Jump to content
10 posts in this topic

Recommended Posts

My iMac G5's logic board went kaput this morning so I'm looking for a new computer.

 

I'm wondering if OSx86 is just something fun to tinker with or is it a viable setup, where once I install it and get all the kinks worked out, I won't have to worry about it?

 

Basically, I'm looking at a laptop with OSx68 to be my everyday computer. I can handle some hell in the beginning when I have to install OS X, but other than that, I would like for it to run like my iMac.

Link to comment
https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/139219-is-osx86-a-hobby-or-a-real-os/
Share on other sites

Well, it can be both. For me, I use OSx86 both on my Desktop and Laptop as my main, stable OS. My desktop dual boots a very small (40GB) windows partition, and Linux (can't go without it), but I use OS X as my daily, main OS. On my Laptop, which I use all day, 5 days a week at college I have only OSx86 installed, and it works great. With some of the new advancements like boot-132, etc, you can really get a great and stable machine working. It really depends on the amount of time and energy you want to put into a system, and making a good purchase to ensure that you do not get stuck with hardware that will not ever function.

My build is mildly hacked. Boot132 DFE is a fairly minor hacking of the system, especially if you have a graphics card like the 8800GT that you can add a graphics string for and not add any additional kext files. My work computers are Macs, my personal laptop is a mac. My personal desktop now is OSX86, however I picked up a copy of Leopard at my local Apple Store. OSX86 does not have to be about hacking and piracy. It should be about modding what you already own.

 

As far as if it is a real OS, the answer is yes, I have zero compatibility issues, and I forget from time to time that I am not running Apple hardware, as everything works as it should.

Basically, I'm looking at a laptop with OSx68 to be my everyday computer.

 

Desktop: OSX on a PC is perfectly viable as an everyday desktop computer. I've been using my signature systems (DQ6 is upgrade from the DS4) as my main system for months now, and loving it, and have built many reliable OSx86 systems for friends and others. Pick the right parts for a retail install (pretty hard to get more 'real' than the actual OS from Apple), follow a good guide, and you're set.

 

Laptop: unless one finds a particularly cheap laptop that's known to work extremely well and is willing to put up with one or two issues (like sleep not working on many models) then I'd say you'd do better to get an actual MacBook. On the other hand if one is willing to put up with the few issues (personally, I rarely use sleep with any of my computers, so I don't care if it works or not) then a fully supported laptop will suit fine. Just make sure you do a lot of research and know what the pitfalls are.

once setted up, it is, what you like to have it.

 

if you

don´t try any new upgrade, kext, etc. at first sight, which may for various reasons mess up your system,

can spend a little more time in setting the system up and invest to learn more about your hardware,

and prefer a desktop, laptops need to solve the powermanagement battery autothrottle story, which i rate a little experimental for a working machine at the moment ( though great progress is elaborated by the xlab teams)

 

you get a working system, which is up to you, what you do with it.

Well, it's good to hear that it runs fineand even better that a lot of people seem to have OSx86 running fairly well on the Dell Vostro 1510, so...

 

I bought a Dell Vostro 1510

1.8GHz core duo

3GB RAM

160GB HD

NVIDIA GeForce 8400

DVD player/burner

Dell 1505 wireless card

all for $792.98

 

I could have gotten the last gen basic Macbook for $892.99 but that would have come with the Intel graphics and 1GB of RAM, and a smaller HD... but finances are tight now and even $100 saved is a good thing. I was not expecting my iMac to die so soon (3.5yrs), my parents have one of the first gen G5 Power Macs and it has been running fine for 7yrs.

 

That, and I think this will be fun. School is slowing down for the next few months and I have some time to play with it. My friends know I'm a mac user and are shocked to see I am buying a dell now. Can't wait to see their faces when I show them OS X on it... hehehe.

 

It won't get here until the 19th, so I have some time to start prepping the OSx86 install.

×
×
  • Create New...