"For those who have done this, is Lion a worthwhile update? My computer is running fine with Snow Leopard but I'm tempted by the latest and greatest technology. I don't want to do it if the hassle will outweigh the benefits, though."
My suggestion:
Why not try _both_ of them for a while? You can install Lion, run it off-and-on for an "evaluation period" for several months, and then make a final decision, while still retaining Snow Leopard as your "main" system.
The easiest/best way to do this is to install Lion onto a DIFFERENT DRIVE that is separate and apart from your internal drive which currently has Snow Leopard on it.
Then, you can just "switch boot" as desired.
Yes, having Lion on an external drive (most likely USB) will result in longer boot times, and it may not be fully "as fast" as it would be if it were installed on your internal drive.
But the consolation is that if for some reason you DON'T like it, or have problems with it, your original Snow Leopard installation remains untouched. And Lion will "be there waiting" until a further update brings it up to your level of desirability.
If the time comes when you decide to make Lion your main system, you can then:
- Make a clone of Snow Leopard onto an external drive
- "Clone" your copy of Lion from the external to your internal drive
You'll then be all set to go.
It's ALWAYS a good idea to have a second bootable system drive in any case.
If you don't currently have an external drive to install Lion onto, I would suggest one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=usb+sata+dock&x=0&y=0
(many items shown, they all work the same, just pick one you like that's cheap, USB3 might be a good idea for the future)
.... along with a "bare drive" from the vendor of your choice.
A USB/SATA dock is cheap, easy to use, and will become a valued piece of hardware on your desk or in your drawer. You can swap drives as needed and you can even boot from these (same as if it were an external "enclosure").