[fafling]

Would it be silly by Apple to create a kind of lite version of Mac OSX to be run on non-apple hardware? I beleive Dell might love it

The idea raises some questions, though: How lite should it be? Would it be guaranteed to work as good as on a Mac? Would it really make Win-users switch? Which apps should be delivered with it?

[Madrag]

I think it's silly, apple gets more revenue from selling hardware than from the software sales (correct me if I'm wrong).

I think only supporting Apple's hardware is one of the reasons that OS X (or any Mac OS for that matter), is so stable. So I think it would be a bad move to support other hardware, but with this PPC/intel/Bootcamp thing you never know

[Big Mac]

There's no way to make a Mac OS X Lite Edition that would not suck. And releasing the full version for general PCs would cause Apple's hardware sales (the core of its business) to die a quick death. So, I don't think it's feasible.

[Maflynn]

What would be lite about it? seriously what feature would you recommend that apple drop?

Its a dangerious path that apple is navigating right now as it transitions to a new platform. They need to keep their installed base happy and increase new customers.

Now if they offered OSX [lite] for non-apple hardware what motivation would there be to buy apple hardware. If its truly lite what motivation would it be for people to buy it and install no a dell?

Its a lose-lose proposition IMHO

Mike

[fafling]

Originally Posted by Maflynn

What would be lite about it? seriously what feature would you recommend that apple drop?

Of course an amputated version would not impress the 'super users', but things like the Finder behaviour, Widgets and Search could impress many. Even a one generation old version of iPhoto, GarageBand etc. - I mean, the lite version could lay somewhat behind!

On the lite version there could also be som fancy Flash laying on the Dock. This Flash could tell about the total brilliantness of the full fledged OSX.

Short: The primary goal of the lite version should be to market 'the real thingo'.

[OreoCookie]

This is more like a Lounge discussion, moving …

[TETENAL]

http://www.apple.com/macmini/

If you want an ever lighter version one revision behind, buy a used one from eBay.

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by Maflynn

What would be lite about it? seriously what feature would you recommend that apple drop?

Its a dangerious path that apple is navigating right now as it transitions to a new platform. They need to keep their installed base happy and increase new customers.

Now if they offered OSX [lite] for non-apple hardware what motivation would there be to buy apple hardware. If its truly lite what motivation would it be for people to buy it and install no a dell?

Its a lose-lose proposition IMHO

Mike

I've thought about this a LONG time. Here are my thoughts:
- Limit the number of applications that can run. 3-4 max would be annoying.
- Limit the dock to only Apple applications.
- Obviously only one CPU

I agree that this would probably erode the iMac/iBook/mini sales.

That being said, it would be interesting to offer a "have a taste" DVD that would let you boot the OS from the DVD to give it a try... I think it would be very popular.

[Maflynn]

Originally Posted by Torgeir

Of course an amputated version would not impress the 'super users.

I think it would pretty much not impress most users. Why buy a crippled OS, just so it can run on non-apple hardware?

So far with reading this thread I have not found any reason why this would be a good idea.

[Dark Helmet]

No, a lite os would be incredibly stupid.

[Apfhex]

Sounds like you're describing a "OS X Demo". That would be truly interesting... but I don't think it's a good idea.

[besson3c]

A live DVD might not be too bad, but I don't see regular users going through the hassle of installing an OS just to get a crippled OS they will eventually have to struggle with and become annoyed by.

[hayesk]

A DVD (or downloadable file) that shows everything that is better would be a good idea.