Install Mac OS X onto your Dell

..or HP, Compaq, Sony, etc.

I will be doing a session explaining how this task can be accomplished.  I’ll explain hardware selection, software patching, and installation procedures.  If time permits I will also outline some possible issues you might face after installation (device recognition, etc).

If you’ve been considering a Mac but can’t budget one right now, or perhaps you want to keep using your Dell but can’t stand Vista; this is a great way to test out the Mac OS on hardware you already own or can get cheaper.

NOTE: I do not condone piracy, and my procedures are based off the assumption that you have a legally purchased copy of OS X.  There are other “pre-patched” distributions of OS X floating around the web and although I acknowledge they exist I prefer to do my own patching so I can be sure of what is going on.

-Justus (a.k.a. dellintosh)

Continue reading » · Written on: 03-26-09 by Justus · 3 Comments »

3 Responses to “Install Mac OS X onto your Dell”

  1. Michael Lehmkuhl wrote:

    You may want to consult the Apple SLA before presenting this procedure to a crowd. Fair warning.

    “2. Permitted License Uses and Restrictions.
    A. This License allows you to install and use one copy of the Apple Software on a single Apple-labeled computer at a time.”

    My guess is that a Dell would not qualify as an “Apple-labeled computer.”

    Wish it weren’t the case sometimes, but Apple is quite proprietary with their tech.

    -Mk

     April 16th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
  2. Justus wrote:

    I would like to mention that my session is only going to discuss what you have a right to do with your own hardware and your own software. This is not, and will never be, a replacement for purchasing a genuine Apple computer; and as such you understand that you become your own support. Saying that, however, I would classify this talk as “dark grey”.. since I’m not trying to sell computers with OS X installed on them (unlike the infamous Psystar), but just giving information to others… what you do with that information is up to you. I would have no issue with someone doing a talk on wireless security, because although it could be used for criminal purposes (not recommended) it can also be used to secure your wireless networks (good use case). If someone has already purchased PC hardware and wants to evaluate OS X this is a great low-cost way to do it. That being said, you are absolutely correct Michael: this is not an Apple-sanctioned use of their software…

    I would encourage anyone who is uncomfortable with this talk to purchase an “Apple-labeled computer” (I have 4 in case you’re wondering) — since that is where you will get the most support from Apple (not to mention their beautiful computer designs). If you are someone who likes to tinker around with software and hardware (again, legally purchased), then I think you’ll enjoy this session.

     May 6th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
  3. Eric Lynner wrote:

    Did this with my Dell Latitude D830 and it Ran It Very well, (Until the fiance was using it and did a system update to 10.5.5) WHOPSY! But all in all worked very well till that point.

     May 15th, 2009 at 12:43 pm

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