<![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs? - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs? - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @Boots_Mcoy: The only problem with that is once people realized they couldn't run any good apps on OSX they would switch back to Windows.

I would dual boot Vista and OSX if I could. That way I can at least play with OSX and still do real stuff on a computer with Vista :) OSX is like playing with linux they are really only good for a few things. I can do EVERYTHING with Windows. (not to mention I can put any hardware in my windows/linux machine)

Krutch

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Dual boot it! Windows for gaming, OSX for everything else.

C4WDeX

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> As a consumer, we always want more & better options, preferably at lower and lower prices. Thus, it will never be surprising to see potential appeal to running OS X on non-Apple hardware.

It is somewhat surprising, however, to see consumers who are "satisfied" with supposedly having their choices narrowed and paying more. Of course, the first question one should ask is: are these assumptions TRUE?

Considering that Macs can boot into Windows, the software choices aren't really narrowed...its actually wider than on a Windows PC (since it can't legally boot into OS X). Similarly, when features are compared on a parity basis, what is found isn't that Macs are "more expensive" as much as that some gaps exist in the product line. The Apple "mini-tower" is the poster child here, even though it really represents a niche (but a very vocal one).

My thoughts are that this poll is a tad over-simplistic, but it does somewhat illustrate that there's a lot of Windows dissatisfaction (thus, interest in OS X as an alternative), as well as a healthy group of satisfied Apple customers.

And insofar as the underlying question of if a Mac customer would be interested in buying a clone, that's never really going to be a clear yes/no question: it really depends on how seriously Apple is going to support 3rd Party (if at all) and if it is more favorable financially. For example, Apple could add DRM controls to OS X installs (like MS has done) and jack up the MSRP to $500/copy - - that would technically make all of the "Open" people happy, even though in reality very little would change because the markup of using non-Apple-branded hardware will make it less cost competitive than the "Genuine Apple".

The bottom line is that Windows is proprietary too, so this complaint OS X is a bogus one. Many consumers assume that ubiquity also means interchangeability, even though they should have seen enough revisions of Windows and Office breaking things to realize that this really isn't the case.

Bottom line? Each consumer on his own makes his definition of his priorities and how he determines 'value'; one buys what makes sense to you, but only when you're actually in the market. From a lifecycle risk perspective, Apple is looking very good today and Vista remains an albatross around Microsoft's neck, and IMO, this is unlkel to change for the typical ~3 year lifecycle of a PC.

-hh

[www.huntzinger.com]

-hh

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I'd rather install XP on a Macbook Pro, if they had a delete key, right touchpad button etc. Given that Apple are now just making nice PC's, why can't they give them the extras and increase their appeal?

cjdshaw

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @legacye: I was suggesting that if people had the option of trying a dual boot system they might find a lot of ordinary users who would find that they like OSX, and that might result in some real switchers. The problem now is that people have to make a real commitment to get a dual boot system - they have to buy a Mac and then install Windows. I personally haven't used a Mac in about 20 years because I need to use Windows for work and I am not convinced that Mac OS can do what I need. But for $100 or $200 I'd give it a try and who knows, if Apple hardware is really that much better my next machine might be a Mac.

weatherman

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I would love to run OS X on my Lenovo ThinkPad T61 since the audio stack in OS X is much better than the audio stack in Vista, which is better for music production. However, MacBooks and MacBook Pros are much less durable than ThinkPads...lots of my friends have them and complain about rampant hardware issues...why else does Apple need Genius Bars? When I had a MacBook it fell apart after a while. If only the beautiful operating system it ran could be freed onto other hardware...

artvanderbilt

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> LINUX FTW!

linux works on everything... even my wristwatch...

mrbob1000

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I've been trying to leave Windows for the past 3 months. If only Ubuntu supported my hidden SSID :-(

Mrrix32

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> You can't compare Mac to Windows though. Windows takes more processing speed and doesn't last as long. What people for some reason still don't grasp is, they can spend 1500 on a new base mac that will last for 4+ years (the one I'm typing on is a $3000 powerbook from summer '04 and still runs perfectly, barring a ram upgrade), or you can spend $500-$600 on a base PC from dell or HP every year and a half or so to keep up with technology and keep your computer working.

Brodieman

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I wouldn't DITCH Ubuntu (Windows has been out of my personal life for a while now) but i would DEFINITELY dual boot.

I've seen OSX running on a dell inspiron 8600, but i dont have the HD space or the fortitude or the need for it.

nutbastard

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Part of the appeal of OSX is that it's pretty slim compared to Windows. A huge portion of that advantage goes away if you start supporting arbitrary hardware.

I doubt, however, they would lose control of architectural changes as badly as Windows has (essentially supporting cruft in the OS because third-party hardware suppliers screwed something up). They tend to expect external parties to keep up with their changes rather than putting in a ridiculous amount of back-compat effort.

RaifBU

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I recall an article way back in MacWeek. Though not specific, it raised some points.

One analogy is that if you were Mercedes (Diamler-Benz) and folks stated how great it would be to have cheaper (sic affordable) Mercedes-Benz automobiles, and that you could just sell the motor and ride, but leave the rest of the car to makers like Opel or Yugo...would not Mercedes make more money on parts and sales of engines/suspension?

You see what is coming, don't you.

Clones, although a short-term answer to an long-term cost are nothing useful except to the cheap; plain and simple.

Quality, performance, support, integration, drivers...these were all issues with the Power Mac clones.(Daystar, CompuADD, Umax, PowerComputing, Starmax...).
Were they that much cheaper?
Did they feature innovative design and functions?
All they did, was facilitate a license fee. Did they increase the user base? No, they merely took Apple (hardware) customers away and moved them to Umax, Motorola, and others. The market share didn't double or quadruple with clones for Apple. It was at a low. Amelio's grand plan didn't materialize. But, he did bring in Jobs.

SigmundTheSeaMonster

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @imTheKing: I would most definitely not call Hitachi's higher quality than WD's. In fact, WDs and Seagates are widely hailed as the best of the best in the hard drive industry. Hitachi's hard drives division used to be IBM's, and they're the ones who had the whole "Deathstar" fiasco a few years back. I still wouldn't quite say that Hitachis are necessarily bad drives these days (I've got quite a few in the computers at work, and they generally perform OK), but frankly, there's a reason that WD and Seagate both give the longest warranty of any hard drive brand.

Never buy a Maxtor, though. They are absolute garbage.

HeartBurnKid, creepy morbid freak

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> bleh the damn comments are locked once again. Gizmodo, any clue why comments sometimes don't go through unless you post an additional time on the same forum?

imTheKing

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @luciusad2004: I dont think its necessarily the fact that they feel the internals are better, but its more of the fact that the externals are better. Hands down, Apple's treatments for casing and conceptive products is top notch. You compared even some of the better main stream looking computers such as the Vaio's to the MacBooks and there's still a much better build quality. I would hope that everyone realized the internals are indeed the same internals (Intel Xeons are Intel Xeons and Hitachi Harddrives are Hitachi Harddrives). I do have to put in the extra tidbit that Apple also does tend to occasionally use a higher quality product in terms of Harddrives (aka Hitachi vs. WD which is used in most large PC Venders).

imTheKing

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @imTheKing: It absolutely was, for me. As with all things, YMMV. The best advice I could give is, try the Live CD first. If it works under the Live CD, that means it will work after install with zero configuration. If anything doesn't work under the Live CD, it might be worth doing a little homework before taking the plunge to see just how easy it would be to configure.

You might take a look at [ubuntuforums.org] -- they even have a special subforum for Mac users, where you can ask questions specifically about using Ubuntu on Apple hardware.

HeartBurnKid, creepy morbid freak

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @HeartBurnKid: Was Ubuntu really that easily installed? I'm actually curious to try out Ubuntu on my Mac so that would be a nice initiative knowing its easy to install.

imTheKing

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I would most likely dual boot. Its kinda odd, I feel that my situation is reversed of most people. Being a programmer turned designer, I'm a heavy linux/windows user, but my work computer is a Mac. Our studio has over 200 Macs and only a hand full of PCs to run the linux servers and 3D design software. So I'm continually going back and forth between the two.

While every one here seems to think quite highly of the Mac hardware, I'm beginning to question the quality of some of what they put in their computers. We have a room of 30-40 Macs all broken, and waiting to be sent off for repair. From broken ports, shattered disk drives to failed all-in-one screens I've seen it all. There isn't anything different between Mac hardware and standard computer hardware. A PC/Mac is only as good as the components that make it up. Opening OS/X wouldn't change that. The only thing that would have to change is support for a wider range of hardware.

The Hackintosh is the prefect example of why Apple should consider opening the OS. So long as they continue this outdated and stuck up attitude, the piracy of their OS will only increase. Their only hope is that the insane markup on their hardware compensates for loss. Personally I'll never purchase a $10k computer when I can build the exact same computer for only $1500.

rayblasdel

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> i would'nt switch but i would have both running on one machine. what's appealing to me about microsoft is that anyone with a small budget can build a machine running windows, unfortunately you cant do that with apple. it hurts them because not everyone can afford a 3000 dollar machine that it is hardly upgradable and within a year it will be replaced with a newer model and better specs. that's good for apple but not good for the consumer that just spent a whole lot of cash.

kabron

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @newSeasons: The Mac you bought a year ago is exactly the same hardware as a PC. What makes a PC "crappy" (following your logic) is the OS, not the hardware. The point of the discussion is that the cost of Mac hardware is limiting the exposure of the OS. If you could have the Mac experience (OSX) for 30% less money, wouldn't that be a good thing?

Spetsdod

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> The smartest thing I did was swich to mac a year ago. I cant believe it took me this long. Why would I go and put such an amazing operating system an a crapy PC? Get Macs people!

newSeasons

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I would consider dual-booting, mainly for business reasons (I'm in IT, so knowing the different OSes is important), but I wouldn't dump Windows. I like Windows, and the Mac OS seems counter-intuitive to me.

TurboFool

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Interesting results. With MS Windows at such a vulnerable moment, Mac OSX could easily swoop in and steal a chunk of market share. I always wondered if this is why Macs went Intel.

I wouldn't be surprised if OSX started having compatibility problems like Vista does when all of a sudden it's expected to support thousands of different pieces of hardware.

crackle

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @tutelary: I actually did run OS X on my HP laptop. It wasn't bad but limited driver support for my 2004 laptop. If you have a current machine it actually might be a worthwhile endeavor. It was nice to take some shots of OS X running on it, and tinker around with it, but really it was just a novelty. I think I still have it on a spare drive somewhere. I really like what Ubuntu has to offer btw.

iiviip3

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I always wanted to try the Mac OS for longer than just messing around with one at a store. But for the same reason that I don't have a Mac, money, I don't have OSX either.

maven2k

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I have often said that what limits OSX from gaining a larger market share is software availability, games mostly. People are generally stuck using Windows because most games require it. Business applications are generally available cross platform already (not all, just the big ones that matter). If OSX was available to run on non-proprietary hardware, it would increase the market presence of the OS. Within 3-5 years (about the time it takes many people to upgrade their computers) game developers would start to realize that more people would be using OSX and it would be beneficial to start releasing OSX ports of their games. The only thing I do on my Windows PC at home that I can't do on my Mac at home is game. If I could play the games I want to play on OSX, I would switch from Windows.

Windows Vista is the biggest boon for OSX that ever could have existed.

Spetsdod

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @wonkydonky: Yeah, you haven't actually used Ubuntu, have you? Or any mainstream Linux distro in the last 5 years? (by "Mainstream" I mean, Ubuntu, Red Hat, and the like, not Slackware or Debian) Seriously, you just sound incredibly ignorant with that comment. My current Ubuntu install required far less manual configuration than my last Windows XP install. Almost everything "just worked", to turn a phrase from the Macheads. The only thing that did not? MIDI synthesis. Big whoop.

Now, granted, I use good old-fashioned wired networking (as opposed to wireless, which is still a sore spot for Linux), but that still seems like a pretty damn good achievement for a fresh-out-of-the-box OS install on a home-built PC.

HeartBurnKid, creepy morbid freak

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Keeping Mac hardware_

Keeping Mac software_

the end_

uberfu

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Nothing to gain. WIth OSX having to run on different platforms and having to rely on multiple hardware vendors to write drivers to work with it all the "reliabliity" of OSX would be gone.

So you would be left with a pretty OS that suffers the same issues with bad drivers as Windows but runs 1/5th the software at best.

archercc

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I can say that I would be much more inclined to own a Mac in addition to my Windows machines, but I can't say that I would switch. I'm in IT and there is just too much that I do on a PC that a MAC just doesn't have the tools for. Although higher market share = more development so I'd love to see it happen. People are so successful with Hackintoshes (PC-EFI ftw) these days though, if you wanted a semi-legal non-Mac Mac then you can just build one yourself for less then a quarter of the price of an equivalent Mac.

Personally I'm just not willing to pay the premium to be a Mac owner. Mac would definitely have to overcome their price point for me to even consider inviting them into my life. No matter how much I make...

Rhodizzle

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> yeah, I choose "other". I would dual boot. Gamers need Windows.

axiomatic

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> This is a silly question. Face facts guys, if most OSX users had any real knowledge in the realm of computer usage, they wouldn't have had all the "problems" that led them to macs in the first place. Is Windows flawed? Sure, by the fact that malicious software writers have seen fit to target it, and by the fact that MS needs it's OS to run on as many computers AS POSSIBLE, as opposed to OSX which give you sub-par hardware in a pretty case and then marks it up >133% for stability...
That said, I run linux/win because I like to know I'm running on the best hardware in the best environments I can put together. Sorry Steve-o, some how after looking inside your macs, I just can't trust your judgement.


neonrush

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Tough question really - currently Apple hardware just seems a lot better than what else is out there. If some competitor came out with a compellingly better box and I could easily install OSX onto it, I would probably switch. Currently I'm not aware of any such device though.

cbandes

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Apple doesn't want this. They keep every idiot from using their hardware and OS by creating a barrier to entry. The really really high price point. You almost have to assume that someone that can afford an Apple computer is slightly more educated with a higher paying job. Or is able to apply for a credit card.

I use to work for an ISP. We offered broadband in areas that only had dial-up before. Trying to teach all the former AOL user how to use the Internet was funny and frustrating. Apple doesn't want these kind of customers.

Of course MS has these customers and they don't do shit for them. A knowledge base and a pay per incident support system. I have only known one person that has paid for MS support.

wkm001

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I'd definitely abandon my almost non-upgradeable imac for a low cost, high performance non-proprietary mac. I don't care if my mac looks like a mac, I use it for the OS.

I've already been considering a hackintosh, but it seems like a bit too much headache at the time being.

weendex

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @Boots_Mcoy: If you were to Price match the configurations for High end Dell's or HP's to a the Apple computers, you'd see Mac's are cheaper.

The Mac Pro is about $2K cheaper.

pomophobe

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I already ran OSX and ditched that to go back to Linux. No way I'm going back to it. It's just like Windows.

Ffred

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> No I wouldn't switch from XP but if I could buy OSX for what $100 and multi-boot then I certainly would add it to the mix...

Apple are crazy for not allowing OSX to be sold free from excessive hardware fees.

lauriek

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I've just bought a new iMac, so I wouldn't switch just yet.
However if I could homebuild myself a beast that rivals a Mac Pro for horsepower, AND I could shoehorn OS X onto it - then yeah, I'm sure I could be tempted.

Nickbee

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Also, if people keep trying to say that Apple computers aren't actually expensive I'm going to break down. I even saw a comparison in some magazine that tried to come to that conclusion, even though the PC they compared the the MacBook was the same price and had higher specs. I've sat around using my $600 Vaio (with VISTA) while my friend uses his $2000 MBP and seen it crash more often (honestly, the only time Vista crashes is when I'm reading Digg comments, and that flaw probably extends to every OS ever created).

Charles

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I think a decent amount of people would switch if OS X ran on normal hardware, but not as many as one would think based on their current growth. It has to be realized that a lot of their sales come from the design of their hardware and really has nothing to do with OS X besides the fact that it's good enough. Also, Apple makes the vast majority of their profit on hardware; letting people install OS X on regular hardware would undermine their entire operation. They would probably have to raise the price of OS X and include anti-piracy measures (they don't have any currently because they don't really make any money from people buying OS X). And finally you just have to realize that OS X is so stable because it runs on such a limited supply of hardware. It's not going to be anywhere near as "good" as it currently is if you let it run on lots of random machines.

Charles

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I have already built two HackIntosh...so my answer is obvious. OSX on PC hardware is the next leap in computing evolution. Embrace it.

Lester56

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> No.

Apple has built a reputation for reliability, durability and dependability with me over the last 11 years. The one time I had a problem, they stood behind their product beautifully. Ditch that kind of peace of mind to save a few bucks? Aw, hell, no!

By the way, it should have been, "If OSX WERE available . . ." C'mon, guys, subjunctive!!!

macFanDave

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @Darkstar: even for free: [www.freebsd.org]

krom

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> You can already install OS-X on non-mac hardware....it's called BSD.

Darkstar

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @coketown: starting being funny here? most my mates here (btw. all unix system admin or engineers or developers) are using Macs as there privat computers. to much solaris sux, so once in a live you want to have a UNIX with a nice graphical gui. (and don't dare to mention linux now).

krom

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @ILikeMacsWhatAboutIT: lol. i only give em 2 years. the last 5 years were pure luck having a share gain from 10$ to 170$. think i even have to buy a new ipod and a mac book air to keep them alive for another 2 years.

krom

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> No way, my MacBook Pro is the sexiest thing since sliced bread. And that is sexy. You know it.

I'd probably port my other Windows machine to it, or at least dual boot.

Narfmaster

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Linux is only free if your time is worth nothing.

Have fun needlessly tweaking base-38 reverse-polar command line, and memorizing router tables while the rest of the world actually gets some work done.

:P

wonkydonky

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Lenovo hardware with OSX would be pretty sweet...

Right now Apple makes no money off me, though I do play around with Hackintosh. If they had an enthusiast version out, they would make a little money off me (just a little as I'm not apt to buy their hardware).

No money < Some money

Seems like a no-brainer to me, but what would I know...

SomeAudioGuy

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> as a macbook pro owner, i'll say, without regret. I'd trade up for a laptop with better screen res and two frkkin mouse buttons.. and no 2 finger touchpad resting click doesn't count as a second trackpad button.. CMON APPLE.

h00ligan

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> for at least the last 10yrs Apple has had a second Dev team creating its OS for IBM compatibles just in case they ever needed to survive if they lost their hardware market share.

Well as it turns out they decided to jump ship chip maker wise so their efforts made for a quick smooth transition. And that also means that their OS is now ready to port to a true PC environment.

It would only be a gain for them because they could capture a larger market share very quickly, why they haven't done it yet is beyond me.

And most adopters would probably dual boot to get the best of both worlds, Apple OS for creative concerns and Windows for everyday stuff and games.

dOk

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Am i right in thinking that mac has the largest hardware market share? if not, i know there pretty high up.

Yes OS vs OS windows is on top. But as hardware vs hardware apple are laughing! people seem to always miss this fact.

Jakus

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> The emotions seem to run high on the choice between OS X and Windows. I have used Irix (SGI) and now OS X. The hardware is expensive but every machine I have purchased continues to function with very little maintenance. The appeal of OS X is in its Unix core. The sentiments expressed in comments on this topic mirror the days when people would tinker with their cars and there was the guy down the road with a showroom Corvette; OS X is the Corvette.
Whatever gets you where you need to go in the way you need to get there makes the choice.

keithgravity

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @GoodBytes: "Mac OS X is not better.. Apple computer hardware is better than a Dell 200$ laptop that people keep buying (that is why Mac is so called "faster")"

Yes, but on similar hardware, OS X is still more responsive than XP or Vista. Don't take my word for it, look up tech reviews and you will see that for yourself. The hardware difference is major...when you buy an Apple computer, you can expect the hardware to last a while and still get the job done, but the OS plays a vital role as well.

geowrian

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Other.

You'll have to pry my Linux install from my cold, dead fingers.

OSX's point and drool interface registers just below the "going postal" threshold on my annoyance meter.

qupada

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I love my Macbook Pro, but if another hardware manufacturer came out with another laptop that could run Mac OS X without any hardware conflicts or incompatibility issues, and if the laptop was well made, and had desirable features that the current Apple laptops are currently missing (like a docking station, better positioning of ports, or a tablet type of screen), I would definitely consider buying one.

And it's not about the cost for me.. If the alternate hardware was similarly priced, I'd still consider buying it.. it's more about quality of hardware components, and compatibility for me.

rtcruz1

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I love my Macbook Pro, but if I could run Mac OS X on a hardware that had other desirable features that the Apple laptops are currently lacking, such as a docking station, better positioning of ports, or a tablet type of function... and all my apps worked the same way without any hardware conflicts.. then I would definitely buy it.. even if it was similarly priced.. For me, as long as the quality is there in the hardware, and the compatibility is not an issue, it would be a compelling reason for me to consider buying another alternative.

rtcruz1

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Not in a million year would I ever run OSX on a non Mac based system. Windows sucks big time and if they carry on the way they are doing right now, things are gonna go downhill fast.
As for running Mac OSX on a Dell i.e., well thats just wrong, just like running XP on a Mac is wrong.
You wanna PC buy one, you wanna Mac buy one. So stop crying people you either go for Windows and put up with their CRAP, or you buy a Mac and put up with their CRAP.

RoDe

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I notice alot of people seem to think mac hardware is magically better.... hate to break it to you... but its the fucking same shit that you would find in these "crap" PC's you guys are hating on. Oh i forgot, it has hardware level DRM so that OSX knows that it's ok to boot, and it uses EFI instead of BIOS, But otherwise its the same "crap" you would find in a decent PC. Intel chips, Intel Motherboards, Nvidia graphics(I think), I heard the ram is just OEM crucial or corsair. It's just a PC. Same crap + DRM to lock you down. Nothing special about it. Though i will admit that I think the strict control on hardware is part of the reason OS X works as well as it does. Not that i think that is a good excuse to keep it proprietary.

luciusad2004

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Only if the applications I need are available for the OS.

I haven't cared about an operating system since I started with a Sinclair.

skulldriveshaft

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I would throw OS X on a home built PC in a heart beat. The biggest thing that sucks about apple's line up is that w/ the exception of the mac pro (which costs an arm, a leg, and a handjob for steve),apple machines aren't meant to be tampered w/. Not all consumers just want a magic box. Yes, the iMac is gorgeous... but would i buy one? hell no.

luciusad2004

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> On my main desktop, I would continue to run Windows XP. It stills runs relatively fast, and is compatible with all the software (including games) natively.

On a laptop, it would be a toss-up between a distro of Linux, and OSX, depending on which would run apps faster, and take up less space on the hard-drive.

aR-Tard

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @weatherman: They should sell it for a cent, then. Imagine the revenues!

Hell, if they sell it for $0.00, they'll have infinite revenues. Just like Linux.

kvasi

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]>

@VaccaFoeda: I've never understood why Apple didn't make the OS available for IBM-compatible hardware. Microsoft turned themselves into a multi billion dollar company through software alone, and Apple had a product that people, sick of Microsoft's dominance, were calling out for: an alternative OS. Apple didn't need the hardware to become huge. They could have done it with software.

Right. Because all it takes to conquer the world is to offer up an alternative OS that people will buy to replace the one that came "free" on their computer.

This is why everyone today is running OS/2 Warp.

someToast

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> bleh i think comments are frozen on giz or something. Takes forever to post.

imTheKing

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @KenK: and to answer your question, Yes the whole "Macs are more expensive" gibberish has been debunked by everyone including your very own PC world. I even believe I saw an article not too long ago on Forbes as well as CPU about how the price difference argument is old and no long holds water.

imTheKing

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I would never give up my Mac's. They are simply the most solid machines I've come across. OSX runs flawlessly (knocks on wood) and everything comes together much faster when I work on a mac. Granted I work in Video / Mobile but I've been able to switch 7 PC users that use their computers for general work / surfing / family photos / videos and all of the normal consumer uses without any issues. I would continue buying Mac hardware whether a cheap alternative came out or not.

imTheKing

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I haven't had a bad Mac yet, and AppleCare has always taken good care of me. No way would I exchange that for some third-party box-o-crap PC.

The ONLY reason people bitch about upgrading hardware on lower-cost Macs is because they want to put a monster video card in it, and then run Windows to play games.

Apple's hardware is optimized for the software made for OS X. Putting a high-end video card in an OS X computer isn't going to provide many benefits for most OS X applications.

If you want a gaming rig, then BUILD A GAMING RIG that runs Windows. If you want a stable computer for everything else, get a Mac.

You could also just play your games on an Xbox 360 or PS3. Everything works, no driver woes, and your computer is not tied up.

I honestly can't think of any OS X applications that needs a high-end video card, and if you DO need a high-end video card then you're probably a professional running some serious applications, and would be better off with a Mac Pro anyway.

ZeroCorpse

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I also don't understands why people say the Zune sucks. When it came out it was better than the current Ipod that was out. And although I've never used the Ipod touch I can't imagine that adding much in terms of functionality... I personally disliked the ipods "touch wheel". Of course, I own an IPod -- the Zune wasn't out when I bought it.

Rabid Penguin

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> What is people's issues with Vista? I've been running Vista for a long while now and haven't had any problems with it. I game, I do software development, etc, and I've never had any issues. Everything I own seems to run fine on it, including my old DOS games.

Rabid Penguin

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I actually made an opposite switch (From the one in the Poll) in the last 2 years, I went from all windows on all sorts of PC's to almost all OSX on all Apple Brand PC's (no hackintosh here) with XP as a dual boot option that i almost never use except for the occasional game.

When did Steve Jobs take over my life?

LankySean

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Apple's dilemma: 2.7% worldwide sales and a non-player in real world computing...losing fanboys.

Apple's REAL dilemma: Fanboys wake up and realize how much they have been overpaying Steveeeeboy for his wildly overpriced proprietary junk created soley for the non-tech "Starbuck" simpletons who will pay anything just to be too cool.

If I am a Windows user, why in this world would I be interested in restricting myself to an OS that was so limited in software that I could not function with the rest of the business world beyond the basics.

If the fanboys feel they have been protected by the stability and security of the Mac OS, just wait a little while as Apple tries to play nice with Microsoft's base. All these years of targeting such a small base with highly proprietary hardware and software has rendered them irrelevant in the business community.

Sorry to burst your bubble...just being a realist.

rookwood

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Vista is the reason why I'm switching to Mac. I would rather stick to Apple hardware than non proprietary. Sure it seems like a good concept but it's a terrible idea. For one there always the probability of kernel panics, software not working in parts of iLife, and other issues due to hardware. Basically u get what you pay for (if you're gonna buy one of those mac clones). Most of the time people who use mac clones and hackintoshs have to deal with sound issues, no wifi (due to Airport drivers = only Apple hardware), and some times you can get bios issues.

The thing that makes me laugh even more about these people who want mac clones is the fact that you'll never get to use a software update without crashing your pc and then having to reinstall Leopard.

CGrant

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> That picture = Why OS X is Apple-hardware-only

Wouldn't trade my MBP for anything else. I've never seen anything that would make me want to switch. Went through 3 Dell's before it and had pretty bad experiences with all of them. Keep OS X on Apple hardware only.

whits

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> If Apple announced they were releasing a PC version of OSX, there would be a tidal wave of bugs, errors and security holes. The Apple side would argue it's the fault of the 'generic hardware' being used, but the PR damage would be done. Ever since back in the day when MacOS had a single 'System' file, that if corrupted would render the install useless, I never took Apple seriously as a software company. While OSX is leaps and bounds better, I don't feel confident there's enough of a focus on security and stability from a company that's M.O. is oversimplification. Apple is better off hiding its software flaws underneath a shiny hood like they have all along.
On the flipside, I do enjoy using Macs for graphic design and print related media and feel the more expensive, proprietary hardware is out-of-box faster at rendering than most homebrew PCs, but at the same time it only takes a person with a reasonable amount of knowledge and less money to build a PC that's faster.
To sum up, if you have a specific set of tasks you want to carry out and aren't much for tooling with system settings, etc. save yourself some time by spending a bit extra on a Mac.

konshuss

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I've been using Macs since System 7 actually earlier and the reason I have consistently stuck with them for personal use is that they just work.
I've always used them for graphic arts purposes or AV so I'm a target user for them.
In the past I always have wished there were more programs created for the Mac OS but these days I find there is nothing I can't do on a Mac that I would need a PC for.
As for my paying job I'm a PC user by requirement and former AIX user.
I do remember the short period when Apple licensed their OS to other Hardware manufacturers and those systems pretty much sucked.
I have a feeling that if Apple were to do it again they would hold some functionality back some how.
Steve Jobs is such a pecker that way

Boognish

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I would probably still pay the premium for my computer to be a "mac" just because I love the styling. Yes, its mainly the OS that you care about, but i love having a well designed laptop and not just another laptop that looks like the rest out there

Pepper

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> dual boot.

japFA

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Nope. I would stick to Windows, everything I do with my computer on daily basis (work, games, internet) is inferior on OSX compared to Windows. It might have been diffrent if I was living in US, but aside from few (very few) countries OSX is basicaly ignored by local software makers.
I work at law firm (part time as I'm still 2 years off from a law degree) here in Poland and every software we need for work (including the most important: LEX) is avaible only on Windows (few are also for Linux, but none supports OSX).
Simply put from my persective OSX has absymal software support, so I would never switch to it.

AdrianWerner

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Hasn't this already happened???
[lifehacker.com]

cybereality

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I used windows for 10 years, as my parents always chose price over anything else when it came to technology they themselves weren't going to use anyway.

Now that I make my own financial decisions? Apple.

Preview, drag and drop file openings, no drivers... sometimes i forget how nice it is having OSX until i go back home and try checking my e-mail on XP hell.

But, then again, i'm only one man.

max crabb

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> drivers. I think what made mac so successful is the controlled environment, which comes with it's inherent limits. I feel like driver updates even with the limited hardware come very slowly on macs.

capitalass

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Hasn't the overpriced Mac myth been debunked already? Several magazines have compared Macs and PCs on a per component basis and the Mac's usually come out looking great. The Mac doesn't have a low-end market unless you count the Mini (which is not a bad machine in it's own niche). I'd rather pay up front and get longer life out of my Mac than constantly upgrade a $500 Wal-Mart PC.

As for the OS, I think it's awesome. It does more of what I want to do out of the box than Windows. Is it for gamers? No, no not at all sadly. I hope Apple or Parallels can address this sufficiently in the near future.

KenK

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I'd trade my mac in a heartbeat and put OSX on a more competent box. Of course I HAVE a great box that had Vista on it until SP1 came out (Thanks too MS for bricking my bios....).

So many comments out there suggesting that Apple software and hardware works together, that the hardware makes the software what it is.....what a load of garbage. All the the hardware/software combo does is ties Apple into a closed loop system. Love my OSX, but put it on a affordable computer, let software developers develop for it, and have the best of both worlds.

gawenzler

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I probably wouldn't ditch WinXP... too many exclusive apps I use.
But I would definitely try it, and depending on the experience, dual boot it.

Bokusatsu_Tenshi

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> If you think about it, it's amazing Windows even works at all. It has to be installed on any myriad of hardware and software configurations. I think what makes osx so stable is because all platform options (i-mac, macbook, macbook pro, gtowers etc) are standardized. Software engineers know exactly what they're working with and that has to make it easier to develop a stable platform. Allowing other computers to use OSX may work perfectly (and would likely kill Windows), but I doubt it. I think it would create inherent instablity and is the reason I love my MacBook Pro and OSX. As a former Windows user and a tech guy, I'll never go back. Unless OSXI sucks.

afranks

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I said I would stay on Apple hardware, but that resolve is eroding.

Apple really needs to get its act together on the quality front. The heat, display, backlight, noise, clicking, fit and finish, etc, etc, issues in Apple hardware is getting painful.

It wasn't too long ago that opening an Apple box was pure joy.

Not, it is still a beautiful experience, but it is no longer pure joy because you fear the quality problems.

My new Air is the best hardware I have had in years. Clearly, this was a pet Steve project. But the backlighting is backwards and there is leaking light in the case seam from poor manufacturing. And I consider myself lucky.

Apple needs to get its act together while the market is still a mess. Because if I were Sony or Dell, this is how I would be targeting Apple. The Vista advantage will not last forever.

B. Whaler

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> If I was still on Windows, I probably would. However, I'm using Ubuntu and absolutely loving it now, so probably not.

HeartBurnKid, creepy morbid freak

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> So much disinformation in this discussion. My Macbook Pro is $200 LESS than some ugly, heavy, similarly equipped Dell laptop. For what I need in a portable I, and most editors, agree, the MacBook Pro is the best professional laptop. So, no I wouldn't switch to generic PC hardware.

On the desktop front its possible that a mid range AMD tower running OS X would have interested me at one time, but I'm too mobile now. And I rather have hardware made by Apple for Apple. Look at all the headaches caused by third parties and Vista.

Mark 2000

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Hell no! on both sides.
Mac OS X is not better.. Apple computer hardware is better than a Dell 200$ laptop that people keep buying (that is why Mac is so called "faster"). So you will get the same thing (or very close) as Windows. Moreover you must understand that MAC OS X will be guilty of the same amount of bugs and virus/hacks as Windows at best. As it would be more widely used.

And with Windows wide support of peripherals and software free and paying that solve all problems that you have. HECK that is enough for me to stay with Windows.

GoodBytes

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Given that I would have to buy a PC, and OS X, and iLife, and have to deal with not as solid build quality, I'd still go for the Apple Mac

AqueousBeef

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I just got a new MBP for college (love ya, mom, ya, no way you're gonna read this ever) but if OSX was on an equally stable machine at a lower price for the sake of design I would've definitely went with that. But from what I read I should be good with this one for 3-4 years at least.

sisedi

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I am building a Quad core SLI gaming machine which I hope I can use the OS 86 project and some other work arounds to get working. Should be an interesting experiment.
Vista= Gaming
OSX= Everything else
Peace/

Max-Fisher

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @nintendude: you know it !!!

Boots_Mcoy

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> the sad part is that Apple has the OS to be the next Windows (in the good way not the crap that Vista is) i think Apple would win so many more followers if they allowed OSX to run on PC. but that will never happen due to the fact that all their sales come from their over priced machines.

Boots_Mcoy

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> you know it!

SirNirian

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> hard to say. steve jobs had the opportunity to put OSX on every machine when apple was basically just starting up and decided against it. billy g however gave it a go. as a result, we are where we are today. if steve had said let there be light, and allow OSX on all the machines the same as windows...then i think the 2 would be basically even steven. i think if that had happened then preferance to osx or windows would be like having a preference on dell or ibm.

jrghoull

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> You can't be all hipster if you don't pay overpriced for "most beautiful" computer...

Remember when Ken Kutaragi said that the PSP was the most beautiful thing ever made?

Well Steve Jobs thinks Macs are the most beautiful things ever. Prettier than his kids. Prettier than Woz. Prettier than God.

How could you resist something prettier than God? I know I couldn't.

CutePuppyz

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @nintendude: OSx86 is great, if you build with the right hardware. I did this for a friend and made an iMac equivalent with a 22" display for $700. Of course, it wasn't as pretty as an iMac, but he was happy.

itchytooth

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I have a MacBook Pro and a tabletPC -- and I am a "multimedia" creator/programmer, so I guess I fit that Apple stereotype. I love the tablet, a Toshiba tecraM4 (though it wasn't made very well, especially compared to the Mac) -- and am going to attempt to load OS X on it at some point. I used Windows for years (still do), but I avoid using as much as possible since I got the MBP.

I don't think they should open OS X to be used on other systems. Microsoft, for all their faults, have a helluva engineering task making Windows -- making it compatible with all that hardware and legacy software. Apple only has to make OS X work with selected components. If Apple officially supported their OS on other systems they'd find themselves in a similar bind as Microsoft, I'm afraid.

I like the current situation: run OS X and run Windows on Boot Camp/VMware/Parallels. If you really want to run OS X on your PC, go follow the instructions at Lifehacker, cross you fingers and hope all your hardware works correctly, because Apple is not going to officially release OS X for PCs anytime soon.

bathyscaaf

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> That's what OSx86 is for, right?

nintendude

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Like several people have said, I wouldn't give up my MacBook Pro, but I would install OS X on my PC, at least as a dual boot. And it would change the way I think about the crazy deals I see on slickdeals and such.

itchytooth

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Given the experience I've had with OSx86, I'd ditch Windows in a heartbeat...if I could actually run any games on OSX. You port DirectX to OSX (never gonna happen) without some slow virtualization nonsense, or you get all devs to start writing all their stuff for OpenGL (also never gonna happen), I'm completely sold. My $1000 custom-built PC will run circles around a Mac twice the price, and I'll no longer hate my operating system.

AtomicPlayboy

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I would not ditch Windows, but I would add OSX for fun.
M


BigDaddyM

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I have a Mac and several Windows machine. The Mac is now my favorite, but I miss the HUGE user base of Windows. Why? A huge user base means more shareware/freeware developers and more software. There simply isn't as much on the Mac.

kpfeif

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> i would do, of course! but i can´t wait too long, so right now im downloading kalyway leopard 10.5.2...I tried to install it before and it did´t work, but i´ll try again, who knows!

Xsteven

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> This really is so very very simple.

What is the purpose of an OS? To run apps.
What OS runs the most apps? Windows.
What OS runs on the most hardware? Windows.

It seems to me that Apple users think the OS ITSELF is the killer app. PC users think the OS should run any/every killer app, and Linux users do not believe in killer apps.

For myself, I am a practical person. I need to run many different kinds of apps, and only Windows does the job. If Apple or Linux could do the job, I would consider them, but they cannot.



subspace

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Sorry if I am repeating a previous concept - but - what makes the Mac a trouble free environment is the control of hardware AND software. I will pay more for the freedom.

If I were the builder/expermenter for a Macinhack I would enjoy it. But for my Grandma - I'll give her a Mac not the other trash.

Meggeler

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> ...and by software I mean hardware.

Eschguy

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I'd go OSX for sure. Though you'd have to think, if OSX was more easily available to hardware developers, wouldn't they jump on and start making OSX compatible software? I mean we can all pretty well see that OSX is gaining a fair amount of momentum and it would be another way to make more money.

Eschguy

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> ...it's like making a perfect Ferrari V12 engine available at your local Costco - sure, it'll work ifine n a Ford, Toyota, Lexus shell whatever but dammit, it's still not a Ferrari.

Never underestimate the fundamentals of the unbeatable aesthetic appeal!

media_lush

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> This is really so very very simple.

1. What does an OS do? It runs software.
2. What OS has the most software options? Windows.
3. What OS runs on the most hardware options? Windows.

Apple users think the OS ITSELF is the killer app, whereas PC users think the OS should facilitate running the killer app. You Linux users don't believe in killer apps at all :)



subspace

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> if I could put OS X on my desktop or other laptop, I definitely would - assuming that I would still be able to get the same or better performance

arras

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> You can't pry my MBP away from me, 4 gigs of ram and super fast processor, firewire 800, gigabit ethernet, digital optical audio, . Trade it for what? a plastic dell? pass.

grayskyz

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I would never ditch my Mac. The reason the OS works so well is because it's being run on specific hardware. Besides that, I've had some great support from Apple with some of the problems I've had so I'd rather not lose that.

CarbonatedWater

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> There is almost no premium for apple computers f you compare similarly equipped pcs, so why would you switch

iammo

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> my desktop looks just like that, 'cept i run xp

love the look, and given the chance, i would give osx a try

godwhacker

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> As a Microsoft person all my computing life (which is considerable) - what the heck is OSX?

reli37

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I am a graphic designer in a third world country and most of my work is used in print publications, which is why I rely heavily on Adobe's Creative Suite Packages. Currently I do my work on an IBM R40 thinkpad (it is what I can afford) and I always have to readjust whatever I create, at the printers, who are running the same software on Macs. Ofcourse the sensible thing to do would be to invest in an IMac but, then I always end up putting it off because over here an IMac costs as much as two second-hand cars. So wishing for OsX to run on a normal cheap-ass $400 computer is just what it is -- a wish. (for the record, investing in the two used cars and running them as taxis makes more economic sense than compared to what I earn from graphic designing)

rahatkhan

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @weatherman:

Now..you say that without actually justifying *why* anyone would make the switch.

I'm a Software Engineer and although I have my daily issues with Windows, I don't think that OSX could stand up to the commercial demands of what I need it to do - unless I'm either a music director or a graphic designer.

Sorry, but I would have to agree with the poster that mentioned a disproportionate number of Giz users use Mac's/OSX and are thus more likely to sway a certain way on this topic.

I would have no problem dual booting OSX and might even try doing it one of these days, but unfortunately..for some people, you have to accept that it just doesn't cut it as a main Operating system.

To each his own I say.

legacye

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I'd definitely try living with osx for a while.

ParJoe

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I would keep my macbook pro for portable and build a powerful desktop for editing, I could probably build one that would suit my needs at 60% the cost of the base model mac pro.

thedarkhorse

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I haven't had enough experience with OSX to say that I would definitely switch to it exclusively, and due to the current lack of software available for OSX I honestly couldn't forsee doing that anytime soon.

That said, I would be much more likely to at least give it a thorough try if I didn't have to shell out $2,000 for hardware to run it on.

something_unique_and_descriptive

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @Dr. J:

Exactly.

Camperton

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @quikboy: Yes, anyone who actually prefers to go with Mac is a fanboy of some sort. Tell me, Great Kreskin, what's in my pockets?

Kaiser-Machead's Chips Ahoy!

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I currently have my Dell laptop running with Vista Ultimate and OSX leopard dual boot.

lafond66

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> For the most part, I very much prefer Apple's hardware offerings, particularly their laptops, but if it came to something like a makeshift home server unit, then I'd love to be able to slap OS X in that sucker and run a put-together system as a background/backup machine, but for my main use up-close device, I still prefer Macs.

What's all this talk about "Linux"? Who or what the hell is that??

Kaiser-Machead's Chips Ahoy!

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Is called Dual Boot, very fun and exciting way of doing computing.

Damage

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I run Parallels Desktop on my WindowsXP machine. I can emulate any version of Windows or Linux, but I cant run Leopard.

Also, Im a gamer - ditching Windows XP for OSX would not work

rdldr1

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> Until I can get Outlook AND Onenote for MacOS X (XI, XII...etc) I'd stick with windows.

pobox90210

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I would definitely install OS X on stuff I build. Both OS's are excellent for different things. Though I would think that the system requirements for OS X are alot steeper than people think they are. Maybe even more so than windows.

Even so, people are already on their way to sufficiently accomplishing this. Check it:

[dailyapps.net.nyud.net]

Not too sure how well it works though.

kingbob337

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I love OSX great OS but i also love vista *yes i do like vista works great for me* but i would like to just get to know the OSX world and see the differences i also wouldnt mind paying a little premium to allow me to install OSX on windows as a 2nd OS.

Enisity

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I've never understood why Apple didn't make the OS available for IBM-compatible hardware. Microsoft turned themselves into a multi billion dollar company through software alone, and Apple had a product that people, sick of Microsoft's dominance, were calling out for: an alternative OS. Apple didn't need the hardware to become huge. They could have done it with software.

VaccaFoeda

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @zincrox: You are lucky...the other day i had to vote like 10 times or more to get my vote registered.
But it will need a hell of a support from a lot of companies in order to make al windows software to work perfectly in OSX, then we are really talking bussiness

Mike918

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> If I could install OSX on other hardware (hassle free) I would.

Camperton

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I'd add OSX to my tablet pc.

Dr. J

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> The interface is one thing, but if it doesn't run what I need, I'll stick with the OS that does.
Over the years you build a working environment that makes you efficient. You close some of the gaps with tools designed to improve your productivity and at the end of the day, that's what counts for business users.

B

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> NO - OS X is still propietary to Apple technology, and trying running other programs is a hassle.

I'm guessing the majority who picked they'd switch, are nothing but Apple lovers (which Gizmodo tends to attract) or are bots.

The only reason why OS X works so well on the Mac, is because they were made for each other. I could say I have the same great experience on a Sony Vaio with Vista.

If OS X were to go on anything other than the PC, the cost of the license will go up, as well as you can expect problems. That's the reason why Apple doesn't want OS X going anywhere but Mac.

I thought even Gizmodo would figure this out.

quikboy

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> @ILikeMacsWhatAboutIT:
They've been saying "Apple will be out of business in 3 years" for the last 10 years.

Embrace the power of Mac! It just feels right... mmm :)

donlphi

]]> <![CDATA[If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?]]> I still struggle at work with Windows XP...after getting used to EXPOSE and SPOTLIGHT one can see how Windows is just a me