Apple releases Lion OS, updated laptops

Apple has announced the availability of the new Mac OS X Lion operating system, new MacBook Air and Mac Mini models, and new displays with Thunderbolt ports.

Mac OS X Lion is the eighth major release of Apple’s operating system and comes with more than 250 new features. It is available as a download from the Mac App Store and will be available on a USB stick from the company’s stores in the coming weeks. Some of the new features in Lion include new Multi-Touch gestures; system-wide support for full screen apps; Mission Control, an innovative view of everything running on a Mac; the Mac App Store built right into the OS; Launchpad, a new home for all apps; and a completely redesigned Mail app.

Additional new features in Lion include Resume, which conveniently brings apps back exactly how you left them when you restart a Mac or quit and re-launch an app; Auto Save, which automatically and continuously saves documents as you work; Versions, which automatically records the history of your document as you create it, and gives you an easy way to browse, revert and even copy and paste from previous versions; and AirDrop, which finds nearby Macs and automatically sets up a peer-to-peer wireless connection to make transferring files quick and easy.

Apple also released Mac OS X Lion Server that turns the computer into a server.

Mac OS X Lion is available as an upgrade to Mac OS X version 10.6.6 Snow Leopard from the Mac App Store for $29.99 (US). It requires an Intel-based Mac with a Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, i7 or Xeon processor and 2GB of RAM. Lion is an upgrade and can be installed on all authorised personal Macs.

Apple also announced an updated MacBook Air with next-generation Intel Core processors, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology, a backlit keyboard, and the new Mac OS X Lion. The company said that with up to 2.5 times the performance of the previous generation, flash storage for instant-on responsiveness, and a compact design so portable you can take it everywhere, MacBook Air is the ultimate everyday notebook.

Apple also refreshed Mac Mini, the small computer, with next-generation Intel Core processors, new discrete graphics, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology, and Lion, delivering up to twice the processor and graphics performance of the previous generation in a compact and efficient aluminium design. However the company decided to do away with the optical drive.

Last but not least, Apple unveiled the new Thunderbolt Display, the world’s first display with Thunderbolt I/O technology and the ultimate docking station for the Mac notebook. With just a single cable, you can connect a Thunderbolt-enabled Mac to the 27-inch Apple Thunderbolt Display and access its FaceTime camera, high-quality audio, and Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt ports. The new display features a thin aluminium and glass enclosure and includes a MagSafe connector that charges your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.

The iCentre of Pieta’ is Apple’s authorised service provider in Malta.