Mac running Windows XP

[Rumz]

A long time PC enthusiast, I recently jumped ship and joined the dark side

Being in the design field it makes sense to use a Mac... but even after I decided that I wanted one for personal use (not just at the office), I waited. Apple announced they'd be moving to Intel last June. Then when they announced the MacBook Pro in January I jumped on it.

And today (well yesterday), the 5th of April, Apple announced a form of official support for Windows XP on Intel Macs (there was a contest before now to get Xp running on a Mac but the solution lacked proper video drivers). Smooth-- makes installing XP on a Mac a breeze.

So there you have it-- I'm sitting here posting from Windows on a maxed out MacBook Pro-- Intel Core Duo 2.16ghz, 2gb RAM, 100gb 7200 rpm drive HDD, a Radeon x1600 mobile w/ 256mb vram-- this is about as desktop replacement as they come, and it's thin, elegant, and runs both Mac OS X and Windows XP without a hitch. I could ditch my desktop if I wanted... this thing will run SonicStage no doubt.

Most of the time I'll run OS X-- but for my network walkman and possibly Hi-MD, I can just boot into Windows (yeah virtualization might be better for such tasks-- I'll test those solutions when they come. Let's be honest-- the main reason I wanted to get XP going on here was to play games, that's where booting into the OS comes in handy).

In any case, I'll report back when I have SonicStage 3.4 installed to verify that there are no issues (can't imagine what issues there could be, but you never know).

[madleet3]

cool to know sony network S/w can run on a intelmac

soon

and alot of PC programs/games soon i hope

more mkt share for apple soon i guess

[Ishiyoshi]

In any case, I'll report back when I have SonicStage 3.4 installed to verify that there are no issues (can't imagine what issues there could be, but you never know).

I look forward to your report. I am also particularly intrigued by the possibility to extract the drivers from the BootCamp CD for Apple's Bluetooth Keyboard - always wanted to pair it with my VAIO.

[JSP62]

Yes, this Apple/Windows Boot loader is great! I have always wanted to get a macbook but was not satisfied with the OS support. It's like peanut and jelly in the same bottle .

PS - I wonder how long before there can be support for Linux

[Guest Stuge]

Yes, this Apple/Windows Boot loader is great!

How can you saythat ..Have you tried the beta version??

[JSP62]

How can you saythat ..Have you tried the beta version??

No I have not, I can imagine alot of troubleshooting to get things worked. BUT the bridge has been made. Even though there may be a few planks missing

REF: article that goes into more details for your readin pleasure

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...0-36375,00.html

[Rumz]

I look forward to your report. I am also particularly intrigued by the possibility to extract the drivers from the BootCamp CD for Apple's Bluetooth Keyboard - always wanted to pair it with my VAIO.

I actually can't imagine that being too difficult, Ishi. I have an Apple bluetooth keyboard and I did get it set up in Windows XP without a hitch-- I just don't know if the volume up/down/mute keys are functional, I didn't test them. The eject key should work though.

Basically bootcamp just creates a windows driver install cd. I'll see if I can create an image though I don't know how you'd test it. Is the Apple keyboard known to not normally pair with regular bluetooth or is it the functionality of those extra keys that you're after?

How can you saythat ..Have you tried the beta version??

I know this question was not directed at me but I can say that it does work great-- I had one minor issue getting it running which was a simple fix. Other people who have had trouble seem to be those who have previously used the hacked dual boot method and / or have very little hard drive space left on their Intel Macs.

PS - I wonder how long before there can be support for Linux

I imagine it is just a matter of time. Essentially, in order to run the Apple Boot Camp software / dual boot, you have to first update the firmware on your machine. Basically the firmware update adds BIOS support that Intel Macs originally lacked (they had EFI with no Bios support layer). I think there may have already been some limited success booting into certain flavors of Linux-- I'd check out http://www.osx86project.org and it's forums for more on what people are able to do with this solution.

Also of note is that today a free beta of some Virtualization software was released for Intel Macs:

http://www.parallels.com/en/products/workstation/mac/

I will definitely give this a go-- this would seem more ideal for light windows use such as running Sonic Stage. With windows both dual booting and running in as a virtual machine on my laptop, I may be able to make some general comparisons in speed for things like SonicStage and decide if it's usable enough.

The main thing is that anyone who buys a new Mac now (assuming it's Intel) should now not be left in the cold when it comes to getting the most out of their Sony gadgets

[Ishiyoshi]

I actually can't imagine that being too difficult, Ishi. I have an Apple bluetooth keyboard and I did get it set up in Windows XP without a hitch-- I just don't know if the volume up/down/mute keys are functional, I didn't test them. The eject key should work though.

Basically bootcamp just creates a windows driver install cd. I'll see if I can create an image though I don't know how you'd test it. Is the Apple keyboard known to not normally pair with regular bluetooth or is it the functionality of those extra keys that you're after?

It is indeed those extra keys. If possible, I would like to have full functionality before acquiring the BT Keyboard for my VAIO.