“Steve Jobs knows that Apple will never wrest away a significant chunk of Microsoft’s Windows market share as long as OS X remains tied exclusively to Apple hardware,” Jason Brooks writes for eWEEK. “I predict that, shortly after the completion of Apple’s big move, the company will deliver OS X Unbound—a version of its excellent and innovative operating system that’ll join Windows, Linux, Solaris and OS X’s own BSD cousins in offering users the option of running the OS they’ve acquired on the hardware they choose.”
“In fact, I believe (and maybe there’ll be a magic Steve Jobs keynote moment in our future to confirm it) that this has been the Apple co-founder’s aim ever since he returned to the company’s helm,” Brooks writes. “What about the much-vaunted, unified hardware and software experience on which Apple hangs its hat? Apple will bill its own systems as the truest path to the full Macintosh experience, and Apple-built machines will remain among the prettiest and best-put-together computers you can find… While OS X will run most seamlessly on Apple-built machines, Apple can ensure good hardware compatibility in the same way that every other OS vendor does—through a hardware compatibility list.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: MacDailyNews’ own SteveJack wrote on March 04, 2004:
I believe analysts and others are missing the big picture: iPod success paves the way for Mac OS X on X86. People have argued for years for and against the release of Mac OS X on Intel (and AMD) commodity hardware, but Apple derives such a large portion of its revenue from hardware that doing so could potentially damage the company beyond repair. But, what if Apple replaces that lost Mac hardware revenue with iPod revenue?
Steve Jobs would then be free to drop what amounts to a hydrogen bomb on Microsoft. Mac OS X that runs on “regular” off-the-shelf x86 hardware. Or partner with a Sony, for example – to insure quality. Years before “Longhorn” even comes close to shipping. Moo.
Sell enough iPods and the OS war is on again in a big way – and for real this time. Steve Jobs knows this and that’s why, right now, iPod is much more important than Mac hardware to Apple Computer, Inc.
SteveJack’s article, “iPod success opens door to Mac OS X on Intel” was published over 15 months ago. It’s quite interesting to read that article and the Reader Feedback knowing what we know today.
Related MacDailyNews articles:
Apple Computer attacks Microsoft Windows with two-page Mac OS X Tiger print ad in Time (with images) – June 14, 2005
Dvorak predicts Mac OS X for generic x86, Apple ‘Office’ suite, dawn of Mac viruses and spyware – June 13, 2005
Report: Apple Mac OS X 10.4.1 for Intel hits piracy sites – June 11, 2005
Intel-based Macs running both Mac OS X and Windows will be good for Apple – June 10, 2005
Is Apple setting up the ultimate “Switcher” campaign by preparing to let Mac OS X speak for itself? – June 10, 2005
iPod success opens door to Mac OS X on Intel – March 04, 2004
interesting idea
95% MS versus 5% (at best) Apple.
What a war it has been.
SJ wrote that 15 months ago! I actually remember reading it back then and thinking he had lost his mind.
If I ran a financial services firm, I’d like to have SteveJack as my Apple/Tech analyst instead of some of the bozos out there today still trying to figure out the difference between their asses and their elbows.
I suggest finding truthful information
http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2137787/security-chip-block-non-macs
You can’t run on generic hardware if you are required to have specific hardware in order to run.
stantheman,
It ain’t over ’til it’s over. If you’re so confident, why do you hang around here constantly putting down what you consider to be such an insignificant platform? Maybe you aren’t that confident at all, huh?
peragrin,
Today, maybe, but it’s just a short step to make it so. In chess you can only move one piece at a time. Jobs is setting up the assault.
Okay, for the hundredth time.. APPLE MAKES THE WHOLE WIDGET!!! Apple is NOT in direct competition with Microsoft. Apple makes OS X as just a PART of their computer HARDWARE!!! Regardless of the CPU, Apple makes the most innovative products in the market, and they will continue to do so. Selling the OS separate is the EXACT OPPOSITE of what Steve Jobs believes in!!!
This has been true for over 20 years, are y’all THAT STUPID not to know this very simple concept of Apple?
I think that the idea of war is a ridiculous analogy. Sure there are people who take sides and wear the company colors on almost every issue but it will almost certain to become as silly as the Chevy Vs Ford wars of the 60’s.
People will eventually buy the computer that appeals to then because either looks or functionality with little or no regard for brand loyalty. Computers are tools and as such only the geekiest will care. What brand flashlight do you use?
On the other hand, luxury items ie. iPods and future such things will be branded items for the vacuous to brag about.
MDN = boys – someone must be watching
Mac OS on a generic Intel PC. Who cares?
What I want is a pair of freaking antigravity boots. They’ve been promising me that since 1950 and if I don’t get my boots I’m not buying any more computers or TVs or DVD players or anything. Antigravity boots or nothing.
OK WTF! One minute they are comparing Apple’s “meager” market share to the likes of Dell, the next minute it’s Microsoft. Then they say oh Apple has to stop selling hardware (which is what an open x86 MacOS would lead to)
For one thing, just look at Apple, they do BOTH of what Dell and MS does and do it far better than both of them. And the author writes that Apple has to dump hardware. Frickin stupid.
Message to idiot columnists. Spend time on a Mac. Learn what makes it so great. THEN write your article. Then you’ll see why Apple DOESNT do what you are proposing.
Yo, Stantheman! How’s it hangin’, dude? Missed you since you got pig-piled in that Fortune article a couple of days ago! Still boxin’ or you hang those gloves up for a sensible job? Still got no sense, though.
>Computers are tools and as such only the geekiest will care.
I completely agree up to the word “and”. If the cash in your pocket depends on having functional and efficient tools and workflow, then you care, geek or not.
>What brand flashlight do you use?
-Streamlight StingerXT
-Toshiba… it’s an awesome underwater flashlight! Great for night-fishing in the Pacific Ocean! Pretty good at bashing the small sharks away from your catch, but not the big ones.
>Computers are tools and as such only the geekiest will care.
I completely agree up to the word “and”. If the cash in your pocket depends on having functional and efficient tools and workflow, then you care, geek or not.
>What brand flashlight do you use?
-Streamlight StingerXT
-Toshiba… it’s an awesome underwater flashlight! Great for night-fishing in the Pacific Ocean! Pretty good at bashing the small sharks away from your catch, but not the big ones.
>Computers are tools and as such only the geekiest will care.
I completely agree up to the word “and”. If the cash in your pocket depends on having functional and efficient tools and workflow, then you care, geek or not.
>What brand flashlight do you use?
-Streamlight StingerXT
-Toshiba… it’s an awesome underwater flashlight! Great for night-fishing in the Pacific Ocean! Pretty good at bashing the small sharks away from your catch, but not the big ones.
Mac AND PC
your name alone makes my point precisely
But dude, I agree, the Toshiba one is a beaut
sDrawkCab,
I agree. Apple is not in direct competition with M$. What Apple does is quite different than what M$ does. Evidence: M$ does not make computers.
SJ is not out to smote BG. Jobs alluded to that in an earlier keynote where Gates joined via video conference.
All the companies out there (M$, Apple, Intel, AMD, IBM, Sony, Dell, etc.) and their products create healthy competition. But Apple is not out to topple M$.
Apple would do it to stop from going out of business. Otherwise they want to keep making great hardware!
doPi: When you’re right, you’re right.
doPi: When you’re right, you’re right.
doPi: When you’re right, you’re right.
We’re buying space heaters here in Hell. Just in case.
hey stantheman, it’s actually closer to 16%…
http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/5933/
“no but it’s 5% at best i promise”
not only are you spouting off, you look dumb doing it. sorry.
mw “are” you ARE a (insert favorite insult)
What would be awesome is that Intel can make chips that don’t have all the legacy crap for Apple. Apple would then have the fastest stuff going, bar none. At the same time Apple could offer OS X for all other x86 computers out there. So if you want to run OS X on the best, fastest stufff out there, buy Apple. If you wanna run OS X along with MS Longhorn, buy a copy and put it on your Dell.
There will be no authorized Mac OS X on generic PC’s, read this
http://g5support.com/group/viewtopic.php?t=5571
Crack smoker obviously. The name of the company is Apple Computer Inc. THEY MAKE COMPUTERS not System software for others. If they did release OSX for all PC’s they would cut there own throats as Mac sales would drop off the face of the planet. If you want a dual operating system buy an Intel Mac next year with OSX and then add Windows.
But I seriously doubt you will see OSX on the market for your everyday PC ever.