and js1138 replied:
That question has already been officially answered. Mac OS will not run on PCs.
At least until someone rigs a workaround.
I think that Apple is worried about maintaining compatibility with all sorts of 3rd-party PC concoctions, as well as protecting their own interests in hardware sales at first.
Once someone _does_ rig up a "workaround" - and I have no doubt that it can, and will, be done - Apple may have to throw in the towel and consider licensing other PC manufacturers to produce hardware platforms "certified for the Mac OS". The guy who owns Dell has already stated that he would like to sell Dells equipped to run the Mac OS - and I'm sure he could sell a LOT of them.
Apple tried "licensing" once before, and the cloners almost killed them - by offering computers that were _better_ than Apple's products at the time. I still have a SuperMac s900 clone that was perhaps the best Mac I ever bought. Keep in mind, however, that _this_ time, Apple will have a native OS running on the same platform as Windows. I wouldn't be surprised if we eventually see Macs that can run Windows programs directly from the Mac OS, without switching to Windows.
It has been one of Apple's secrets that, for years now, they've had the Mac OS running on x86 processors. Something folks [like us] on the outside disputed and discussed, but never a breath of confirmation from Apple.
Although Steve Jobs has stated that there is a timetable for the migration to x86 processors that is 1-2 years away yet, I have absolutely no doubt that he would not have gone public with news this earth-shaking (in the computing world, at least) unless x86 development inside Apple is much farther along than it appears. Indeed, they may have a whole suite of software applications that are running _now_ (iLife x86?).
- John
It will certainly be easier to emulate Windows on an Intel platform. I would expect to see hacks in both directions.
Dongles and hardware locks have been around for years to prevent software piracy. They work only to the extent that the programs they protect are used by people who can afford them and who need the support of the publisher. Anyone can download a hacked version of AutoCad.