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OSX as a choice for operating system

20 points posted to Operating Systems, Sales Strategies by undoit 02/21/07

In addition to Linux, I think a lot of users would like to have the option of running OSX on their Dell computer as an alternative to Windows or with dual boot. The financial benefits for both Dell and Apple are obvious. And the benefit to the consumer would be an increased selection of hardware that can run OSX. I think both existing Apple customers and users who are new to OSX would like to have this option available. Apple's hardware selection is very limiting.

I've owned and used many different brands of computers. Over the past 7 years I have come back to Dell time and time again to purchase laptops. The quality, feature selection and price can't be beat in my opinion. I just wish I could run OSX on my Dell.

nobbewan
02/21/07		 I just don't see this one happening... Apple is able to keep a strangle hold on their customer base w/ OSX. Part of the reason why OSX is so high quality is that they have that limited set of hardware. Apple is able to address far fewer issues with their in house products. If Dell were to support FOSS more widely, we could see better FREE desktop solutions becoming more robust. Anyway, I am just seeing OSX becoming another $150-$200 Windows replacement here... who wants that?
hunter51
03/20/07		 If people want to run OSx they should be an Apple computer. Thats the system it was designed for.
Also OSx Cannot be installed on an Intel based computer. By Intel i mean any computer not built by Apple computers.
nobbewan
05/24/07		 AFAIK OSX can be put onto a computer not built by Apple, it just isn't an easy process. This has been significantly easier since Apple went x86. If you doubt me, remember that OSX is a BSD so it makes sense that it could potentially run on a host of different architectures. As I recall back when apple made the switch to Intel someone got a hold of the new version of OSX and put it on a Toshiba. In any case, it probably will never be a supported option by Apple because they want people locked into their products.

Never fear though. If Dell does a good job with Ubuntu (and I really hope they do, Mark Shuttleworth doesn't seem like an idiot and neither does Michael Dell) you won't want OSX! With someone like Dell backing that OS with full hardware support the developing projects like Compiz, Beryl, KDE, and Gnome will more than likely get the notice they deserve. Really I (and others I am sure) envision a domino effect resulting from this deal. If Dell does it, others are sure to follow (Ati?)

If you think about it, Linux is a newcomer to the desktop. It has been a strong contender on the server market for a long time. However, its very nature has allowed it to make incredible strides on the desktop. This deal with Dell stands to throw that evolution into overdrive. It is essential that Dell and Ubuntu be very careful with the moves they make, but I would say that a brighter day is on the horizon.
jorge
05/24/07		 I wonder if VMWare will do it (its a mater of time), and will Apple have some kind of legal snafu to prevent it? Probably the only way you'll use OS-X the un-Unix.
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