While there are definite advantages of Apple making OS X Lion available only through the Mac App Store, users without fast broadband connections are left holding the bag. Fortunately, there are a couple of options available for you.
First, as we reported earlier, Apple is allowing customers to bring their Mac into any Apple Retail Store (we suspect that many Apple Authorized Retailers, and even other public Wi-Fi locations will allow this as well) and use their fast servers to download Lion to your computer. They’re ever reportedly using some pretty awesome wireless technology to get the job done faster.
Your second option is a bit more interesting – Apple will apparently make a USB flash drive containing Lion available for purchase for the cost of $69. Sure, that’s $40 more than you’d otherwise pay, but it just might be worth it for the convenience of not having to wait an eternity for the download. In some cases, this may be users’ only option.
This option is revealed through an excerpt from the official PR release, which I have embedded below, but it apparently will not be available until August.
Mac OS X Lion is available as an upgrade to Mac OS X version 10.6.8 Snow Leopard® from the Mac App Store for $29.99 (US). Lion is the easiest OS X upgrade and at around 4GB, it is about the size of an HD movie from the iTunes Store®. Users who do not have broadband access at home, work or school can download Lion at Apple retail stores and later this August, Lion will be made available on a USB thumb drive through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com) for $69 (US). Mac OS X Lion Server requires Lion and is available from the Mac App Store for $49.99 (US).