10.7 In "The Cloud"?

[iPod Nano]

I have read rumors that 10.7 is going to be "in the cloud" with no actual bootable operating system, but instead one that is stored on-line. Any speculation as to whether this is true? If it is, I will continue using my MacBook until it dies and then I don't know what I will do, but I won't be using an OS that's in the cloud! I don't like the thought of having all my data on someone's web servers and needing an internet connection to use my computer.

[dtravis7]

May I ask where you heard that? Is there a URL?

[6string]

I don't know where you read this..... This link?
Macworld rumor: Mac OS X 10.7 (Sabertooth) is the cloud OS Sharing the truth one thread at a time
WHICH STARTS WITH "I HEARD FROM A FRIEND OF A FRIEND" LOL
I wouldn't believe everything that you read, especially something like that unless it came directly from Apple, which by the way, it

[jamessmells]

I dont think that would work, surely you would need a decent internet connection everywhere you wanted to use your Mac?! I personally don't like the idea, but am interested to read more about it!

[cwa107]

I find it hard to believe that any mainstream desktop OS would be taken into the cloud with broadband access worldwide being what it is today, assuming the OS runs on the native hardware.

Now, if Apple is building a thin client, which would run its OS on a server farm and use a protocol like ICA or RDP, that would be a different story. But I just don't see any market for that outside of an 'always on, always connected' PDA/smartphone/e-reader style device. Even then, it would be a major leap, given the state of affairs with wireless broadband as provided by cell carriers. Although LTE might make it a possibility, I don't see it being possible without cell towers being much more densely distributed worldwide.

[pigoo3]

I find it hard to believe that any mainstream desktop OS would be taken into the cloud with broadband access worldwide being what it is today, assuming the OS runs on the native hardware.

I could see customized devices...such as something like the iPhone...that would or could be totally reliant on an internet based OS...but for home-based personal computers...that would be a much bigger leap from the current paradigm.

And of course the big question would be for an internet based OS...what would be the BIG advantage or added value compared to the way things are currently.

- Nick