Reasons why not to go Macintosh

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Reason 29 : "I can just run Mac OS on my PC"

Validity level:

In recent times, since Macs began using Intel processors - much like other any other 'Wintel' PC - there have been ways to run Windows as a secondary OS on these Macs. This can be viewed as somewhat of a benefit for anyone who, for example, prefers Mac OS, but still needs to run some Windows only software. Two computers in one. Nice!

See 'Running Windows on a Macintosh' for more details.

Mac clones?

However, with Mac OS X now written to run on Apple's Intel based hardware, the consequences were that it potentially became possible - if not officially so - for Mac OS X to run on other Intel architectured hardware from other manufacturers - often referred to as the 'OSx86 Project'.

These other manufacturers or home brew PCs, may offer something you want that no Mac has. Perhaps cheaper than any Mac, or more expandable than any Mac. Or maybe you already have a decent PC sitting on your desk, and would prefer not to buy new hardware just yet. And for those who'd like to run Mac OS, there may be some perceived benefit in running it on these non-Mac PCs if possible. And indeed, some do. But as always, in doing something you're not supposed to be able to do, there are potential pitfalls...

Did someone say pitfalls?

Running Windows on a Mac is relatively simple; download Apple's 'Boot Camp', or some form of appropriate virtualisation software, install Windows, and run it just as if it was a 'normal' PC with Apple's and Microsoft's blessing. Simple.

Running Mac OS on a non-Mac however, is not so simple; download an illegally pirated copy of Mac OS; attempt to track down a non-official 3rd party crack that circumvents the software protection to attempt to get it to run on non-supported hardware; potentially spend endless hours attempting to get it to recognise all aspects of your particular hardware, or source new hardware that might work; be wary from now on in dealing with potential instability and unreliability that comes from levering Mac OS onto hardware is was never designed to accommodate; then be left at the mercy of crackers to provide OS updates when official updates breaks the previous unofficial software cracks you had to use...

<deep breath> Oh, and did I mention it's not actually legal to do any of this?

So...

...in other words, if you're a complete geek that gets off on endlessly futzing with computers; getting a buzz out of fitting square pegs into round holes; doesn't mind if it doesn't actually work at the end of the day; doesn't mind having your data at the mercy of a computer that for all you know, could choke at any second; and of course, doesn't mind that little issue of legality; then running Mac OS on non-Mac hardware might be quite fun. But if you just want it to work like Macs are supposed to, and be officially supported doing so, the only way you're going to do it, is with a Mac.

If this hasn't put you off, this site discusses issues of the Mac's transition to Intel architecture, including levering Mac OS X on generic PC hardware. Good luck with that! I suspect you may need it!

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