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Apple launches Mac OS X Lion and a slew of product updates


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lion-launchpad-300x249.jpgAs predicted, Apple launched the latest generation of it's Mac OS X operating system, version 10.7, titled "Lion", on its App Store. It's been reported that the build no. of the retail download exactly matches the GM version that's been floating around on the Internet this month.

 

In keeping with its pro-digital, non-physical ethos, Apple has decided to include an "Internet Recovery" feature for reinstallation or repairs that would normally be applied with a disc.

 

The company is, however, planning to release a USB drive with Mac OS X Lion on it from next month, at a cost of $69.

 

Apple also decided to ditch selling boxed software for many of its popular consumer apps including iLike, iWork and Aperture, further continuing it's push for an all-digital world.

 

Alongside the Mac OS X Lion, the Mac mini and MacBook Air models received substantial updates.

 

Both product lines saw the introduction of Core i5 and i7 processors from Intel, as well as Thunderbolt ports. The MacBook Air now also features a backlit keyboard - a sorely missed feature from it's bigger brothers in the MacBook Pro range and from its predecessor.

 

overview_hero-300x112.pngThe Mac mini now has the option of much more powerful graphics through AMD's Radeon HD 6630M with 256MB of GDDR5 memory. It can also be configured with a 256GB SSD as well as a standard hard drive in addition (up to 750GB). Controversially, Apple has decided to drop the optical DVD drive from the Mac mini in order to make space for the vastly improved performance features.

 

cinema-110715-1-300x155.pngThe announcements also saw the arrival of the Apple Thunderbolt Display as it features just a Thunderbolt connector and a MagSafe power connector (for MacBooks). The new display appears to be pretty much the same as the existing Cinema Display, but with Thunderbolt it's now possible to daisy chain a pair of these 27" LCDs together with a MacBook Pro 15" or 17" - a great feature for power mobile users!

 

The white polycarbonate MacBook has now been withdrawn from Apple's product line-up, now available only as an education product.

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Has anyone else noticed that the iTunes store is down? Since yesterday I get the following messages when I try to purchase Lion, and when I try to install iOS app store updates:

 

The iTunes Store is unable to process purchases at this time. Credit card processing is temporarily unavailable. ...try to make your purchase later.

 

And then:

 

We could not complete your request. There was in error in the App Store. Please try again later. (100)

 

They must be losing a ton of money... but like me most people will try again later since we have no other choice to update our existing app store apps.

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