Waiting on the EFiX Modules
Davide assures us several modules are on the way. And we’ll be looking at giving away a few EFiX modules to users in a quick contest. Once they’re in our labs however, we’ll install them, get Leopard setup, and run a bunch of tests to see how things compare side by side to a real Mac.
Currently, the hardware we have sitting here waiting for the modules include:
- Intel QX9770 quad-core processor
- Gigabyte EP45-DQ6 motherboard
- OCZ PC2 8500 DDR2 memory, 4 GB (2 x 2 GB)
- Nvidia 8800 GTX graphics card
- 2x Western Digital WD1500 ADFD Raptor 150 GB
- Cooler Master RS-850-EMBA 850W power supply
Once we have the modules in, things should be smooth sailing.
Davide also informed us today that a new firmware will be coming out for the EFiX sometime in the second week of October of this year that will include a bunch of fixes (including the memory readouts) and several new features, including some very interesting ones that we can’t yet talk about.
We would like to thank Gigabyte for sending us a new high-performance EP45-DQ6, Intel for the QX9770 and OCZ for the memory. We’re looking forward to setting up our very own EFiX Mac clone. Also, look for out for the giveaways of the EFiX modules.
Of course, thanks to Davide for his time.
What's the estimated cost on these pieces of kit?
108 euros from mm services (swiss company)
http://m2-services.net/index.php?o [...] 29&lang=en
Well as you went to the trouble of interviewing this guy, you could of asked some more pertinent questions. Apple's EULA states that the OS should only be installed on Apple branded hardware, so what are they going to do...run of a batch of sticky back Apple logos? Can't see how that is going to fly. Also this thing about them wanting to move in the same direction as Apple...I'm assuming that wasn't to point of contacting Apple over this to see how they felt about it.
Don't get me wrong I think the concept is very clever and would consider it seriously if I thought it was going to last long term. However I can't help but think that Apple will just let them pour their capital into this project then haul them into court. Then whoever has coughed up for one of these will quickly find Apple has found a way to stop it from functioning, which is a loss of about £150 if you add the cost of the hardware and OSX.
He's right in so much as I believe there is a sizeable number of people who would like to try OSX but will absolutely not cough up Apple's hardware prices or accept the hardware limitations (especially the graphics). They might however be tempted by this set-up if Apple gave assurances that they wouldn't try and kill it.
There are wins for Apple in this. They get revenue from the software sale and possible accessories. Perhaps more importantly, with Vista struggling for acceptance, the timing might never be so sweet again to see how much they could eat into the market share of Windows. They must know that it will never be significant as long as they tie it into their own kit, but this way... well who knows.
As a neutral in all aspects of computing, I believe competition and choice is a great thing. At the very least, putting OSX into the melting pot like this would really force MS to pull their fingers out with regard to Windows.
So what do you say Apple, are you ready to try a new revenue stream with none of the risk. It may come to nothing, but it may just be a sea change.
I want to know where is the anti trust case for Apple. Come EU, you hassle MS for bundling a free media player with Windows (bit like prosecuting Ford for putting in CD players in their cars) but don't blink an eye at Apples dodgy practice of Knobbling software to only work on Apply H/W (which we all know is basically just a low end PC). My point is people shouldn't need these bloody usb dongles [/rant]
Go look at the spec's for the base model Mac Pro. I don't recall ANY low end PC's having Dual Quad core Xeon processors...come to think of it I don't think there are any low end Servers that come equipped that way either. Do your research or at least get current. As for getting exposure to OSX, why not just pony up for the Mac Mini? I support PC's all day in my job so I am not a PC hater...they keep me employed. =)
All this does is take over the functions of the BIOS with an EFI (extensible firmware interface) compatible system.
This in itself is perfectly legal and nothing to do with Apple. EFI is an Intel system they have designed to try to replace the ageing BIOS.
The fact that apple use the existence of EFI rather than a BIOS to confirm the machine is a Mac, is completely irrelevant to the conversation, and is frankly apples problem.