Back To The Mac

Last month Apple released the long awaited Mountain Lion OS for Mac users. While I'm primarily a PC user, I try to keep my eyes open for all things Apple. With this release, Apple is turning it's attention back to the Mac, after it's much heralded success with the iPad.

The new OS takes Lion a step further and is inspired by the iOS used on the iPhone and iPad. It makes use of applications management and and a feature called GateKeeper which makes sure that nothing malicious gets installed on your computer. It includes iMessage, Notes, Reminders, Game Center, Notification Center, AirPlay Mirrioring, and Facebook and Twitter integration. Mountain Lion is being offered as a download from the Mac Apps store.

Mountain Lion will only run on iMacs from 2007 or later, MacBooks from 2008 and 2009 or 2007 MacBook Pros. It will also run on 2008 MacBook Airs, 2009 Mac Minis, and Xserves. To run the upgrade you'll need to be running OS X ver 10.6.8 or have OX Lion already installed. You will also need 2GB of memory with an additional 8GB for storage.

The cost for OX Mountain Lion is $19.99. Apple has reduced the price form last years OX Lion by $10 with the belief that the new features and an even more affordable price will help refocus consumer attention back to the Mac.