SVG Analysis: Apple Boot Camp

The Apple vs. Microsoft battle today entered a new level of d tente
when Apple introduced the beta version of its Boot Camp software,
letting users of Intel-based Mac computers to run the Windows XP
operating system.

Available as a download beginning today, Boot Camp lets users with a Microsoft Windows XP installation disc to install Windows XP on an Intel-based Mac. Once installation is complete, users can restart their computer to run either Mac OS X or Windows XP. Boot Camp will also be a feature in “Leopard,” Apple’s next major release of Mac OS X, that will be previewed at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in August.

What s the SVG take? The move by Apple is about one thing and one thing only: selling more hardware. Users who love Mac hardware, can choose their OS and run both (although not simultaneously) while users who love Windows can now explore the Mac hardware platform and still run their windows programs.

As a result, the move is a win-win for Apple because they can sell more hardware without making Mac fans feel the company is selling out. In addition, Apple won t be selling Windows OS.

“Apple has no desire or plan to sell or support Windows, but many customers have expressed their interest to run Windows on Apple’s superior hardware now that we use Intel processors,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing in a press statement. “We think Boot Camp makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering making the switch.”

It also could help convert PC users to Mac users by letting Windows sample the variety of applications under Mac OS X, the Mac operating system. The Apple suite of products is very well integrated and there are practical, useful applications like IiMovie, that could be a hit to PC users used to complicated menus and file structures.

In the end, it s the user, whether professional or consumer, who wins as they get more hardware and software choices. More importantly for Apple, the Intel-based systems jump to the top of the computer rankings in terms of flexibility and openness.

Those interested in Boot Camp will need an Intel-based Mac with a USB keyboard and mouse, or a built-in keyboard and TrackPad; Mac OS X version 10.4.6 or later; the latest firmware update; at least 10GB of free space on the startup disk; a blank recordable CD or DVD; and single-disc version of Windows XP Home Edition or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later.