[NBLUG/talk] Concerning Linux compatibility with the new MacBook Pro

[Lincoln Peters]

On Monday 16 January 2006 12:14, A'fish'ionado wrote:
> So, is now the time to get a G5 iMac while the getting's good? I'm
> torn between grabbing one from the Yellowdog people while I can still
> get it new with a warranty, and waiting for the cheap used ones to hit
> the market...

As long as you're planning to only run Linux and open-source applications on 
it, and there are working LInux drivers for the iMac G5, this would be a good 
time to get one.  However, if you're planning to run OSX, it's probably not a 
good idea.

Why not get a G5 iMac and run OSX on it?  Consider the path Apple is taking.  
Sure, for a while all of the Mac software will run on both Intel and PowerPC 
Macs, and because of Rosetta, the Intel Macs will be able to run just about 
anything that a PowerPC Mac can run.  However, there is no similar technology 
to allow PowerPC Macs to run software for Intel Macs, so when developers 
finally stop supporting PowerPC, new software will not run at all on PowerPC 
Macs!

I had been considering buying a PowerBook G4 in the hopes that the 
announcement of Intel-based Macs would cause their prices to go down.  Then I 
realized how quickly the Intel transition is probably going to happen, and 
finally concluded that if I need a new laptop, I need it to continue to be 
useful for at least the next three years, and I need it NOW, then I'd be 
better off pre-ordering a MacBook Pro.  This is the ONLY way I could have 
been made to pay the premium for a state-of-the-art computer on my limited 
budget.


-- 
Lincoln Peters
<sampln at sbcglobal.net>

* Knghtbrd unleashes a pair of double barreled snurf guns and covers
  jesus with snurf darts
<jesus> meany :P

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