10.7 Lion upgrades expected to come via Mac App Store

I want a traditionally pressed disc.

The ability to do a clean install and use the latest version of Disk Utility is important to me and the DYE used in DVD-Rs can degrade to the point that the disks are unreadable after a year or two.

That and downloading extremely large files from the Mac App store is an extremely unpleasant experience, as those who have purchased Xcode and any large multi-gigabyte game will attest.

I've been using CDs and DVDs to install various Windows, Mac OSes, and Linux flavors for years - I don't like the idea of having to use the Mac App Store (which I've hardly even looked at) to download an upgrade. I keep my restore discs in a safe location so that when all hell breaks loose, I can pull them out and be done. I'm very opposed to important files being stored in some cloud because of the off chance that I might not be able to access it. I also like doing a complete backup, wipe, and clean install when upgrading. I tend to be a packrat when it comes to files, and this gives me an opportunity to start fresh - without a physical disc (or a more expensive option of one), I'd have to do a clean install of 10.6, update to the App Store, then install 10.7, something I imagine would take a LOT longer than simply popping in a disc.

I'm guessing Apple is pleased with the margins of selling a $130 box with a plastic disc inside. There is no reason for them to stop now. However, the change in distribution does signal the end of DVD media, and gives users time to adapt.

If you don't like those ideas or think you have better tell Apple.
Http://www.apple.com/feedback

As far as multiple downloads for an organization: You only need one account and you can install on as many many machines as you need to. Not many accounts. Also Lion has server software built in so just net boot the installer since all current models since last year(some from '09 and all Airs have this ability) can option boot to a net installer now. Intranet traffic will be increased but only one download from the Internet will be needed.

The idea of flash drives make sense. The current flash drive for the MacBook Air is locked so that it is not editable ensuring a good static copy for you to run disk utility from. Yes it is a flash drive so you could change the contents only if you get the manufacturers firmware to unlock it. Apple hasn't released that info so it will be difficult but not impossible if you know what you are doing. That is off topic though.

It is also possible that Apple will install a "restore partition" for clean install if you want. This won't solve the I need to install on a new hard drive but any tech will have what you need to do that. I have an external drive will all the most recent installers on them. 10.4.8, 10.5.6 and 10.6.3 for right now. Partition off a little section and BLAM. Installer ready to go with you.

All this doesnt include the Genius Bar who will probably install the OS if you ask them should you need it. For free.

yeah I just have to understand how it would work if your computer goes down how do you boot it up without a disc? i have two hard drives in my mac pro with time machine running. So unless my two hard drives go out at the same time i may not have to worry too much.

What if they release a cloud version and a USB flash drive. Maybe thunderbolt?

Do you think we'll ever see OS11? Or, in 20 years, will we be running 10.17...?

How do you manage this in an organisation with dozens of mac laptops? That requires dozens of accounts on machines and the same download dozens of times. What about businesses/schools with 100s of Macs needing an upgrade?

I have a legitimate question?

How would you do a clean OS instal with a digital download? The Appstore requires an operating system for it to work in, so if I am doing a clean instal and wiping out the partitions/OS before installing a new OS, how would this be done?

thanks!
Gary