I like to think the Liliputing Product Database is one of the best resources for anyone looking to compare the specs of dozens of netbooks. But if you’re a member of the subset of netbook users who purchase little laptops running Windows or Linux in the hopes of wiping the operating system and installing OS X, the Boing Boing Gadgets OS X netbook compatibility chart is remarkably helpful.
The chart lets you know which features work on which netbooks. For example, when you install OS X on some laptops, you’ll have audio and video support, but no WiFi. On others, the opposite is the case.
This week Boing Boing updated the chart with a few new netbook models. The long and short of it is that you’ll probably have the best luck with a Dell Inspiron Mini 9, Dell Vostro A90, Asus Eee PC 1000H, or HP Mini 1000. Unfortunately, all of these models are either discontinued or in the process of being phased out in favor of newer models. On the bright side, that means you can find a number of deals on these netbooks if you’re willing to pick up a refurbished model or a used laptop from eBay.
Today Gizmodo put together a handy supplement to the Boing Boing chart, which has a few more details about some of the most OS X-friendly netbooks, along with pricing information and links to OS X installation guides.
Have you tried installing OS X on a netbook? Which one? And what has your experience been like? Let us know in the comments.
I have got my Dell Mini 9 running MAC OS X 10.5.7. This is the guide I use: https://www.squidoo.com/dellmini9_osx
I’m using OS X 10.5.7 in my Samsung NC10. 6 months ago you needed to change the wifi to an osx-compatible one. I don’t know if that is the case today? But I used this guide and it works like a charm: http://www.mystiquemac.com/forum
I love running 10.5.7 on my MSI Wind U100.
The only thing that’s not 100% is that you have to run a program to switch from speakers to headphones. Also, the battery life is slightly worse in OS X than in Windows or Linux.
Yeah, my 1000ha. A $10 wifi swap, and it was a perfect hackintosh with multitouch and all.
MSI Wind U100. It’s great. You might have issues with the webcam. And the audio ports (mic/headphones) don’t work – but everything else does.
I have tried OSX on the 901, the 1000H and the 1000HE (which I use at the moment).
I find it to be a nice complement to my MacBook Pro when weight and size are an issue.
For sure, I won’t be doing FinalCut pro edits on this thing, but to read the mail, surf the web and consult my documents it’s extremely useful.
I wrote several tutorials on https://ipis-osx.wikidot.com and on my site (url in the header).
And through the interaction with my visitors I learned that people are thinking that those things just work out-of-the box, which is rarely the case (hence the name HACKintosh). I got types who barely know how to restore XP from their Asus CD who DEMAND support… 😉
So what I learned is that if you are ready to invest some time, to read a lot and to learn, then those little things are actually quite nice.
Cheers,
Nik
PS: Oh yeah, and I tried Jolicloud. Very interesting, very neat, but it does not (yet) meet my needs…
I have issues with the above graph from BoingBoing, with regards to the Eee 901. It’s identical to the 1000H, except it uses an SSD. I’ve documented my experiences in excruciating detail here:
https://www.joshuaochs.com/Home/Et_Cetera/Entries/2008/9/23_Mac_OS_X_and_the_Eee_901.html
It’s hosted on a Mac Mini in my living room, so be gentle. 🙂
hackintosh was a great way for me to show off my msiwind netbook and it ran quite well to my suprise. it was a cool os, way better than linux but i couldnt get used to the os. even ubuntu was easier for me. i am too accustomed to windows xp and it will remain my favorite until maybe i see some win 7 computers around. by then i will have upgraded my netbook to a 13 incher. netbooks are too small for me especially the screen resolution. i got it for the portability but it wasnt built well enough so my screen cracked. now i use an external monitor for it. now its a really crappy desktop and that defeats the purpose of netbooks in that they are supposed to be super portable. now it will never leave my desk and i am too lazy to replace the screen. instead i will buy a new laptop. maybe a 13 incher b/c it has a good compromise of portability, batt life, screen size and a cd drive. now back to the point hackintosh just wasnt my flavor, but it is a showstopper t my friends who think im a genius now for hacking my computer into a cool apple one.
My Dell Mini 9 runs OS X like a champ. It took me about 30 minutes to get the OS installed (by following the directions from the MyDellMini.com forums) and it has been my constant tiny Mac companion ever since. I get great battery life, I can run all the software I love, and it even runs things my older PowerPC Macs can’t (like Netflix). I love it!
Bought my Wind U100 for the sole purpose of running OSX on it. I added the internal BT module as well as a AirPort compatible b/g/n card. Runs just fine 10.5.7
I hackentoshed my HP Mini 1035NR and it has been awesome. The install process was simple and the instructions from the Myhpmini.com forums walked me right through the process without a single glitch. I have a triple boot running with XP, Windows 7 and OSX.