I’ve been pretty impressed with all the reports of the recent beta software out of Apple that allows for Windows XP to be installed on all the new Intel-based Macs. Ever since the annouacement that Apple where moving to using Intel Processors, a way to run Windows on the new hardware was long expected.
What was unexpected, however was that it would come directly from Apple themselves as an official method.
Called Boot Camp, this software (still in beta and thus to be used at people’s risk) basically allows for the installation of WindowsXP on a separate partition apart from the MacOS because the windows drivers for all the Mac hardware are provided for an successful installation.
So basically when you reboot your Mac, you get to choose which OS you want to load and it will work fine either way. Very much like how I have my current computer setup with both Windows and Ubuntu Linux
Speaking of which, in my mind, this is a huge blow to the Linux home-user push. Now with the big two giving home-users more choice, it’s not hard for the 3rd runner to get pushed back. Linux still has the biggest advantage when it comes to cost. But with Apple now providing a full hardware solution (with Intel inside to boot) and yet still giving the option for the Windows that everyone is familiar with, just puts them in a much more favorable position.
I too, had once said that if I where to get a laptop, I would greatly consider getting a Powerbook/Macbook, especially now with the recent release of the 17 inch Macbook Pro. On top of that, the Mac Mini’s are still looking very temping what with a KVM getting cheaper and the fact that a small size home server would be very useful to have at home. Pity about the pricing though.
All in all, it’s looking to be an interesting year ahead in the computing world. Windows on a Mac…who would have thought eh?
