Apple to Release Lion on USB in August

News
By Jane McEntegart
published

Lion is coming to a USB stick near you.

Apple this week launched the newest version of its OS X operating system, Lion. The software debuted in Apple's Mac App Store and has already racked up a million downloads. However, downloading is not your only option; Apple is also releasing the new iteration of its OS on USB stick next month.

Costing $69, it's a full $40 more than the $29 users are paying for the download. Why is Apple selling the OS on USB and charging more than double the price? We can't say for sure, but we're betting it's got something to do with the fact that OS X Lion is a rather hefty download (almost 4GB) and not everyone has the speed or bandwidth to download it. Still, that doesn't completely excuse charging so much extra (Apple does need to cover costs for materials, shipping, handling, etc., but it can't be that much). Considering the month between digital and USB release, it would seem Apple is doing its best to push people towards the Mac App Store.

If you've got slow internet or a cap on your bandwidth and can't afford to fork out $70 (or don't want to) for OS X Lion, you can always lug your computer down to the local Apple Store and use its internet for your digital download.

Jane McEntegart
41 Comments Comment from the forums
  • andy5174
    Why is Apple selling the OS on USB and charging more than double the price?

    Because it is "APPLE"!
    Reply
  • nebun
    that's how they brag about their millions and billions of downloads
    Reply
  • molo9000
    Why is Apple selling the OS on USB and charging more than double the price? We can't say for sure

    That's not too hard to figure out, is it?

    The Appstore version only works for people who already have 10.6 Snow Leopard.
    The USB version is also for people who still have 10.5 Leopard or 10.4 Tiger.

    This is probably also meant to reduce piracy. Since Apple doesn't bother with license keys, you can probably install the USB version on any Mac you come across.
    Reply
  • Tuishimi
    It's also nearly half of what I used to pay for their new OS releases on CD, then DVD. Not to mention I recently paid a heck of a lot more for a new Windows DVD.

    I downloaded it via app store for my wife and daughter's computers, but for people who want to keep a physical copy around, I don't think that is too much to ask for it.
    Reply
  • tmax
    I wish more software would be released on USB like PC games, Windows, even music, and movies. It's a good idea IMO.
    Reply
  • cuecuemore
    Lol, a "hefty download" at "almost 4gb".
    Reply
  • ricardok
    TuishimiIt's also nearly half of what I used to pay for their new OS releases on CD, then DVD. Not to mention I recently paid a heck of a lot more for a new Windows DVD.Sure, you did pay a lot more for a FULLY FLEDGE OS. But pay for an update? Damn.. That's hard to swallow. The diference of $40 because of a thumb drive? Damn, that drive is made of gold and diamonds.. Or... it might be that the thumb drive have an Apple logo! That's it..
    Reply
  • reggieray
    From what I have read Apple can keep it. I'm keeping both my Macs on Snow Leopard.
    Reply
  • reggieray
    TuishimiIt's also nearly half of what I used to pay for their new OS releases on CD, then DVD. Not to mention I recently paid a heck of a lot more for a new Windows DVD.I downloaded it via app store for my wife and daughter's computers, but for people who want to keep a physical copy around, I don't think that is too much to ask for it.I thumbed you down for being a Apple tool but if you want a copy of what you downloaded then:
    Download Mac OS X Lion from the Mac App Store
    From the Mac OS X Finder, locate the Mac OS X Installation file that was downloaded, right-click, and “Show Package Contents”
    Find and open the “SharedSupport” folder and locate a disc image file called “InstallESD.dmg”
    Copy “InstallESD.dmg” to your Mac OS X Desktop, this is the Lion disk image and what you’re going to create the bootable DVD from
    Now launch Disk Utility (/Applications/Utilities/), pop in a blank DVD, select the “InstallESD.DMG” file, and click on “Burn”
    Reply
  • walter87
    Apple realized that people still prefer the physical disc method. But since some of their products no longer have that option, they decide to go a more expensive route.

    I think they should have just make a DVD version and charge the same $40, and make the macbook air users download it. Is it really necessary for a company thats making $10-20 Billion profit/quarter cheap out of manufacturing DVDs?

    Reply