Apple's OS X Lion Roars Into Mac App Store

Apple released its anticipated Mac OS X Lion this morning. The latest version of Apple’s operating system is now available as a download from the Mac App Store for $29.99 as an upgrade from Snow Leopard.

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The release comes a day after Apple announced a record quarter, with earnings of $7.31 billion.

On Wednesday, Apple also revealed updates to the MacBook Air and Mac Mini, as well as a new Thunderbolt display.

The OS X upgrade is a 4GB download. According to Apple, users who do not have broadband access can download Lion at Apple retail stores, and soon Lion will be available on a USB thumb drive for $69.

Lion -- which was previewed in June at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference -- includes new multi-touch gestures, support for-full screen apps, and a redesigned Mail app. New features include ‘Mission Control,’ for viewing all open windows; and ‘Launchpad,’ which contains all applications.

Now available, the updated MacBook Air includes Lion, as well as increased processing power, Thunderbolt I/O, and a backlit keyboard. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, MacBook Air starts at $999.

Updates to Mac mini also include Lion, as well as Thunderbolt I/O, and increased processing and graphics power. Mac mini starts at $599.

The new 27-inch 16:9 Apple Thunderbolt display was designed to be connected to a Thunderbolt-enabled Mac with a single cable. The display is slated for availablity within the next 60 days and lists for $999.