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EFI-X arrives in USA

Written by Chris Tangora

Friday, 12 September 2008

It looks like either EFI-X is shipping to America, or someone had one sent to them via a third party. Either way, the first look at EFI-X V1 is online at insanelymac.com. User qbattersby has the first unboxing pictures of the USB device that will allow installing OS X on non-Apple X86 machines, and so far it is looking promising.

EFIX originally (and still today) says they support specific Gigabyte motherboards, but another InsanelyMac user (np_) says that he was able to get the Asus motherboard to boot off his EFI-X V1 as well, though he post no pictures of it. Either way this opens up Mac Modding to a whole new level, and begs me to ask the question, what is a Mac?

Is a Mac a Mac because of the hardware? These "Hackintoshes" still running OS X, so they are still Mac software, but they aren't Macs. Is the Mac something more than the operating system? Is a Mac a culmination of hardware and software? And if so, what about the people who want more out of the Mac, are our mods truly Macs then? We've altered the hardware, altered the software to change the Mac to fit our needs and desires, yet we still call them Macs. Are people who are running OS X on EFI-X or other hacks not running Macs also? They just started from a different spot than the people who bought Mac hardware. But in the end, all of the Mac users are running Mac OS X.

So for me, I think that you have to separate using Mac OS X and experiencing the Mac. We all love and use OS X because of it's simplicity, ease of use, and raw power hidden under the hood (UNIX). But the experience of getting a Mac, that is something that the Hackintosh doesn't replace. Sure when you get the right components together, and you see the Apple come up it is exciting. You created your Mac with your own hands. I am not trying to take away from that enjoyment or accomplishment. But the Mac is something more, ask anybody who has bought one. Even better, ask them about it when they first boot their second Mac. That is the Mac experience. Getting a fully functional, well thought out piece of hardware freshly delivered to you, then you push the button and here it. Some people call it the bong, I'm going to call it the "Gong". That is what you don't get with a Hackintosh.

That is what makes a Mac a Mac. It is almost spiritual. When you push the button to power on your Mac you hear it. It is telling you, everything is alright, I'm going to boot fine now. The Gong itself is a spiritual device, used by yoga masters world wide in ceremonies to unite mind and body. I think that it is fitting that the Mac uses a similar sound when it boots as it unites the hardware and software into one body. It may seem like I should be preaching at the Church of Mac , and maybe I could get the Saturday services there. But this is something that Mac fanatics need to stat thinking about as more and more Mac OS X alternative machines become available. Do you buy it for OS X or do you buy it for the Mac experience? We also have the question of what to do when Apple doesn't deliver a product that everyone wants (tablet, mini-desktop with expansion ports), but that is an entirely different article.

EFI-X V1 unpacked on InsanelyMac.com

Don't forget to visit the Church of Mac .

Comments (7)

	25-09-2008 09:13
	heres my side on "what is a mac" Back in the day PCs were known as 100% compatible IBM systems or Clone for short. All what a hackintosh is is a Clone of a Mac. For it to be a true mac it has to be bought from Apple. The only difference from a hackintosh and a macintosh is the software. Macs use EFI and a PC uses a BIOS. In all they're both PCs or what I like to call a CSU (Computer System Unit). I still think a Mac is the Cadillac of a computer while a PC is a ricer. Just think of a mac as the Cadillac CTS-V (A caddy with a vet engine). Give it time and the BIOS will be gone and every system will run EFI and Apple's lawyers will start the clone wars again and the PC world will have to be forced to use a different I/O system. Registered

TCPMeta

	14-09-2008 21:07
	W2ed, as much as I kinda like the idea of EFI-X, I have to disagree with you on this. A good majority of the reason macs work so well is because Apple can test the OS on the hardware it was designed to work with. If Apple has to support alot more hardware, it changes the game, completely. Additionally, alot of the time users get pissed with their computer is because of hardware issues, and guess who gets blamed most of the time... I agree with Apple's stance on the issue of keeping things closed. But, at the same time, I like the idea of having an open system for experienced users. Its really a pretty huge predicament, and I am very interested to see how it all gets played out! Registered

oojacoboo

	13-09-2008 15:10
	The main thing about the Mac is the software - it don't matter what hardware you put in or take out, as Apple has proven many times over with the Original Mac OS, QuickTime, PowerPC, QuickTake, Newton, iPod, and the iPhone. The fact that it's an Apple-Branded piece of hardware or if it's some home-grown DIY Hackintosh makes little difference if the software doesn't work. When people buy an Apple Product, the looks are only a small reason why - none of it matters if it doesn't work. Apple's success never came on the hardware, in spite of the cool designs and ease of setup; it came from the user being able to open up, dive right in, and do what they want with the minimum of BS hassle (if any) to do it. That's why so many of Apple's discontinued products (such as the Newton - no offense) failed, and why the iPods and iPhones are what people want. I think Apple should consider going the Microsoft route and opening it up to other machines WITHOUT A HACK. First, even if the price were bumped up (to something reasonable and comparable to what Microsoft offers), there'd be plenty of people, fed up with Vista and unable to downgrade to XP, who'd be tempted to buy it. Second, it'd give Apple more reason to innovate it's hardware line, if it decides to continue making hardware (Which, for the most part, I feel it should.) Third, it'd cover areas Apple has no reason to do themselves, and allow other users (Those who build their hackintoshs) areas to set their hacks apart - Niche areas such as gaming and entertainment, for example. Finally, it'd defeat the need for Apple to sick their lawyers against companies like Pystar, whose source of income comes from a missing spot in current Apple Hardware. Granted the small things (Such as the Niche Markets) aren't solid enough reason, considering that Apple would lose money, but the bigger gains in innovation (where Apple is currently one of the best already) and marketshare would. Anywho, that's my take on the matter. Guest

W2ed

	13-09-2008 00:01
	Rick, so are you for or against the EFI-X mod/hack? It is impossible to tell from your post. And go ahead and join our community. We welcome all types! Registered

ctan

	12-09-2008 22:45
	Rick, what kind of comment is that?? This is a brand new product, yes there is testing to be done, yes there are reviews to be had, yes there are updates to perform, yes, yes, yes.... The fact remains, this is new and uncharted waters. And, to the majority of people its interesting. If you don't find new technology and progress interesting. Stick with what you have and keep your mind closed off. Otherwise, realize this as such and open your mind, learn about it, and accept that its not perfect, no one said it was. Maybe you will appreciate it, who knows... Registered

oojacoboo

	12-09-2008 11:42
	This is precisely why America is in economic ruin right now. Emotion instead of logic rules people's buying habits. Perfect example. Who cares about sounds when it starts? What any thinking person SHOULD care about is how it does it perform software executions. How well does it get our work accomplished with a minimum of effort and maintenance. Anything more is fluff. Guest

Rick

	12-09-2008 07:05
	Brother, take here more worship elements. Jobs bless you. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=260285166541 Guest

Zen Master

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