Psystar releases BIOS modifier to put retail OSX on Intel PC's - LotusTalk

Westrock · 10-22-2009, 10:35 PM

Psystar has been a thorn in Apple's side for a while now, what with them selling Mac Clones at about half the price. However they have pulled all the stops with todays offering. They are now selling their frontend loader that allows you to install an off the shelf retail disc of OSX Snow Leopard onto recent Intel based motherboard/processor. Pretty much anything as new as a Core 2 (or possibly original Core), even the current i5/i7. So thats $50 for their software and $30 for retail Snow Leopard disc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by From Website

The utility supports generic Intel hardware based on Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, i7 or Xeon Nehalem CPUs.

A blog site to follow it

Psystar Website

I've been wanting to upgrade my G4 Mini, and have been waiting patiently for the OSx86 hacks to finally get to this point!

JWA · 10-22-2009, 10:46 PM

Great - now it's even easier to pirate your operating system!

Isn't your personal integrity worth more than, what? A couple hundred bucks?

Westrock · 10-22-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWA

Great - now it's even easier to pirate your operating system!

Isn't your personal integrity worth more than, what? A couple hundred bucks?

Where is the pirate aspect coming from? You have to purchase the operating system from any Apple retailer. You have to use the same hardware that Apple uses (Intel). All this does is allow the OSX disc to interface with your BIOS as if it were EFI. It doesnt "hack" the OSX software, and thats why its significant.

I understand the benefits of controlling your hardware and software, and that was perfectly possible when they used their own hardware and the RISC processors. But Apple decided to go with Intel because it was more profitable, and that carries a whole new audience with it. They came to the PC side, we've been working on the principle of "can this work?" for a long time.

It also opens up the possibility of experiencing OSX to many people who would otherwise not drop the serious coin on something unknown to them. I was a little hesitant to drop $500 on my Mini several years ago, and the new current Mini's are even more expensive. If people try it out and like it, they may decide to purchase the real deal, or they may not, but at least Apple got some money from the software purchase.

Westrock · 10-22-2009, 11:12 PM

And dont forget, Apple is quick to point out that you can load Windows on their hardware, even though it doesnt have a PC BIOS interface which is what Windows is made for. So there for Apple = Windows = PC = Apple? Is this like 0.999 = 1? Why is it ok to load Windows on their Intel hardware, but pirating to load OSX on Windows hardware (when not modifying the OSX software)?

TheAntiRiced · 10-22-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westrock

Where is the pirate aspect coming from? You have to purchase the operating system from any Apple retailer.

But if you're not paying the inflated Apple prices, you have to be stealing from them somehow, right?

You really have to hand it to Apple's marketing people, getting consumers to think that you can pay for hardware and software and yet somehow still be pirating.

biodan · 10-22-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westrock

Psystar .... are now selling their frontend loader that allows you to install an off the shelf retail disc of OSX Snow Leopard onto recent Intel based motherboard/processor.

Ahem, i doubt its really their loader, its likely derivative work based on Chameleon: Bring Mac OS X Developers Together and others in the open source hackintosh community. Rather ironic, i'll bet someone rips their copy and posts a torrent.

Midknight xrs · 10-23-2009, 12:04 AM

So, does that mean you can have both 7 and osX together.

Westrock · 10-23-2009, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biodan

Ahem, i doubt its really their loader

Come on now, thats like saying saying Redhat is not "their" OS because it's based on an open source kernel. They still developed it and still offer services and support for it, so I think that qualifies as "theirs".

Quote:

So, does that mean you can have both 7 and osX together.

Yes, whether you have a PC or a Macintosh you can now have both. However because neither OS is native to both of those hardwares you have to use a emulator to allow the OS to run correctly.

PhlypSide · 10-23-2009, 04:20 AM

This is good news, and I'm a Machead.

Apple used to believe in clones/generic Macs.... if they want more market penetration, they should allow this to happen..... but I can see the $$$$$ reasons why they don't want it to (at least initially).

Personally, I find it funny to see us squabbling about this on a Lotus board..... it's not like these are "basic transportation" vehicles. :lmao:

I buy Apple official products, not just for OS X, but I like their products as a whole.

PhlypSide · 10-23-2009, 04:27 AM

Question: Where can you find a $30 retail Snow Leopard disc? :P

RENDERMAN · 10-23-2009, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhlypSide

Question: Where can you find a $30 retail Snow Leopard disc? :P

At the apple store,
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.)

Thanks dude you just made my day. I wanted to run OSX on my Sony Vaio!! The only Pirates here are the Pittsburgh Pirates, Somali Pirates and Jack Sparrow..... now the word Emulator bothers me a bit, I've used Mac emulators before and they don't work that well, please explain what this emulator does? Thanks for the info

DrJ · 10-23-2009, 08:21 AM

No thanks, I will stick with my official Apple computers.

JWA · 10-23-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westrock

Why is it ok to load Windows on their Intel hardware, but pirating to load OSX on Windows hardware (when not modifying the OSX software)?

Simple. Because you are buying a license from Microsoft to load Windows on any hardware, but Apple only sells licenses to install OS X on Apple hardware. If Apple chose to offer a license to install their OS on other hardware and priced it accordingly, then you would be fine and wouldn't need third-party hacks to make it work. I understand that it is tempting, but there is no way that you can rationalize it as perfectly legal and within the spirit of transaction with Apple.

biodan · 10-23-2009, 09:01 AM

At least RedHat contributes back to the open source community. To my knowledge, Paystar has not. And i'm uncertain which open source license the Chameleon softeware is based, it may not be one of the more corporate-friendly forms.

That said, Paystar is unlikely to survive the onslaught of Apple's lawyers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westrock

Come on now, thats like saying saying Redhat is not "their" OS because it's based on an open source kernel. They still developed it and still offer services and support for it, so I think that qualifies as "theirs".

No, you don't have to use an emulator (VMware or Parallels). You can run XP or Windows 7 natively using the Chameleon EFI bootloader - either OSX or XP/W7 can run natively on the Intel hardware. Its even possible to run OSX on AMD too, just a bit more configuration. Remember, a bootloader is NOT an emulator - one has always been able to run dual boot Linux/XP machines with a bootloader (e.g. grub).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westrock

Yes, whether you have a PC or a Macintosh you can now have both. However because neither OS is native to both of those hardwares you have to use a emulator to allow the OS to run correctly.

JWA · 10-23-2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAntiRiced

But if you're not paying the inflated Apple prices, you have to be stealing from them somehow, right?

You really have to hand it to Apple's marketing people, getting consumers to think that you can pay for hardware and software and yet somehow still be pirating.

It's not marketing spin, it's simple fact. Apple does not sell a license for OS X to be installed on hardware they haven't manufactured, so you did NOT pay for the software for that usage. You know that, quit kidding yourself.

biodan · 10-23-2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhlypSide

Question: Where can you find a $30 retail Snow Leopard disc? :P

To my knowledge, the $30 SnowLeopard disk only works if you have Leopard installed. Otherwise its $120-ish to install atop older versions such as Jaguar (1.4x)

biodan · 10-23-2009, 09:15 AM

Paystar does not sell an emulator (you're thinking of VMware or Parallels).

Paystar sells a repackaged bootloader.

I have owned VMware and Parallels and both take a performance hit on even a 2.4Ghz Macbook Pro. You can dedicate more than 1 core to XP with VMware, i don't think Parallels can do that. If you do so, then switching back to OSX takes a hit. On a Quad-core, it might be ok (2 cores for the emulator and 2 for OSX). Running Apple's Bootcamp or the hackintosh bootloader means you're running the OS native to the hardware.

There are tutorials on running triple-boot (OSX, Linux, and XP or Win7). This web site is down right now but its the tutorial i used for a MSI.

http://forums.msiwind.net/osx-instal...ide-t9706.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by RENDERMAN

At the apple store,
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.)

Thanks dude you just made my day. I wanted to run OSX on my Sony Vaio!! The only Pirates here are the Pittsburgh Pirates, Somali Pirates and Jack Sparrow..... now the word Emulator bothers me a bit, I've used Mac emulators before and they don't work that well, please explain what this emulator does? Thanks for the info

MaineLotus · 10-23-2009, 09:51 AM

Does Psystar really even exist?

Checkout some of the investigations of Psystar, their address changes frequently and is sometimes listed as a small home in southern Miami.

ads_green · 10-23-2009, 10:41 AM

I do finc apples stance on only allowed to install on official hardware two faced and frankly ridiculous. I'm surprised they can get this through all the anti trust cases routinely floating about.

DrJ · 10-23-2009, 12:04 PM

Some of the comments in this thread make me laugh. Exactly how is Apple competing unfairly with all the other computer/software manufacturers?

10-22-2009, 11:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
Westrock Haxord but mine Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 1,338	And dont forget, Apple is quick to point out that you can load Windows on their hardware, even though it doesnt have a PC BIOS interface which is what Windows is made for. So there for Apple = Windows = PC = Apple? Is this like 0.999 = 1? Why is it ok to load Windows on their Intel hardware, but pirating to load OSX on Windows hardware (when not modifying the OSX software)? __________________ -David 2006 Storm Ti Exige + VF Stage 2 Vision Function Supercharger Install Thread Stereo Harness Info \| Exige with no wing??

10-23-2009, 08:21 AM	#12 (permalink)
DrJ Future Track Junkie Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 1,614	No thanks, I will stick with my official Apple computers. __________________ Probablistically!

10-23-2009, 09:51 AM	#18 (permalink)
MaineLotus Parts scattered about... Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Maine Posts: 1,381	Does Psystar really even exist? Checkout some of the investigations of Psystar, their address changes frequently and is sometimes listed as a small home in southern Miami. __________________ My car is modified.

10-23-2009, 12:04 PM	#20 (permalink)
DrJ Future Track Junkie Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 1,614	Some of the comments in this thread make me laugh. Exactly how is Apple competing unfairly with all the other computer/software manufacturers? __________________ Probablistically!

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10-22-2009, 10:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
JWA #33 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 3,737	Great - now it's even easier to pirate your operating system! Isn't your personal integrity worth more than, what? A couple hundred bucks?

10-23-2009, 12:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
Midknight xrs Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cerritos, Ca. Posts: 84	So, does that mean you can have both 7 and osX together.

10-23-2009, 10:41 AM	#19 (permalink)
ads_green Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 348	I do finc apples stance on only allowed to install on official hardware two faced and frankly ridiculous. I'm surprised they can get this through all the anti trust cases routinely floating about.

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