Apple to Lock OSXi to Apple Hardware

spac writes "It seems that Apple has chosen to use the Trusted Platform Module chip to ensure that Mac OS X can only run on Apple Hardware. The report from vnunet states that the chips contain a unique identifier, which can be used to determine the manufacturer of a PC as well as facilities for data encryption. "

Comments

Not surprising

[AKAImBatman]

This really isn't all that surprising. Apple wants to have a stranglehold on their OS. If they don't maintain that stranglehold, then issues with non-Apple hardware will begin to crop up. When those issues crop up, they'll make headlines. Those headlines will then damage Apple's reputation. Remember, Apple is a complete solution provider, not just a software provider.

That being said, I keep kicking around in my head the concept of Apple allowing other PC manufacturers to build OS X compatible machines. While Apple attempts to stand for quality, it might be feasible for them to license their software to others. That way there could be the "cheap PC" version of OS X, and Apple would still make money with little damage to their rep. I can't quite decide whether it's a *good* idea, though. Once they start licensing to other manufacturers, they lose a modicum of control over their quality control.

Microsoft gets away with it because the majority of their users are either stupid or don't care. Apple, OTOH, is still in a vulnerable position. Their growth has been enormous, but one wrong move on their part could bring the whole stack of cards tumbling down.

Re:Not surprising

[pootypeople]

I think you've hit on one thing, and Apple's already got a good partner for this- They've been playing very nicely with HP. If they keep their current deal with HP intact and build on some systems building (I'm thinking the mini), they could really increase their market share quickly. Honestly, I love this whole story because I'm hoping Apple will realize they've got an opportunity here to start the all out OS war we've needed to have for years. If you don't believe that- how much innovation has occured over at Microsoft since Win 2k? Hell, the version number of XP makes it pretty darn clear. Microsoft certainly doesn't see enough threats around to seriously develop their software, which while it's allowed them to make windows more secure, hasn't pushed them to work on some of the things Apple does better (less feature bloat, better memory handling). I dunno. I'm just tired of seeing both major OS makers sit back and release incremental upgrades every year or so and collect mad cash for doing next to nothing. A real knock-down, drag-out fight for the souls of x86 pcs is just what the computing industry needs.
At least, I think so.
james

What about the reverse?

[mcgroarty]

It will be interesting to see if this works the other way around as well. Will Apple's hardware check for a signed loader and lock the hardware to only running their OS as well?

People have speculated about MS doing something similar in order to better control the platform, enable more meaningful DRM, and reduce Linux platform choices. In the MS context, the idea of restricted hardware has generally been written off as anticompetitive and evil.

Re:More likely that they'll do the following

[grub]

I expect to see something similar.. a copyright string in the PC BIOS. Were Dell, Gateway, whatever to write this string in their BIOS, Apple would have no end to the possible lawsuits it would open up.

AH, but what if the manufacturers incorporated a user-customizable string in the BIOS much like the "asset tag" settings we have now?

Re:Not will use, but *might* use

[ivano]

I wonder how many people will buy Apple hardware to run Windows (1%, 10%?).

Ciao