The latest version of Apple's popular operating system — Mac OS X 10.7 Lion — is now available for download through the Mac App Store for $29.99. And at around 4 GB, it is one very big file to download. So what do you do if you have a slow Internet connection? Go to an Apple Store — or order Mac OS X Lion on a USB drive.
According to Apple, folks with slow Internet connections are welcome to come into Apple's retail locations to download the Lion upgrade at any point. But starting in late August, the company will be offering the operating system on a USB drive (which can be ordered from Apple's website) for $69.
At that price, you might wonder if it's also a way to get around the Snow Leopard (OS 10.6.6) system requirement, that it might be a way to upgrade directly from 10.5 Leopard. The answer is no: No matter how you upgrade to Lion, you need to have Snow Leopard installed and fully updated.
So, taking the USB stick route means paying more and waiting longer — and not much else. You may want to attempt the agonizingly slow download, and maybe even a long drive to the nearest Apple Store, before paying the extra $40.
Related stories:
- How to get your computer ready for Mac OS X Lion
- Report: Apple's testing high-res displays for iPad 3
- Mac OS X Lion: Yes, it's worth the upgrade
Rosa Golijan writes about tech here and there. She's obsessed with Twitter and loves to be liked on Facebook. Oh, and she can be found on Google+, too.
