Upgrade Code - For How Many Computers?

Question

Level 1

140 points

Upgrade Code - For How Many Computers?

I've purchased a new MacBook Pro retina (June 15th), so I qualify for a free upgrade to Mountain Lion (I've requested a code). In the mean time, I have 2 other Mac computers (iMacs), purchased before the June 15th date.

I have read the terms of the Mountain Lion license and it says that if you download Mountain Lion from the Apple store, you have a non exclusive license to install the operating system on all Apple computers you "own or control" (non commercial).

So my question is; when I get my code and download Mountain from the Apple store, will I be able to re down load it 2 more times for my other iMac's or will I need to purchase a copy from the App store to be able to download it to 2 additional computers?

Te reason I as ask is that if I have to pay $19.99 for the other 2 computers, I don't really need to go through the code redemption process for my new MacBook Pro as I'll need to buy a license anyway which would automatically be able to be used on my MacBook Pro (without waiting for a free code - not that I'm in a huge hurry).

I notice that the new license terms obviates the need for a "Family Pack" version of the operating system.

Comments?

Posted on Jul 25, 2012 9:47 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 25, 2012 9:48 AM in response to kayjh

You should be able to download and install it on the other computers, provided that they are compatible with Mountain Lion.

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Answer 2

kisuke3

Level 3

914 points

Jul 25, 2012 9:52 AM in response to kayjh

"based on my experience from Lion"

Once you've entered the code and started downloading ML. Make a copy of it and just pass that to your other Macs and install with no problems. Or use the same appleID you used to redeem the code with your other owned macs and go to the purchase tab. It should be there ready for redownload,

personally I prefer the other one, saves time for a redownload and bandwidth(depending on what type of service you have)

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Answer 3

Jul 25, 2012 9:53 AM in response to kayjh

As far as I know, the up to date program only supports one mac per code (and you must use the code on the computer which you registered on the site for). There is an option during the registration to add more macs, provided that they have been purchased since June 11.

That being said, I think it's safe to assume that you'll have to pay for ML for your other (older) Macs.

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Answer 4

C Ogle

Level 5

7,030 points

Jul 25, 2012 9:59 AM in response to kayjh

Technically it may be possible to use the code on multiple computers. The terms and conditions point towards prohibiting it, however.

http://www.apple.com/osx/uptodate/

"The OS X Mountain Lion software content code must be used solely with the products that qualify for this offer."

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Answer 5

kayjh Author

Level 1

140 points

Jul 25, 2012 10:13 AM in response to C Ogle

Thanks C, I guess I should have read the fine print below the offer (your link). Based on a reasonable interpretation of the reading of those terms, it looks like the code can only be used for download to my new MacBook Pro. I assume that the code would remain live in case I need to re download the operating system to the MacBook Pro it is qualified on.

Even though this is the case, I'm not really out anything. If I hadn't purchased a new Pro, and wanted the new operating system on my other computers, I'd have had to spend $19.99. With code, I'll still need to pay $19.99. The bonus is the purchased license is good for all computers I own or control so I don't have the cost of a "family pack" like we did for Lion, which I believe was double the cost of a single computer license.

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Answer 6

kayjh Author

Level 1

140 points

Aug 6, 2012 1:46 PM in response to kayjh

I have an update.

I received the code for my MBP retina and then used it in the App Store to download Mountain Lion. The App now shows up in the purchased list of Apps associated with my Apple ID. I was able to download the Mountain Lion operating system twice more for my other computers and voila all now have ML courtesy of my purchase of a MBP retina in June. Thanks Apple! (saved $19.99) 🙂

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