Lionized MacBook Pro: A Clear Loss Of Value

When Apple shipped Mac OS X Lion, in addition to Sandy Bridge upgraded Mac mini and MacBook Air models, they also started shipping existing MacBook Pro models with Lion fresh packaging + collateral + updated keyboards. However, the company also removed the software restore disks, which are more than just a convenience.

If that weren’t enough, the insult to injury is the fact that 2011 MacBook Pro models are not compatible, apparently lacking some crucial piece of the hardware puzzle, with Apple’s Internet Recovery feature, which allows OS X Lion reinstallation via the internet.

Yes, there are DIY workarounds, such as reinstalling from a homemade OS X Lion install DVD or thumb drive, avenues which aren’t supported by Apple and, one presumes, could void your warranty. Further, if the repair involves hard drive replacement and you’re out of warranty, technically your only option is Apple, an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store, and that’s never cheap.

Parsimonious Control Freakery

The mothership is forcing this new service model on users rather than provide a USB thumb drive with the OS loaded on it, something that probably costs under $10 or less in volume. Again, there’s insult to injury as the company has 40 percent margins and $72 billion in the bank.

Yes, Apple will eventually ship Internet Recovery compatible Macs across the board. In the meantime, user options for performing a simple reinstall on a 2011 MacBook Pro involve significant time and/or expense, representing a significant loss of product value…

What’s your take?