It will allow Mac users to run Windows games, but Apple is targeting Boot Camp to both professional and home users. The top story at the Wall Street Journal web site right now is an interview with Apple's VP Phil Schiller -
"Running Windows on a Mac could appeal to professional users who want to purchase Macs for their homes but don't because they need to run a corporate application that operates only on Windows, he said. Then there are consumers who are interested in Macs "but want the safety net of, 'If it doesn't work out I can run Windows,'" Mr. Schiller said.
This is a brilliant strategy for Apple to win customers who want to try a Mac while preserving their investment in Windows software. Those folks can eventually dump Microsoft products after a gradual transition to the superior Mac OS X system.
Shiller is right
I'm doing some work in a regulated space that requires all sorts of virus and security software to access this secure net via a VPN. I will not load this on my Mac OS X, So I just boot up WIndoz when I need to access their network - although a VM would be better than dual boot. I bet that is next.
I've been wanting Apple to dump IBM for Intel for years, so these opportunities would present themselves. But this is a high barrier to entry - a whole new computer - which few people actually "need" right now. Which is why I wold be selling OSX for Dell etc instead (which may eventually come out).
Take me as an example. I don't need a new computer till much later this year or early next, so I won't even consider this for myself til then. However, if they had announced an version of OSX I could run on my fairly new laptop, I would have pre-ordered it today.
Apple just wants the profits from both the hardware AND the software, and want to lock the consumer in. Fine by me, I still might buy one because it's an outstanding product, although I do have some questions about Al Gore still being there etc.
Yes, indeed. In my opnion, this is what this action is all about.