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Axon Logic Debuts $750 Mac OS X-Capable Tablet
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If this was $250 cheaper and running Android 2.2 I might have been interested but quite frankly they're wasting my time claiming they can wedge desktop operating systems into a tablet PC. A Tablet PC needs a tablet operating system and not some sort of frankenstein operating system just so johnny H moron can run his favourite Windows applications.
But then again, that judge was uninformed; replacing the Apple boot loader cannot be an issue since it is freely available as Open Source download from opensource.apple.com [go read the Apple Software License] and thus he missed the boat. Too bad for Psyfart, but who gives a beep about them anyway.
BTW: You only need one additional [no replacement] kext (fakesmc.kext) and that's about it.
Sorry, but there is NO copy protection; You can simply copy OS X zillion times, without doing anything special.
What Apple does is to bind the OS to their own hardware, by reading the SMC chip, hence FakeSMC.kext which simply emulates it, by giving OS X what it wants.
Adding it to the boot section of your drive isn't illegal. However, using it to bypass Apple's copy protection on OS X is. Chameleon is doing the "replacing ****" for you.
Here is the ruling:
http://groklaw.net/article.php?story=20091114101637997
See "C. Right to Create Derivative Works."
It also replaces Apple's bootloader, disables an Apple kext, and adds fakesmc.kext to bypass the copy protection. Which results in a derivative work and a violation of the DMCA.
The fact that it is freely available separately does not change the fact that it is part of OS X. Replacing the bootloader is a modification to OS X that results in a derivative work.
Okay.
Copy protection does not prevent you from making copies in most cases. DRM doesn't keep you from making a zillion copies of a Fairplay protected video file. Copy protection is used to enforce the rights of the copyright holder.
Yep.
The decryption key. But that would be illegal in the US.
Just like the 10X larger number of Windows users stampeded to buy the tablets that ran Windows XP/Vista/7? I didn't know that tiny number of customers was what you consider to be a stampede.
If you mean in addition to iOS, then the extra half lb might actually reduce total sales. Many people think the iPad is almost too heavy to use as an ebook reader.
Why would Apple want to add a feature that reduced sales and increased product costs?
It is yes, but the boot loader comes with certain privileges that cannot be taken away from you by restrictions enforced in other licenses, such as the Software License Agreement for Mac OS X.
What I was trying to address here, is that modifications to the boot loader, and thus making a derivative work, is not an issue. Not when you follow certain rules. Here's why:
"H. Certain components of the Apple Software, and third party open source programs included with the Apple Software, have been or may be made available by Apple on its Open Source web site (http://www.opensource.apple.com/) (collectively the "Open-Sourced Components"). You may modify or replace only these Open-Sourced Components; provided that: (i) the resultant modified Apple Software is used, in place of the unmodified Apple Software, on a single Apple- branded computer; and (ii) you otherwise comply with the terms of this License and any applicable licensing terms governing use of the Open-Sourced Components. Apple is not obligated to provide any updates, maintenance, warranty, technical or other support, or services for the resultant modified Apple Software"
And thus the only problem is installation on a non-Apple branded computer; You are free to replace the boot loader on your Mac computer.
Note: This: "on a single Apple- branded computer" does not apply to the Open Source parts.
Yes, but this is likely also going to change in the near future; You should be allowed to use freely available kexts from the Internet when [for example] your SMC chip is damaged [as part of "Fair Use"].
Yet, nothing gives people in the US the right to install OS X on non-apple-branded computers, but in certain countries.
Enforce my ass!
No, it does not. The bootloader is open source, distributed under an open source license. If you replace the commercial with a freeware bootloader, you do not create any derivative work. Some installers (Windows 64-Bit & Linux 64-Bit) can install a bootloader and can overwrite the default Mac OS X bootloader. They do not create derivative work.
Enforce my ass!
Last time i checked, the world did not only consist of the U.S.. Your laws are not valid in other countries.
No, it does not. The bootloader is open source, distributed under an open source license. If you replace the commercial with a freeware bootloader, you do not create any derivative work. Some installers (Windows 64-Bit & Linux 64-Bit) can install a bootloader and can overwrite the default Mac OS X bootloader. They do not create derivative work.
Enforce my ass!
Last time i checked, the world did not only consist of the U.S.. Your laws are not valid in other countries.
Apparently you aren't business enough
He/she's not at all. He/she's been saving up for that iPad since rumours started.
Given the hardware specs, size, etc, I am sure this is going to be the next big hit in the business world. Just like all the other tablet devices before, running a desktop OS
better hurry up with iPad 2 because there's a tab tsunami coming, the iPad will get creamed. To quote *LTD* "lol lol".
Just like the iPhone right?
Perhaps my view was changed by the number of people/postings before the iPad was released from Apple people saying how much they wanted OSX on a tablet.
You have to create the market and make people want tablets in the 1st place, and then once they have accepted they want/need one then you can bring in more things.
I'm sure if you went back long enough people would not consider they wanted computers or smart phones.
There are people who would like OSX on a tablet. If Apple will ever give it's users this option, we shall see.
I could see a Tablet replacing the MacBook Air in the future.
Only geeks and nerds would be buying it. OKay maybe few artists + geeks and nerds + some hardcore Apple fans, but that's it. Modbook wasn't a very big success was it?
It does apply as long as the parts are part of OS X. The "Apple Software" mentioned in the section of the SLA that you quoted would in this case be OS X. The bootloader is part of OS X. You can modify it and use it outside of OS X on any computer, but if you use it with OS X, it must be on a single Apple- branded computer.
If I use a openly licensed image of an elephant in my book about Africa, you can take that image, modify it, and use it anywhere you want. But if you insert the modified image back into my book, you have created a derivative work.
That would be great.
Sure, but I was responding to Winni who claimed that all you had to do to install OS X on a non-Mac was replace BIOS with EFI, and thus is perfectly legal in the US.
See above and the link I provided with the judge's analysis in the Psystar case.
I agree with you. Copy protection is stupid. Doesn't change the facts that I presented.
I never claimed that it did. Since I was responding to a claim about the legality in the US, it only makes sense to use US laws.Thanks. But unfortunately, they are too heavy and too large, or else they do not work with Mac OS X.
http://www.mymacnetbook.com/compatibility-chart
Target: 400 to 600 g with true Mac OS X inside. Pocketable.