questions about OS X

[fuscia]

how flexibile is it? does one have to use aqua, or are there other DE/wm's? is there a lot of free software for it? would getting a powerbook G4, instead of some other laptop, be a mistake?

[aysiu]

You can install KDE and Gnome on it using Fink, but I've never actually done it.

There are a lot of open source applications for Mac OS X. You can find them on sourceforge.net.

You may be better off getting an Intel-based Mac, though, as that can run more applications in Linux than PPC.

[rfruth]

OS X is Apple's ace in the hole IMO - ya don't have to use aqua but Apple has gone out of there way (spending your money along the way) to use it so why not go with it ?

[engla]

I haven't really successfully done a DE conversion of a mac laptop, but it's probably possible if you really want it.

I tried installing gnome with fink, but I don't recommend that -- I got a mix of gnome 2.6 and 2.10 packages, and it didn't work together as a DE, but the individual apps worked by themselves. I heard that darwinport's gnome would be better, but I couldn't successfully even download from them.

Also, in OS X you can log in into >console mode by using a non-discoverable key combination at the login screen. It's possible to log in there, then run your X server from there. I've successfully done that and built a blackbox environment, but I had to stop as subsequent updates of OS X made using X11 rootless in Aqua and from >console mutually execlusive.

Also, my mother is getting a new mac laptop, and I've forbidden her to buy G4 powerbooks & ibooks -- they are not worth the price. I'd get an intel machine from apple; I adviced her to wait for an "intel ibook".

[fuscia]

OS X is Apple's ace in the hole IMO - ya don't have to use aqua but Apple has gone out of there way (spending your money along the way) to use it so why not go with it ?

i mean if i got bored with it. i switch DE/wms all the time.

aysiu, there is about $1000 difference between a 12in powerbook and a macprobookduomaceroo.

[aysiu]

aysiu, there is about $1000 difference between a 12in powerbook and a macprobookduomaceroo. Wait a few months. That'll change.

[fuscia]

ok, the emergency has passed. so, now what should i get? an hp nx6110? or, some kind of thinkpad?

[aysiu]

ok, the emergency has passed. so, now what should i get? an hp nx6110? or, some kind of thinkpad? I would get a System 76 (http://www.system76.com) computer, unless you have to dual boot, of course: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupportMachinesLaptops

[fuscia]

I would get a System 76 (http://www.system76.com) computer

looks interesting. do you have one, or know anyone who does?

[rfruth]

Wow a System 76 comes with Ubuntu ! Corse as you know the BTO route with no preinstalled OS might save a few buck$ http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/configdetails.asp?Base=1539756

[rfruth]

Wow a System 76 comes with Ubuntu ! Corse as you know the BTO route with no preinstalled OS might save a few buck$ http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/configdetails.asp?Base=1539756

[fuscia]

Wow a System 76 comes with Ubuntu ! Corse as you know the BTO route with no preinstalled OS might save a few buck$ http://http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/configdetails.asp?Base=1539756 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/configdetails.asp?Base=1539756)

unless the crack i've been smoking is really good, i think one can get an nx6110 without an OS.

[aysiu]

looks interesting. do you have one, or know anyone who does? Nope, but one of the people involved with System 76 is a forum member--username crichell, Carl Richell.