If OS X (Jaguar/Panther) came out for x86, would you buy it?

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UNCjigga

UNCjigga

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
24,991
9,309
136
Inspired by this thread,

IF Apple were to release a version of OS X for the x86 platform, would you buy it? I think I'd like to try it out for curiousity's sake, and also to answer the age-old question...does the slower CPUs Apple uses really hold back their software's potential?

Besides the bruised-ego factor, what else is holding Apple back from releasing an x86 version of the OS? I have a lot of questions regarding the feasibility of making the code work on both platforms. Would it be too difficult for developers to port their code (I can't imagine it being any more difficult than porting from Windows to OS X or vice versa--except for Altivec-specific code.) Would it be possible for software vendors to include x86/PowerPC versions in one box, or would it be like NT 4.0 on the DEC Alpha (even MS Office won't install on an Alpha unless you have the FX/32 emulator.) Would more developers support OS X Apple supported x86 architecture?

EDIT: If you wouldn't pay for it...would you at least bother to download it and try it out?
 
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notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
38,241
4
0
Originally posted by: uncJIGGA


IF Apple were to release a version of OS X for the x86 platform, would you buy it?
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Yes.

Besides the bruised-ego factor, what else is holding Apple back from releasing an x86 version of the OS?
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They want to sell macintosh computers, not just operating systems.

I have a lot of questions regarding the feasibility of making the code work on both platforms. Would it be too difficult for developers to port their code (I can't imagine it being any more difficult than porting from Windows to OS X or vice versa--except for Altivec-specific code.)
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No, it wouldn't be difficult, it would jsut be a recompile. They wouldn't even worry about altivec code, the compiler would handle that.

Would it be possible for software vendors to include x86/PowerPC versions in one box, or would it be like NT 4.0 on the DEC Alpha (even MS Office won't install on an Alpha unless you have the FX/32 emulator.) Would more developers support OS X Apple supported x86 architecture?
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Yes, it would be possible, they'd just include two CDs, one for X86, one for PPC. Hell, Warcraft 3 shipped with both the windows and Mac versions on one CD.
Of course, you couldn't run X86 code on the PPC and vice versa.
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Entity

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
10,090
0
0
I'd try it, then likely buy it. I love OSX, but it's too unresponsive on the macs I've used. Mind you, these were the macs in our school lab, so there could have been a number of issues. OSX simply wasn't "snappy" enough on those, and I don't know where the fault lies.

Rob
 
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Narse

Moderator<br>Computer Help
Moderator
Mar 14, 2000
3,826
1
81
From what my Mac coworker tells me is that Apple already has a version of OSX (Darwin) compiled and running on x86 hardware. They just do not want to release it.
 
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nan0bug

Banned
Apr 22, 2003
3,142
0
0
I haven't paid for an operating system in 10 years, so I wouldn't start with OSX. I'd snag it off the newsgroups.
 
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js1973

Senior member
Dec 8, 2000
824
0
0
I've never used it, but I would definitely like to see what all the fuss is about. If it was everything I've heard, then sure, I'd buy it.
 
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BigToquex

Senior member
Mar 29, 2003
349
0
0
The second Apple dips into X86 territory, they would have a hell of a time trying to compete with MS. I guess as long as they kept their PPC version going, they might stay above water for a little while.

Any serious competition in this sector is a good thing. Maybe it would cause some nice price drops.

As far as there being an X86 version already working, it would be nice to think there was a working version, however you also have to think that if it was out there, someone would have leaked it already.
 
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Angrymarshmello

Lifer
Apr 5, 2000
13,256
1
0
Originally posted by: BigToque
The second Apple dips into X86 territory, they would have a hell of a time trying to compete with MS. I guess as long as they kept their PPC version going, they might stay above water for a little while.

Any serious competition in this sector is a good thing. Maybe it would cause some nice price drops.

As far as there being an X86 version already working, it would be nice to think there was a working version, however you also have to think that if it was out there, someone would have leaked it already.
Click to expand...

Well that depends - if drivers and compatibility are a non-issue, that is to say there'd be no problem getting all the hardware devices working correctly on different platforms I don't think Apple would have a hard time competing. However, if it's something like Linux where you'd need totally different drivers and different programs (recompiled or new code) they'd be SOL.
 
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dman

Diamond Member
Nov 2, 1999
9,110
0
76
Probably wouldn't buy it.

I might be inclined to try it but it will need a bunch of apps that I have from WinOS to be useful and I wouldn't want to buy them as well--if they'd even be available.

 
EvilYoda

EvilYoda

Lifer
Apr 1, 2001
21,198
9
81
Definitely...I too, haven't paid for an OS in a long time, but as long as the price isn't insanely priced and it's a stable release, I'd definitely support Apple.

No more need for skinning and theme-ing my PC. :)
 
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