Boing Boing Gadgets Creates Mac Netbook Guide

[Vincent Ferrari]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/12/17/osx-netbook-compatib.html' target='_blank'>http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/...k-compatib.html</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Apple says it's had "pretty interesting ideas" for a Mac netbook, but it's everyday users who've already taken action. Due to their similar technical underpinnings, most of the popular netbooks can run OS X, but there are plenty of caveats: non-functioning components which lack drivers and need to be replaced-or which simply can't be gotten to at all."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1229606108.usr18053.jpg" /></p><p>I'm glad someone put this together!&nbsp; Apparently the two nicest Netbooks on the market, the Wind and the Mini 9, run OSX perfectly.&nbsp; It's good to know because next year I'll be buying another Netbook expressly for this purpose.&nbsp; Right now, the Wind is in the lead but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Mini 9.&nbsp; Boing Boing Gadgets has promised to update this chart to complete and correct the data based on reader feedback.</p><p>Who needs Apple to announce one at Macworld?</p>

[ucfgrad93]

Who needs Apple to announce one at Macworld

Not me. :D

[Macguy59]

I'd be all over an Apple branded one. Actually of the current NetBooks I think the HP Mini 1000 would the ideal OS X based one. Meanwhile I'm still waiting for the ISO to finish downloading.

[doogald]

Apple says that it took them three years to develop the iPhone. While I doubt that it would take them three years to perfect the product design and technology of a Netbook, which can benefit from what they already developed for the iPhone and their MacBooks, it seems more Apple-like to take their time and get it right when they go to market than try to rush to market something that compromises the things that the company believes in.

I'd bet it's more likely to come third quarter next year, in time for the holiday season.

[Macguy59]

I'd bet it's more likely to come third quarter next year, in time for the holiday season.

By then it could be proven to be a fad which is why I would rather see Apple do a tablet instead. Something that would fill the gap between the 3G and MacBook. I'm thinking in the 8" to 10" range using the same or very similar UI the 3G uses. With 802.11n, SIM card slot, 2 USB ports, dock connector, replaceable battery and mobile versions of iWork. ALL of the apps operate in landscape mode. Well a guy can wish can't he ? :)

[doogald]

I'm also guessing that Apple is thinking outside the box on this one. Tablet? With BT keyboard support in addition to what you list? Why not?

[Vincent Ferrari]

I'm also guessing that Apple is thinking outside the box on this one. Tablet? With BT keyboard support in addition to what you list? Why not?

TBH if they added BT KB support to the iPhone, I'd be perfectly fine without ever having a Netbook. I don't see it happening, though.

[Jason Dunn]

By then it could be proven to be a fad which is why I would rather see Apple do a tablet instead. Something that would fill the gap between the 3G and MacBook. I'm thinking in the 8" to 10" range using the same or very similar UI the 3G uses.

Apple has a pretty standard method: they watch other companies fight and struggle to establish the technology, and when the timing is just right, they execute the perfect blend of technology and marketing - and most people think that they invented something new. So the tablet will come, but not yet - the technology isn't ready yet. Too many compromises. I'd expect to see an Apple tablet sometime in the 2010/2012 timeframe.

[Macguy59]

Sure Jason. Go ahead and rain on my parade :p Learning from others mistakes isn't a bad way to go. Of course they will market it as the greatest thing since (insert fav product). It's served them well to this point. Don't be a hater :D OT: but while I have your attention, any thoughts on the HP Mini 1000 ?

[Jason Dunn]

OT: but while I have your attention, any thoughts on the HP Mini 1000 ?

I still haven't managed to convince anyone at HP to send me one, but in my very limited in-person look at one, it looked pretty damn nice - it seemed thinner to me than my MSI Wind, and the build quality looked great.

[Macguy59]

I still haven't managed to convince anyone at HP to send me one, but in my very limited in-person look at one, it looked pretty damn nice - it seemed thinner to me than my MSI Wind, and the build quality looked great.

A mutual acquaintance has one. Michael at Hardwaregeeks.

[Macguy59]

Damn ! My local Best Buy just started carrying the HP Mini 1030NR but by the time I was able to crutch up there (ankle surgery last week) they were sold out. Got a rain check. They had a display model I could play with though. It's easily the nicest NetBook I've had my hands on so far. 10" display, thin, speedy and damn good looking. Great keyboard. The thinness comes at a price though. Only one regular USB port and no memory card slot. Neither is a deal beaker for me though. I thought the 16GB SSD drive was just as fast as the 5400 RPM HD in the MSI Wind (actually seemed faster in a couple of cases). Very slick NetBook.