We Interview EFiX Creators: OS X on PC

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the Tom's Hardware community: where nearly two million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Status
Not open for further replies.



If it is just to fool the OS, and is not the actual chip from the mobo.... will it work with snow leopard?

The other issue this brings up is driver issues. New cards won’t have any drivers. If a user was to get this who may have a GTX280 or 4870x2, they can’t user their cards. On AMD site, the newest drivers they have support up to the x1900. On NVIDIA, the closest thing you can get are drivers for freebsd.


This product may be a good idea, you just can't roll it out. PC enthusiast can't use it (no drivers).
 
Personally, I find it interesting that the same group who will defend going to great lengths to "mod" hardware, forcing it to do things above and beyond its stated specifications (and in the process, reducing reliability and longevity) judge "Apple users" as chasing "primarily style".

I was a die-hard Windows PC user (and MS-DOS before that), but around 1999 or 2000, I started slowly migrating towards OS X and Apple's product line. I bought my first PowerMac, my first iPod and first Mac notebook.

I *used* to play around with overclocking, considered things like water-cooling setups, and did a few case mods. But you know something? I got a little older and I think a little wiser (plus realizing the marketplace has evolved too). These days, I still support and work with Windows-based PCs every single day for a paycheck. But these are "purpose built" boxes, boring and generic - using whatever is plentiful and inexpensive, but just powerful enough to run the apps our employees need to use without running them painfully slowly.

When I get home and I'm dealing with the exact opposite situation (the "enthusiast" perspective, where my total "budget" focuses on 1 or 2 systems, vs. 50 or 60 - and I want it for things like "entertainment" and it being a "pleasure to use"), I find Macs with OS X really "fill the bill" for me.

To me, it's nice having a computer that's BOTH elegant and fairly high-performance, without it being a "kludge" of hand-assembled parts sourced from 10 different companies. It's nice having a nearly silent running system that actually has relatively good warranty coverage from the original manufacturer. All too often, when I used to try to build the "ultimate PC rig" in the past, the motherboard choice, video card choice, or something else turned out to be a real "dud", despite early rave reviews. Everybody's answer at that point? "That thing sucks... I had that too and ditched it. Buy THIS one!" Well, I'm tired of that treadmill. I'm willing to spend the $'s towards a system, but I want one that has a known level of performance and reliability. I want to walk in a store, sit down and USE one, and know I can take one home that's the same.

There's just so much "hatred" towards Mac from the PC side, and so much "fanboyism" from the Mac side ... and it all gets in the way of REALITY.
 
Thats damn cool, I would probably run mac os x for work purposes on my pc with one of these. But I would never buy the ridiculous mac hardware, that is so overpriced and overpowered on CPU but incredible underpowered on Graphics.
 
now why would I want to turn my fully working PC with Linux & Windows on it into a crap like apple PC it makes no sense at all. If I wanted a apple PC I would go out & buy one. I just am not looking forward to the day when these things start selling & these PC's start rolling into the shop for repair at our store. The first thing I will do is pull this USB Dongle out & say there you go fixed problem solved.
 
[citation][nom]rocky1234[/nom]now why would I want to turn my fully working PC with Linux & Windows on it into a crap like apple PC it makes no sense at all. If I wanted a apple PC I would go out & buy one. I just am not looking forward to the day when these things start selling & these PC's start rolling into the shop for repair at our store. The first thing I will do is pull this USB Dongle out & say there you go fixed problem solved.[/citation]

Lol, now that's pretty comical: a Windows Tech complaining about Apple OS being the problem. I thought that, that was exclusive to OSX users only? Yeah... someone would really have to like OSX to spend $100-150+ to just run the OSX. But it is a nice idea and least they are getting people talking about it. Windows is far from perfect, OSX has its limited uses, and Vista, well we ALL know in reality it's a failure, regardless of how tweaked it's become... Windows 7 anyone?
 
I more so a problem with MAC's in general & their smugness about how everything they make or do is like it was created by god himself & their new (old tech) tech they just made (which in most cases someone else thought of already but apple lays a patent on it)has never been done before they do it with everything they make.

I don't have a problem with their hardware after its just based on 2 year PC tech anyway so its the same shit just behind the times.

The idea behind this is good but I think they could spend their time more wisely on a product that most consumers would actually want to use.

The comments in the brackets stated in the above are just my snide remarks about apple & their products & my dislike for Steve jobs in general he just seems like a real a**hole.

I may use windows & linux in my every day tasks but I can say a lot of bad things about Microsoft as well. Nothing really bad to say about linux as Ubuntu & others has brought it a longs ways.

So yup thats my rant about your coments v12v12...lol


 
this articles is even worth than the first one about cheap mac and blablabla... not an inch of technical details (a bpu...)

So to resume this s..., the efix want to grant acces to hardware enthusiast or gamer (i.e. certainly non-mac user) to mac os.
Where're the arguing stuff how can they pretend that people like us are interested in anyway. even for experimental purpose...

As a gamer and as an overclocker (yes people who buy X48 chip are not common user blinded by advertising stuff),I see no interest in buying a mac os, for what kind of purpose would i need it? waiting X months the play a game? and i don't even talk about overclocking... so what? listen music? watch movie? say to my friends "hey look buddies, i have spent 300 bucks of more to do the samething with my brandnew vista or my old xp..." what kind of answer can i expect even from the most common user over the earth? moron, that's all i can expect.

Maybe tuan should apply for a job here http://www.fandemac.fr/ i'm sure he will find a better audience and he will never have to cry that people want to kill him because he has no sense of objectivity

Sorry for my english, i don't post often out here, but now i cannot shut my mouth, this article is a simple ad there is no technical data, nothing at all in facts. Tom's guy must do something.
 
"Basically, just a mini OS loader on USB device that can mimicking itself as Apple BIOS to fool Leopard installer."

Macs don't use BIOS, homie.
 
This is such a con.. people fail to grasp that it's doing nothing that isn't already possible in software, its extremely narrow hardware compatibility list consists entirely of hardware that already runs os x just fine. Add to that the fact that the people behind it are all from the "hackintosh underground" they claim to have nothing to do with, that its technically impossible for such a device to work without containing apple copyrighted encryption keys, and that the originator is well known for modifying APSL source code and passing off the results as his own work, you can draw your own conclusions.
 
Either way, if these guys have found a way to make some cash on the side, masking as not "hackintosh," then so be it. Sh*t why hate, least a small guy is trying to make a dollar. I'd rather see them makes some cash, than the default payment coming from PC/Mac drones into the default pockets of MS and JoBs?

Rocky1234: No man, I agree with all of what you're saying. Apple has been cleverly "reissuing" patents and ideas from not so business savvy PC hobbiest/inventors for years. MAG-SAFE? Are you kidding me, that stuff is OLD NEWS. My damn ultrasonic tooth-brush had it's own before Apple repackage it, and now claims rights and won't let 3rd parties make their own, so they can continue to CONTROL the market... That guy Mikegyver or whatever, he'll make you a MagSafe from a $30 Kingston multi-plug inverter, but you've gotta supply the powerbrick though. So that's a good $60-80 + dude's fee = $150 or so, but you've got a Mag-Safe + car adapter + plane adapter Vs Apple who wants to CHARGE for all these separately etc. Good business = bad "business" for the consumer... Apple is just using using dumbed down near-line parts in a desktop. FB-Dimms, blah blah, most people "at work" don't use Apple seriously unless they are in media. Least my clients mostly use Macs b/c deploying them, reimaging, A/V and stuff are minor to non-existent issues and that saves me nightmares of PC A/V, reinstalling, spyware etc. But the cost and annoyance of dealing with high prices replacements and limited upgrades blah blah. Apple works great for the basic user and the media pro... But enthusiasts look elsewhere. "Apple" now is basically PC near-line parts with an exclusive OS (which works for what it's intended). I'll stick with "cobbling together," my own box and playing around with Vcore and FSB settings. I like it, it's fun, it saves money and increases speed for free.

I'm on an OC'd 2500Barton, which STILL passes Prime95, and has been OC'd it's whole life cycle. So it is indeed a wise investment for me to tinker and OC etc... okay way off topic, but still. Apple is great for marketing and shiney packages and a "cool" "it-" factor OS. I'll fully learn Nix some day. For now Backtrack does what I need it to do ;-)

Ciao!
 
[citation][nom]rotunda[/nom]"Basically, just a mini OS loader on USB device that can mimicking itself as Apple BIOS to fool Leopard installer."Macs don't use BIOS, homie.[/citation]

So, which stuff pre-load system service code? Which stuff provide initial driver for CD boot?

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Ouput System. Most processor-centered system or subsystem have their BIOS if they run on more advanced software. BIOS for old 8-bit and 16-bit computers are very simple, since all it does it to check system, "boot" video device (which have their own BIOS), then find OS on floppy drive. Most early OS usually just call BIOS service for basic hardware interrupt request (IRQ). There is a reason why modern computers must have BIOS, which I won't address here. Yes, Mac do use BIOS, they just don't let you push DEL into setup screen.
 
Just because Apple Corp call it firmware or something else doesn't change the fact that it is still BIOS. They are the same thing from engineering point of view.
 
harrycat whats superer about linux for everyone? Mac os and linux for me are pointless. And if unless something has changed wine costs like $5 a month. if i had been using it since i heard about it back in the xp days i would have paid the same ammount for wine as i would have for windows xp pro to do the windows things i wanted to do in the first place.. how is that a bonus? sure i like linux for some things and mac os for vary few, Which os is superer depends on the person not your linux didnt have to load drivers or the i can run dx10 games in super emulation mode and not even get dx 10 cuz its a closed api that i cannot copy. course they most likely took opengl and tried to make dx10 out of it. i personaly wish opengl was what it use to be i hated and still hate the fps killing direct x but hell.

Guess what i can play all direct x 10 games also with out any errors! Though if i was going to use a agp card again it would be about 5 years ago since ill have had to traval back in time to even want to.

so please get over it everyone use windows use mac os use linus but your os isnt superer to me or anyone else.
 
Sophistry and baloney. I'm a Mac user and Apple is going to come after these guys the same way they do the clone makers.

The only way you are going to see OS X on standard PC hardware is if Steve Jobs agrees to put it there. Personally, I think he should (maybe a couple of releases back), but I'm not holding my breath.
 
[citation][nom]joelg88[/nom]I am Really not liking those Dell adds on the Left.[/citation]

I mean don't get me wrong—I dislike buggy arse *windows* as much as anyone else. I mean come on, we ALL KNOW "windows" is nothing but BETAWARE for the public to constantly test. And therefore I'll NEVER paid in full for a completely unfinished product, full of litany of security holes like a sponge! OSX is not much better with it's obviously copied file browser's layout structure. I don't think this initial forum topic was about Win Vs OSX Vs Nix. But again... who would want to run OSX on a PC, that seems to be the more pertinent question at hand imho.

Personally, if you're tired of the obvious BS of windows style BETAWARE, then OSX is a nice glimmer of hope for the non-Nix learning curve minded. Then again I still run XP, stable, hardened and semi-secure (truecrypt)... that's about as good as it's going to get atm. See ya all in Nixville.
 
I have worked at IBM research, and I can tell all of you if anyone wants to get real work done they will use Linux. There is no question as to which operating system is preferred. As far as all the comments about unfriendly Linux users, you could not be more off. I know Linux is not as simple as some operating systems, but that’s why OSX and Windows exist. And as far as Ubuntu is concerned it is my top OS pick at the moment.

I can run all the high tech work related apps I need.
Watch HD movies seamlessly (does require a hefty processor)
Recently set up a RAID 1 NAS and it performs great!
Anything I can’t figure out is one Google search away.

Try googleing "Ubuntu " and see how many posts say RTFM… NONE! The Ubuntu community is amazing and is why Linux, especially Ubuntu will be more successful.
Also I totally agree that children should learn to use computers on Ubuntu, because in the real world, OSX is just eye candy, and Windows is basically for IT professionals. Real hard core research, programming, and development is all done on Linux.

Also has anyone noticed how for Ubuntu drivers are almost a non-issue. Sure there is some unsupported hardware, but common guys. When is the last time you have installed an OS in 20 minutes and had not to download one additional driver? With Ubuntu that is the norm, and to me that is worth everything.
 
I think Mr V12 is upset, cos i dissed him bad on T.dawg's article about Price PC/Apple. Anyways what can you do.

V12 probably walked into IRC with a n00b question he could have solved by googling for 2s, but instead tried to irritate people with, so he got the RTFM, relax dude, you deserved it.

Oh, and my 4 banger pwns your V12
 
"Basically, just a mini OS loader on USB device that can mimicking itself as Apple BIOS to fool Leopard installer."

Macs don't use BIOS, homie.
Click to expand...


Um... what? The motherboard doesn't have a basic input output system? How is this possible? Something has to start other things. How did Apple make a work around a bios on a intel based mobo? On the same computer you can put windows which requires a bios.

You didn't think that through did you?
 
Well basically if Apple does not shut them down some how on some small loop hole this company has overlooked. Then they will most likely sell a few of these devices to the willing test bunnies out there. I personally think that if Apple could track the people buying the Mac OS they would probably try to after the buyers of the Mac OS because that would be about Apples speed & mental thinking on things because they would be losing control of their great Mac OS (in their minds anyway) to us low PC users (again in their minds).

I think if Mr Jobs was to step down & They get someone in there that was not so high & mighty about everything & they quit putting those stupid
TV ad's about I'm a mac & I'm a PC they might sell more hardware & not have to worry about devices like this USB dongle thing or others like that will come after it.
 
Now this is funny... I make a generality about the known Nix "community," (as a whole) and then a small minority users try and refute the comment with a specific flavor of Nix and ITS "community." I will ask you this question, how does YOUR specific example (opinion, and not factual) somehow pertain to the GENERAL statement/lament I made about the Nix "community" as a whole?

What you're not getting is this: a specific example cannot speak, nor take precedent over a general one in this scenario. Lmfao... Sort like this known societal and agreed upon factual statement: "Pitbulls are aggressive dogs," then someone jumps in yapping about "well MY Pit isn't." Great now you've spoken for EVERYONE'S experience huh? Geesh...

Ubuntu hardly speaks for the Linux community as a whole, now does it? I didn't think it did, nor should you. Maybe the Ubuntu community from your perspective and experience does not represent "RTFM," but again that's you and not largely representative of what most people's experiences are, from what I have seen. Not all pitbulls are aggressive, and certainly not all experienced Nix users are "RTFM," but many will concede that either of the two statements are highly representative of their respective communities. Thus there wouldn't be "RTFM" connoted with Nix VS other OS's, nor "aggression" associated with Pitbulls Vs many other dog breeds.

What we have here is a few Nix users going on the defensive—when all you had to say was: "Sorry my experiences with Nix, specifically Ubuntu, do not agree with your experience(s) with other flavors of Linux." ...?
 
What we've got here is failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach... So, you get what we had here last week, which is the way he wants it! Well, he gets it! N' I don't like it any more than you men.
 
Men? Here we go... I hope this isn't another supposed "women are superior to men, and one reason is b/c we communicate better..." That's a myth and has never been proven beyond a reasonable doubt: it's just reverse sexism. Please don't interject YOUR "-isms" in this non-gender related, technical conversation please.

It may be a joke, but it's a very backhanded joke if you ask me... Bah I'm done with this whole topic. Think what you guys want, I hope these guys make it someday and the courts rule in favor of them if it ever goes to trial, b/c Apple loves protecting "its" turf like no other...
 


What!?

If you are referring to my post, those are the opening lyrics to the song Civil War by Guns-N-Roses.
 
uh...ain't his dongle just an EFI emulator in some kind of EFIX proprietary hardware ?

Well if that's the case i think that there's a free solution out there called Boot-132...and free...

lol
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom