Test-Freaks reviews the EFi-X USB V1, a boot processing unit that implements a working version of EFI, allowing you to, among other things, boot Mac OS X Leopard without modifying anything. In other words, there's no hacking involved. The caveat: there's a HCL. They conclude: "I have had the opportunity of reviewing a multitude of items over the past two years and the EFiX is one of the most unique and exciting products that I have encountered. It works as advertised and could not be any simpler to install and setup. Using a store bought copy of Leopard, I was able to get up and running in under an hour. By using recommended hardware from the hardware compatibility list the user can build a Mac as powerful as even the highest end Mac Pro models. The EFi-X USB V1 seems to be an evolving product as the makers add new features with each subsequent firmware upgrade. If you want to build a machine capable of running OS X, Windows and Linux on one platform, then the EFi-X USB V1 is the solution."
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Member since:
2005-07-06
...looks like a neat product. The price is not that bad (in my opinion), seems pretty seamless. If I decide to go back to OS X (running linux on a shuttle at the moment) I will most definitely consider building my own "mac" and use this product. I already purchase the family pack of every OS X version that comes out because we have several macs.
Member since:
2005-10-12
This is really the end is it not? At this point we have general knowledge of how to put OSX onto non-Apple machines. There is already boot123 in the public domain, and that will only get better and smoother.
In the end, Apple is not going to be able to stop people installing OSX on generic hardware. What this review makes clear is also clear from the Macintouch review: you can't duplicate the exact Mac configurations cheaper. But you can get 85% of the performance of themn at 50% of the price.
The end of the line really. Its been generic hardware for a long time now. Now what has happened is that the prohibition on buying that generic hardware from anyone but Apple is breaking down. It was inevitable. efi was only ever going be a temporary barrier. And a good thing too.
Member since:2005-07-06
maybe this was the intention...
If apple wanted to stop the osx86 movement it could without tooooo much hassle
Apple have been able to reap the benefits of developers working to extend the hardware support of osx well beyond what apple have done so far.
It also gives the geek factor to a number of people who, lets be honest, prob wouldnt buy a mac for one reason or another (cost?)
my knowledge of the osx kext system has been VASTLY extended by me trying to get osx installed on unsupported hardware. I have a real mac but the hackintosh is more fun :-) (and also 'expendible'!)
Member since:
2005-07-01
"With the EFi-X USB V1 in place you can install your store bought copy of Mac OS X Leopard onto a PC."
"Featuring a quick, multifunctional boot selector that provides interactive system boot choice and an easy method to install and start your legally obtained OS."
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
(that last one wasn't from the article)
Member since:
2006-01-27
