Boot Camp!!!!

I just read an article about a new software patch from Apple, called Boot Camp. Supposedly, this patch gives Intel-based Macs the ability to run Windows XP. The patch is avaiable to download from Apple, today. Anyone else heard of this? The notebook universe would be turned upside down if this Boot Camp really does what it claims.

 

This is indeed true: http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/04/05/bootcamp/index.php + lots of articles on news.google.com . I hope this isn't Apple's idea of a late April Fools joke, heh.

 

Its on their website http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/

 

Why would Apple allow that? Actually, nevermind. I'd buy a G4 if I was able to load XP onto it.

 

why? to get windows/PC users first hooked up onto apple hardware. since u can dual-boot, these OSx novices can get a feel of the Mac OS but continue to use Windows for everyday tasks. Eventually they will figure out apple software is cool and easy to use and start buying apple hardware and software.

 

actually, i see it the other way. this could very well be the end of apple as a software company. the only reason apple's sales/stock price have been doing well is because of the iPod.

if there is an increase in their market share for computers, it'll be because windows users are taking advantage of running XP on a MBP. this doesn't mean they want OSX, they want the OS they are familiar with/their workplace supports/etc.

microsoft is the clear winner here as their OS is now compatible on any model of personal computer you can purchase. intel as well.

apple just made a deal with the devil; let's see where they are in a couple product lifecycles.

 

I agree. Although I don't think this will be the demise of Apple, it clearly shows that Microsoft and the Windows community have the ability to bend the will of almost any computer/software maker that doesn't confine to its needs. Basically, adapt and learn the needs of the Windows community, or be left in the dust. I am quite frankly surprised that Apple did this, knowing their stubbornness about how their operating system is superior - however, this event clearly shows which is the superior OS, in terms of how many people use it/love it.

I do agree on the fact that most users switching over to a Mac would probably spend most of their time in the Windows operating environment rather than in the Mac one. If I were to buy a MBP, I would do the same - have OS X there for a nice novelty to the notebook, but use Windows as the main OS.

 

Not me. I'd use XP for those few indispensible things I have to for work, and spend the rest of the time in OSX.

 

i also believe this will be good for apple. As people dual boot, they will start to use OS X more and see that it isn't as bad as myths/rumors say and they will start to use it more.

 

I hope the Mac continues along the Windows compatibility path. First, the Mac adopts the Intel processor. Next, Apple releases a patch to make the Mac Windows-capable. Perhaps the day will come when all Windows-based software will run smoothly on a Mac. I know Apple is claiming they'll never go that far, but they probably said the same thing about using Intel. I'd do handsprings for a MacBook Pro that could run all my Windows apps/games.

 

My senitments exactly. Although, for me, it would allow me to learn the Apple OS while using the MS OS, and eventually migrate to Apple OS.

 

Yeah, I can see Apple becoming a Lexus/Acura computer developer. And John Dvorak said two months ago that the intel deal could be the end of OSX.

That is what happened this morning. Now if I only had the money for a MBP...

 

Aside from the immaturity/incompleteness of the drivers available in the beta Boot Camp, it should be there. So it's probably only a matter of getting to Leopard.

 

I agree that.

 

Am I the only one who doesn't really get what all the hype is about? Macbooks are nice, but it's not like they are the cream of the crop when it comes to laptops. I'm sure they have their limitations, and many up-and-coming notebooks (notably from Asus) will have similar, if not better, specs and build quality, all for a smaller price. What do people find so amazing about Macbooks? What do they have that you cannot get in a regular laptop for the same money?

 

Well, this program will be for desktops as well. I do like the look of all the apple notebook. Just too pricey.

I think this is a very smart move on apples part. I have considered getting an apple computer before but I was scared about how I would learn the UI. However knowing that I could always use windows would alive those fears.
Tim

 

Is Microsoft is fine with this? Technically they should be considering more people would use Windows, but is it easy to install? So all the worked that the developers did to put XP onto a Mac went to waste or am I missing something?

 

Well, this means more money for microsoft, so I guess they would like it. And your second point, that group won the 13 grand. I wouldn't think my time went to waste if I won 13 grand.

 

OSX looks and acts so much better than XP. If it wasnt for having to buy all new software, I would switch every computer we had to Mac. And for some reason, I have this feeling in the pit of my stomach that Vista will be worse. The reason they delayed it was because of something i read. I'll try and find it, but it was talking about how they had so many problems, and they would get worse every new operating system to come.

 

I'm surprised at the amount of people who think this will lead to Apple dropping OS X and going to Windows.

I really see this more as an advertising tool and a way to hook people. One of the main reasons people don't switch is the inability to run certain legacy Windows apps. Boot Camp gives people a way to run their legacy software (Windows XP) while being able to boot into OS X. It's a great way to get people to buy a Mac. Those people, like me, who have had it with Windows stupidities and the problems XP has and Vista most likely will too. Get them over to a Mac with the ability to run their legacy software and get used to OS X. Over time they'll get used to OS X and find replacements or alternatives for their legacy software and delete the Windows partition.

Everyone knows OS X is simply better than Windows and even ahead of Windows Vista in a lot of cases. But a lot of people don't make the jump because they still need some software that is Windows only. By doing this Apple allows them to get used to OS X, while still using their old software and msot likely getting them into OS X and, eventually, away from Windows for good.

The only reason I recently purchased a Windows laptop was because Apple is taking too long to get the Intel iBooks out. Now I'm kicking myself even more for not waiting

 

The problem is, they don't necessarily exist. AutoCAD for example is the standard in its field. There's no OSX version for it, and now no need. The same goes with games. After all, with so few people having macs, does it make more sense for game manufacturers to spend the money to port the games rather than simply saying "go buy windows"?

 

I hear you on that one - had to get a new laptop last month, would have liked a nice dual boot option.
I think that for Apple's 30th anniversary, it is a very bold move into the future. They will not become a competitor to Dell, HP et al, but certainly will win over some more potential users that like the looks and specs of the hardware, but need Windows for work or play.
Maybe some more developers start developing for the Mac platform as a result, and growth continues.
Now all they have to do is to sell fresh boxes of MacOSX For Wintel/PC , and then see which way the market swings - do consumers want OSX or Apple computing hardware. Apple are, of course, a hardware company (or is it a music player company nowadays? ) but they can't lose if they do this Windows dual boot thing correctly.
Apple have developed a real long term strategy for real growth IMHO!

 

With Apple saying they will support dual boot in their future OSX, I for one am now planning on getting a MacBook later this year. (of course I'm waiting to see if they really do include it in Leopard..)

I've always appreciated the Mac OS but I've always needed to have a Windows system and I've never wanted to buy two sets of hardware to have both. (it's a pain carrying one laptop everywhere much less two!) Now I can have both in one.

Some folks have thought that this is the end of Apple as a software company. I do have one "out there" thought on that if it happened.... I can just see the headlines now: Microsoft's newest software.... VISTA-OSXI

 

I agree, it could be the end of Apple since people new to computers in general, yes there are some out there still, might find Windows better since there are more programs out there.

Plus there's the whole compatibility issue with new hardware and games, software, etc.

Bad move Apple, baaaaaaaaaaad move.

 

I wonder if ever we could use Mac OS on non-Macs!

 

This doesnt really affect me...Ive been using mac (unwillingly) for years now and I absolutely hate it...what would be the point in me buying a mac only to install ainwdows on it, and NEVER use mac osx...

Who knows, maybe if I installed windows on it, the "unexpectedly quit" errors, and extreme slowness will disapear!

 

Not necessarily. Some people need both to survive (like me ). And some sources say that BootCamp even though still in Beta still isnt stable. Plus I wonder how it really performs in gaming and other intensive tasks?

 

Good point. I think this move by Apple is sure brave and dangerous. The long term effect is difficult to judge but time will tell.