Based on some previous discussion we've had on gdgt regarding the potential price of OS X Lion in the App Store, I've seen a number of people respond that OS X Lion will be available through the Mac App Store. This is how they're currently distributing developer previews for the new operating system.
My question: Is this really conceivable? If so, how will those of us who tinker, mess with, or even re-sell our older computers install the new operating system? I imagine that they'll still have to provide some sort of physical media for installation purposes (whether it's a USB thumb drive or a DVD). To me, the Mac App Store, while nice, doesn't seem like the right way to push something as major as an OS update.
See previously: gdgt.com/question/how-much-do-you-think-mac-os-x-l...
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If OS X Lion is available through the App Store, how will we reinstall / reformat our computers?
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dave's pick
While I think that the upgrade can possibly be done over the App Store with no traditional media, I think Apple should provide a way to burn the Lion OS to a DVD. At that time, they can even burn some special code that will only allow you to install it on to the same serial number (as a continuation of their discs that work with iMacs but not with MacBook Pros, etc). I'd feel better knowing that I had a hard copy of the most recent OS so if things got royally messed I can just boot the disk and don't need to worry about network connectivity at that time.
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Well, they are already pushing 1GB+ OS updates through Software Update, so why not just treat it as another OS update? You just reinstall from your original disc, then login with your AppleID, then go to the Mac App Store and redownload. It won't take any longer than it would have to download and install the 10.6.7 Combo Update.
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The initial install creates a partition on your disk that can be used to reinstall. Also, the download from the App Store can be copied to an external drive, burned to disc, etc. Between the restore partition, and the ability to move the download around, it shouldn't be a big deal.
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My guess is that they'll go with some sort of net install mechanism that Linux distros have had for years. Every machine post-Lion will have a *very* barebones version of OSX that asks you for your iTunes username and password and downloads the OS.
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I certainly believe this is conceivable. Remember that Apple isn't overly concerned with those of us who tinker, they are concerned with the average user that above all else wants the product to work. They could easily make it available in the Mac App Store, which would work for most people, and then provide tinkerers like ourselves with the option of physical media, such as the USB thumb drives they have started using. This method would work and make it extremely simple for most people to accomplish what they want, while still leaving the option for a more savvy user to accomplish what they want, likely for a slight premium.
Then again this could all be wrong and maybe they have a means of doing a clean install via a second partition, or some other method, using only a download from the App Store. Not sure how this would work exactly but it could probably be done.
Then again this could all be wrong and maybe they have a means of doing a clean install via a second partition, or some other method, using only a download from the App Store. Not sure how this would work exactly but it could probably be done.
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If you buy a new Mac after Lion is released, it should come with physical media for installs/reinstalls. There will also likely be a physical media option but like Aperture will be more expensive than purchasing through the App Store particularly for multiple Macs under the same Mac App Store account.
I don't think that Apple is concerned with those who want to tinker or mess with their computers judging from the change they made to the iMac making it difficult to upgrade the hard drive yourself. Also, changing the screws to ones that are more difficult for the average user to updgrade their own machines. Last but not least, there are the non user replaceable batteries.
I don't think that Apple is concerned with those who want to tinker or mess with their computers judging from the change they made to the iMac making it difficult to upgrade the hard drive yourself. Also, changing the screws to ones that are more difficult for the average user to updgrade their own machines. Last but not least, there are the non user replaceable batteries.
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I believe it will be similar to the way we update our iPhones, iPads and iPods, the new system software will be downloaded installed and our devices will require a restart. We can then restore for a backup, perhaps a mandatory Time Machine disk image or Mobile Me image.
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From what i have seen it creates a restore partition on the PC for itself.
but i still see myself buying it on physical media. to me somthing like the OS needs to be something i can grad when i need it and not have to worry about having wifi acess or trying to figure out how to get it to install on a new harddrive.
but i still see myself buying it on physical media. to me somthing like the OS needs to be something i can grad when i need it and not have to worry about having wifi acess or trying to figure out how to get it to install on a new harddrive.
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It's conceivable. All you need to do is to purchase, download and then reboot into Lion. Of course there will be options for people who don't have internet like Disks, etc.. I see Lion as a streamlined OS unbloated with extra things you don't need. Most things will probably move to online versions such as manuals, extra drivers, etc..
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Maybe the installer file can be burned to a disc?
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