Now that the iPhone has not just been cracked, but that crack is available commercially, I'm sure I'm not the only once contemplates a similar commercially available version for OSx86. The main arguments behind the commercial iPhone hack is that it supports the consumer's right to choose and it actually benefits Apple by giving them access to new revenue sources. It is similar to OSx86 except that it is choice of hardware instead of software and it cuts Apple's dream of a hardware empire although arguably giving them a fortune. But more important is that the commercial iPhone hack, if it goes unchallenged, sets a de-facto new precedent for this sort of application.

With careful planning you can envision a hack that does not disrupt apple's rights - a manual installer, a method of making install dvds and new installs bootable w/o duplication of the disk, although a bit tougher that the iPhone hack, certainly possible. And if such sales were made by a LLC (limited liability corporation) the individuals would face little/no legal liabilities other than the money they make.

This is in many ways a rhetorical question/post, so don't turn this into a flame war as often happens. The positive answer to this question is much more interesting than the negative one ie. "If you don't like the U.S. why don't you move to Canada" type. Then there is also the question of whether there is anyone who would actually be willing to pursue such a goal / take such a risk.

Big difference in hacking a common hardware platform to support more software options than hacking a software OS to support a huge varied hardware platform.

Apple needs to be a hardware "empire" and I highly suspect as a software only company they wouldn't make a fortune in the long run.
Illegal versions would skyrocket. Let's not forget MS bread and butter is office, not the OS.

"Let's not forget MS bread and butter is office, not the OS."

Is it? Secondly whether or not it is in apple's best interest is secondary. If you have a legitimate copy of OS X and a hack that provides for fair use that is a macrocosm of the iPhone scenario.

Absolutely.


If you take a narrow or short-term view. If an OS becomes unprofitable, where is the incentive for a company to continue or improve it.
So in essence all the work to make a "legit"/Fair Use installer for non-Apple hardware becomes a moot point for many.


The entire Fair Use argument is a mess in North America and unfortunately doesn't side with the consumer in many cases.

The DMCA prohibits the circumventing software's access controls but the US Copyright Office declared that unlocking mobile phones for lawful use is not considered a violation of law. The biggest misconception out there is that this exemption would protect the people distributing the software, and that is wrong. While the provision protects the act of unlocking the phone, the distribution of tools and code is not afforded the same exemption.

Although I think we all agree we should be able to do whatever we want with something we buy, (Fair Use), seems the courts don't always agree and when it comes to distribution of these tools, they are much clearer and restrictive.

The commercial iphone hack is not going to hit Apple at all which is why Apple will never sue them. If somebody is going to sue it will be AT&T and even that's unlikely. What you want to do will put Apple in a different position. Apple freely provides OSX to Mac users in exchange for buying Apple's hardware. That is how Apple makes their profit and you'll be pulling the rug out from underneath them. Be prepared to recieve a "cease and desist" or lose your ass in court. Not trying to be an ass here, I am trying to warn you of what you can expect. If you release OSX86 commercially in a country that actually respects copywrite law, you will be screwed hard. To be quite frank you would deserve it too. You didn't develop OSX and you did not develop the hacks that allow it to be run on non Apple hardware. You have no claim to any aspect of OSX or OSX86. Your actions would also bring heat down on sites like this because Apple would be afraid that more people would be trying to pull the same stunt.

We all use OSX86 here and we are not trying to make money from Apple's R&D. We are pooling our knowledge here in an effort to save money and to gain knowedge. Most of us here have enough sense to buy a real Mac when funds permit not only because we want a turn key system, but also to help support the company that has developed this OS so the OS has a future. In a nutshell, don't get greedy because you will regret it.

Have a nice day.