Apple’s $69 OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive Now Shipping

Apple’s $69 OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive Now Shipping -

It’s Tuesday, and that often means new stuff from Apple. This week is no exception, although the product in question isn’t exactly “new” -- it’s the same OS X Lion released back on July 20 to the Mac App Store, but available at a higher price on a USB thumb drive.

The Apple Online Store has officially started selling the OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive, a tiny $69 fob that can be used to install Mac OS X 10.7 without the need for a Mac App Store download. Needless to say, the Mac App Store download is the better bargain at only $29.99, but many users with poor or no broadband connection who live too far from an Apple Retail Store will likely welcome the option.

“OS X Lion is available on a USB thumb drive for installation without the need for a broadband Internet connection,” the product description explains. “Just plug the drive into your USB port and follow the instructions to install. OS X Lion is also available for a lower price as a digital download from the Mac App Store.”

The thumb drive looks identical to the one introduced late last year with the MacBook Air, which was certainly easy to misplace if you weren’t careful. Thankfully, a small hole at one end means you can slip OS X Lion on your keychain and have it handy for a new install at any time.

The OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive costs $69 with free shipping and is currently showing a one to three business day ship estimate.

(Via Mac|Life all.)