Dell Mini 9 hacked to run OS X

We're assuming Apple will eventually give up and release a netbook of its own, but until then Steve had better get used to seeing OS X hacked to run on all manner of tiny laptops -- the latest to make the switch is Dell's Inspiron Mini 9. Nothing too complicated about this hack, since most of the work was already done for the internally-similar MSI Wind, but you'll have to dig up some extra Broadcom drivers to get WiFi and sound working. Seems like a fun little project for the weekend -- anyone going to take the plunge?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:10PM]

I loled.

1. Why would OSX need the remaining 50% of software Windows got? Its just viruses and bloatware anyways.
2. OSX is normally more stable than Windows, as Apple picks hardware thats guaranteed to work in OSX, also the drivers are fecking good.
3. If you want to try out Safari-webrendering, you can get the Windows-version at apple.com
4. Safaris webrendering is more accurate than IE, and Safari actually follows the webstandards in contrast to IE.
5. Get a clue about other OSes than Windows, you clearly dont at the moment.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:13PM]

I loled.

1. Why would OSX need the remaining 50% of software Windows got? Its
just viruses and bloatware anyways.
2. OSX is normally more stable than Windows, as Apple picks hardware
thats guaranteed to work in OSX, also the drivers are fecking good.
3. If you want to try out Safari-webrendering, you can get the
Windows-version at apple.com
4. Safaris webrendering is more accurate than IE, and Safari actually
follows the webstandards in contrast to IE.
5. Get a clue about other OSes than Windows, you clearly dont at the
moment.

[cardbored Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:27PM]

at gwai:

1. Games
2.its more stable because they control the hardware. If apple released OS X for everyone then theyd have to write drivers for all that new hardware and thus, less stable os
3. Good point
4. Good point even though firefox is the most bestest browser everest just because of add ons.
5. Linux ftw! And maybe you should take your own advice

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:28PM]

I roflmao'ed.

1.) Yes, all those games are just viruses. Also, also those specialized productivity apps like specialized versions of CAD are just bloatware.
2.) There is actually no proof that OS X is more stable. Both are equally stable. One is less stupid-friendly. Do you understand a damn thing about driver development? OS X Drivers are well integrated, but Windows has a far larger compatibility set for extra peripherals. OS X LACKS drivers. And, while they're not as well integrated, drivers for Windows for the most part are still extremely stable. If you're going and downloading beta drivers, that's your own fault.
3.) If you want to try Firefox 3, you can download the native Mac version that uses Cocoa rather then a version that has to use a non-native widget set like Safari for Windows.
4.) Great, Firefox and Opera both beat Safari in terms of speed and compatibility. Wait, you haven't heard of a browser not endorsed by Jobs? Poor Zombie.
5.) Get a clue about the real world. You clearly don't. Quit following Jobs like a dog, and actually try other things before you comment on them.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 2:39PM]

I voted ALL of you -1 because having YET ANOTHER argument over which OS is better has got to be the lamest waste of time, EVER. What is this, 1997?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 5:14PM]

Why is it that when I read Gwai's comment I hear Jar Jar Binks in my head?

[jmuduke Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:02PM]

I would totally take the plunge... If I actually had a netbook

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 5:07PM]

If someone could show me how to put a firewire port on this thing.... I'd order a mini-9 today

[PandaDessert Posted Oct 3rd 2008 12:59PM]

I'm holding out hope for a dual core atom 10" or greater netbook for osx86 loving.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:10PM]

Whoa. I wonder how slow it runs.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 4th 2008 3:06PM]

It could be worse. It could have been Vista.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:09PM]

I might try it IF Dell would ship my Mini 9...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:41PM]

waste a weekend making my netbook useless? no thanks...

I have a dell m2010 and i'm a PC!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:15PM]

what in the world can someone do with this thing ? play solitaire ?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:36PM]

Dell said the delivery date was going to be Oct 16 and my mini 9 arrived today - so take heart those of you waiting - it wont be as long as you think.

[thehamsterman Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:47PM]

What about how you can run xp and vista on macs, and its supported? I like that.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 23rd 2008 10:37PM]

isn't that just a testament to how good windows is? not in terms of features, but in terms of support. Microsoft doesn't make a single part in any apple computer, but it supports all of them. you just can't say that about OSX. of course windows drivers aren't usually perfect, but it's still impressive how adaptable windows is. hopefully 7 will have better drivers out the door.

OSX on a dell FTW. no, really, that just owns.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:53PM]

I'll try, if Dell send my ..finally!!!!

[Jiggity Posted Oct 3rd 2008 2:14PM]

No thanks... I'll stick with Ubuntu.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 6:30PM]

Awesome. So that's 2 netbooks which are OS X86 friendly. The MSI Wind is nice, but variety never hurt anyone. Too bad other netbooks run OS X so poorly. I'm hoping the new Toshiba or Samsung systems can run it with even fewer hassles.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 9:05PM]

I'm sorry, but.. What?
Why is it news that the Dell Mini 9 can run OS X?
I mean, I don't recall you guys posting anything when the Acer Aspire One was found to be able to run OS X nicely. So, the Mini 9 and the Eee get the limelight?
Will it be news when somebody puts OS X on HP's 2133 or whatever it was called?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 4th 2008 9:20AM]

I have a AAO and it does not run OS X perfectly; no Wifi, no sleep and no mics! I'd say this is a much better netbook for running OS X.

[TheWB Posted Oct 4th 2008 8:24AM]

A better OS than Windows! These units have tremendous potential - MAC has to be feeling the pressure.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 4th 2008 9:22AM]

Let's hope they start shipping the Ubuntu version soon as well!

[KaiCherry Posted Oct 4th 2008 4:46PM]

As a Mac User since the Glorious 80s, a NeXT guy since the 90s, etc...I have to tell my fellow Mac OS X brethren:

This thing is NICE, without question.

Apple really, REALLY needs to make one of these things. I would MUCH RATHER (and now, do) take this thing with me *everywhere* than I would my Macbook Pro.

I mean this. I really, honestly mean this.

I know, I know...it's "bad"...blah, blah, blah.

Let me put it to you this way: is a Macbook running Linux and XP or Vista still a Mac to you...or is it a PC?

If you think what makes a Mac a Mac a silver computer with a lighted Apple on it, then you *truly* do NOT understand what makes Macs special...and I'm telling you, this thing is special.

It is Small, light, and quick. You can actually do whatever it is you do online with it...just like a "Mac" would. Yes, all of the iLife stuff works, yes you can use it for development (duh!)...it runs MacOS X and MacOS X software...like...a...mac...would.


Some things are different; it has, you know, a Windows Key instead of an Apple key :)

It has not moving parts. It has NEVER gotten over 115 degrees F. Compared to my ancient Macbook Pro, it feels snappy. The display works great.

It is *light, light, light* and small. Portable.

yes, the camera works, airport works, etc.

It does have one flaw tho that would prevent it from ever being in the apple lineup; it is easily less than $500 in several configurations.

*sigh*

In closing:

"Don't hate, participate!!"

[mos6507 Posted Oct 4th 2008 5:42PM]

Hack it to be able to generate an F11 and F12 keypress and I'll be impressed.

[Benson Posted Oct 4th 2008 10:08PM]

In a conventional UNIX environment, you'd use xmodmap. OS X is, alas, not one, as it's changed the main graphics stack out, so I don't know what to do there... I bet it's just as easy though.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 5th 2008 1:14AM]

Already took the plunge, if your interested go to www.insanleymac.com to find all sorts of goo info for hacking os x onto PC.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 9th 2008 4:53AM]

Does the thing have multi-touch?
Does it run voice-over?
Is the color-gamma in mac style or still in windows style?
How's the performance of the thing?
Does photobooth work with the cam (or isnt that a cam up there?)

And, does dell deliberately make its hardware so ugly?
Would want that thing sittin on my desk now would I. Would touch it with a stick actually.

But i can see why people with "small wallets" would want one, a $350 mac WOWIE

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 21st 2008 2:41AM]

I don't know if I'm the only one, but I upgraded the memory to 2 GB (accordiing to Crucial it goes to 2 GB max, I just tried 2, can't speak on 4gb) and it is even faster. I know some may not be annoyed, but I am, I CAN'T play chess! Not that I ever won when I have on a Mac, but it helps me distress. Anyone know if there is a fix?

Nikk

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 23rd 2008 10:25PM]

I hate this discussion.
Now that's off my chest, you could argue that Apple needs merely to change the EULA so that anyone can buy and install OSX legally, period, and that Apple is not responsible for any compatability issues with non-apple products.

BUT, if Jobs did this, what stops every OEM from making hardware clones of any apple product (or custom hardware firms like psystar) and installing full featured OSX computers? apple's business is hardware, not software. licensing fees just wouldn't produce as much revenue as apple hardware; Mac PCs are only cutting edge for a year, then apple doesn't update the hardware to let costs come down, and profits come up. It's genius, it's why apple stock kicks ass in the long term under Mr. Jobs' rule, er, supervision.

Buy Apple, Sell High.