macproEarlier this month, it was reported that Apple might be inviting customers into its retail stores to download OS X Lion when it launches, offering users with no or limited broadband access a means of acquiring the new operating system.

In addition to hard drives containing OS X Lion for installation on store computers, some of Apple's retail stores are also reportedly receiving new maxed-out Mac Pro machines, according to 9 to 5 Mac. The report speculates that the Mac Pro machines may be used for local caching of Lion for delivery to customers coming into the store to purchase the new operating system from the Mac App Store.

Furthermore we've heard rumblings that some stores will be receiving maxed out Mac Pro towers to be used as Lion distribution caching centers (speculation here). Some believe that these stations would allow customers to purchase Lion (3.5GB) from the Mac App store and download it directly from the store server in minutes rather than hours it takes over a normal broadband connection.

The new hard drives containing Lion have also been said to contain three separate versions: Normal, Pro, and Joint Venture. The different versions would be installed on various machines throughout the stores based on their roles within the store layout. Basic machines would presumably receive the Normal version, while higher-end machines showing off more advanced apps would receive the Pro version. The Joint Venture install would presumably be reserved for those machines utilized by the program of the same name, which focuses on businesses.

Tag: 9to5Mac

Top Rated Comments

King Flamez1 Avatar
179 months ago
I'm thinking of going to my local Apple Store just to use the maxed out Mac Pros :D
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KALLT Avatar
179 months ago
In my opinion, this is a meagre solution for a problem that we should not have in the first place. Just offer copies on DVDs and let customers decide what works out for them. They should be encouraged to buy Lion via the App Store, not forced.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Battlefield Fan Avatar
179 months ago
Conversation at Apple, "So rather than distrubute Lion on DVD we are going to spend $3 million on over 300 maxed out Mac Pros.":confused:
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
baryon Avatar
179 months ago
Wait is this like Windows 7 Home Premium Business, and Ultimate :confused: :confused: :confused:

What do "Normal, Pro, and Joint Venture" mean?

Anyone know?

No, all it means that the hard drives come with demo stuff in addition to Lion, such as iPhoto libraries, Apps, and the "Screen Saver" demo that Apple has on their store machines that show demos of stuff.

On a MacBook Air you won't expect to see a demo of Photoshop, but rather iPhoto. And on a Mac Pro you'd probably want to see demos os hardcore apps, not just photos of dogs and stuff.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
the8thark Avatar
179 months ago
A nice gesture, but a patch work solution at best. Just sell a 39.99 dvd
Apple removed the Floppy drive and people complained but today we are glad they did. Apple is now moving all their software to the App Store. And people are complaining. But I'm sure in a few years we'll all look back and be glad Apple made this move.

Personally I'm glad Apple made the move. Even with my POS internet.

1. It's very green. No world resources and extra cost wasted on the media and packaging.
2. Less chance of a day zero update needed. Cause the time between release version shipped and ready for sale is now zero.
3. Apple does not have to worry about shipping. So it can be released when it's ready and not have to worry about shipping all the discs.
4. You as a consumer don't have to hang around for the postman or go to a store to get Lion. Just start the download, then live your normal life and come back a few hours or maybe closer to a day later and it'll be done.
Cheaper cost for the consumer.
5. No chance of people getting the release version of the OS early. Cause there's no physical shipments to hijack and store staff members can't take their copy early.
6. The release time can be any time in the day now. Not when the Store opens up. Also you can start the download when you want to. Not be constricted by Store or postman hours.
7. No need for an external dvd drive if you own a MBA.
8. Getting the digital distribution channel working correctly now. So in the future when that's all there is, they will have it working perfectly. Unlike the competition.

And probably more which I can't think of now. But I made my point. Even with a POS net connection this new disc-less OS is a very good idea.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ericmooreart Avatar
179 months ago
A nice gesture, but a patch work solution at best. Just sell a 39.99 dvd
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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