distribute the new edition, Apple is
making its operating system available as a $29.99 download in the Mac App
Store. The move underscores the importance of digital media in today's
marketplace and might also make some wonder if Microsoft will follow suit and
offer only digital versions of Windows in the coming years.
2. A USB drive is coming next month
Before
consumers and enterprise users get too upset about the end of discs, it's
important for them to know that Apple will be offering Lion on a USB drive
starting in August. That USB stick will cost $69, but offer customers a
physical place to access the operating system. It seems like an ideal option
for those who don't have a broadband connection.
3. It's a marked improvement over Snow
Leopard
Prior
to the launch of Mac OS X Lion, Snow Leopard reigned supreme in the Mac
ecosystem. However, with Lion now available, Snow Leopard looks rather
obsolete. According to Apple, Lion has more than 250 improvements, ranging from
a new Mission Control feature that lets users see the programs that are open
and far greater support for multitouch gestures. As nice as Snow Leopard is,
Lion is a better bet for current Mac owners.
4. It's cheap
Windows
users are abundantly aware of how expensive it is to deploy a new version of
that operating system. For its part, Microsoft says that it charges so
much-$119.99 to $219.99 for Home Premium or Ultimate upgrades alone-because
Windows 7 delivers so many new improvements over Vista and XP. But Windows 7
looks extremely expensive compared with Lion's $29.99 price. Granted, Lion
isn't a revolutionary upgrade, but it is a sizable one. And for $29.99, it's
readily affordable. This pricing gives a lot of incentive to consumers as well
as businesses to switch to the Macintosh.
Email
Print
