All iPads Could OS X run natively on iPad?

[akdj]

But on PowerPC/Intel. Not ARM.

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In web usage perhaps. In other uses, no. My 2.7 G5 benches a comfortable 600 points more than the iPad 4. A Quad G5 benches at 1,600 more.



I use my faster G5 daily. In fact, I'm typing on it now. As for benchmarking, I don't know which ARM processor you are referring to, but the iPad 4 does bench below the G5, as I mentioned above. GPU speeds can vary, but there are some powerful 512MB cards available.
But even though they run at similar speeds, the architecture is completely different, which is typically the limiting factor.

I'm specifically talking about the PMac G5 from June '04 970fx @ 2300MHz (1966 Geek Bench), PMac G5 Late '05 970 MF @ 2000MHz (1815 G/B), or the 2004 PMac G5 970 @ 2000 MHz (1699 G/B)
Specific chips?

PMac June '04 = 1698 G/B
2 Core PPC G5 @ 2000 MHz

PMac June '04 = 1556 G/B
2 Core PPC G5 @ 1800 MHz

Even an early '06 Mac Mini with the Intel Core Solo T1200 @ 1500MHz=1413 (GB)

Remember the older iMac G5 (iSight)? With the PPCG5 970FX @ 2100 MHz squeaked out 1179 in Geek Bench

iPad 4 with the ARMv7 @ 1.39 GHz, 1 processor, 2 cores= a G/B of 1757

Hence my comparison.

Do I want to go back and run 8 year old OS'es and software? No. MisterKeeks...this wasn't only directed at you...several quoted me. However you asked for specifics.

Plenty of folks are still running Snow Leopard. I've got an older 15" PowerBook G5 specifically because of the PCMICA expansion slot that perfectly fits my P2 cards (Panasonic proprietary video cards) for offload to external FW 800 drives. It's still an exceptional laptop...runs FCP7 just fine, Logic as well...BUT, when it comes to 'pure' benchmarking speeds, it's slower than the iPad 4. And not just in Raw CPU scoring. The GPU is better...the RAM is faster....and the SS storage is faster than the old 5400rpm HDDs that went in to the older PPC computers (before SSDs were reasonably priced).

Again...I'm absolutely NOT arguing this is possible, should be done, or is the right thing to do. In fact...for the 3 or 4 folks that quoted me, that was right dead center OF my quote!!! However...for sake of discussion on an interesting topic...these are the RAW numbers...the G/B scores are an excellent scoring comparison to performance over time.

As well...folks ARE still using their PPC computers. We have a pair that we use for server duties in our studio. They're no longer the work horses we need...but good Lord, how can ANYone argue the power now available in these portable electronics? No one is saying they compete with the new coreI series from Intel....BUT, my 2010 MBA (My wife's actually) with a Core 2 Duo processor eeks out 2030 points. That's DAMN close to the iPad 4's 1757.

Not to mention...LTE connectivity, Solid State storage, fast RAM, a screen we could only dream about 6 or 7 years ago....the power in our pockets weighing in @ 1.5 pounds is truly Awesome. How anyone can argue AGAINST that is purely wasting space. No...they aren't as fast as today's laptops and desktops...but yesterday's? Indeed...they absolutely ARE! And with the efficiency of iOS, plenty can be done on our iPads and iPhones that just two or three years ago mandated a serious work station....whether desk/laptop. We now have access to that power in our jean's pockets.

Do I want to run "Lion" or ML on an iPad 4? NO!!! And again...back to my original quote for those that distorted MY quote...I wasn't arguing that point. Just pointing out the simple fact that we DID run older versions of OSX with 1GB or RAM and processors with similar attributes to today's iPad. That's all.

Geek Bench testing for Macs specifically can be found here
http://browser.primatelabs.com/mac-benchmarks

Specific CPU benchmarks can be found here
http://browser.primatelabs.com/processor-benchmarks

And for those interested in the iPad benchmarking, check here
http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench2/1213259

 

[s15119]

iOS shares the kernel and some of the system libraries. It is in no way OS X based though.

you just defined OSX based

 

[charlituna]

Running osx on an iPad would require a lot more than simply recompiling osx for ARM. There would be interface issues, firmware to be written, odd compiler issues to be tracked down, etc.

true. Although some of that has already been dealt with given that iOS comes off the same core as Mac OS.

 

[xdxdaustin]

Admittedly this would be a sick idea but I doubt it will ever happen (even disregarding the architecture difference). If I remember correctly Apple choose iOS because it provided the ability to build quality iOS apps to provide a more "intimate" experience.

 

[neilfairbrother]

Perhaps you could be more clear. iOS is currently based on OS X. And the version of OS X that runs on a Mac doesn't support touch.

Are you saying you want an iPad that requires a keyboard and mouse/trackpad?

Actually - yes that's exactly what I want - I find my finger gets in the way of creating diagrams etc - I just can't see through it! Bluetooth mouse support is why I am seriously considering jailbreaking. Having tried a jailbroken iPad that does support wireless mice, it revolutionises usability (for me).

 

[jcazalet]

Get a modbook pro

Sure they are more expensive then the iPad but the are a tablet with same specs as a 13" MacBook Pro and they have a touch screen

 

[darngooddesign]

...And the version of OS X that runs on a Mac doesn't support touch.

Are you saying you want an iPad that requires a keyboard and mouse/trackpad?

OSX does support touch, its just not optimized for touch. Pressing the screen is akin to clicking a mouse, and there are plenty of examples of people making OSX tablets to varying levels of success but touch does work. The Samsung Series 7 tablets work well, but those are Intel based.

 

[BaldiMac]

OSX does support touch, its just not optimized for touch. Pressing the screen is akin to clicking a mouse, and there are plenty of examples of people making OSX tablets to varying levels of success but touch does work. The Samsung Series 7 tablets work well, but those are Intel based.

Just because someone has mapped touch inputs to mouse inputs in OS X, doesn't mean OS X supports touch. At least in the context of my (really old) post. I suppose you can argue the semantics of "supports".

 

[darngooddesign]

Just because someone has mapped touch inputs to mouse inputs in OS X, doesn't mean OS X supports touch. At least in the context of my (really old) post. I suppose you can argue the semantics of "supports".

Holy necro-post, I didn't realize this thread was so old. I understand your post which is why I said that OSX supports touch, its just not optimized for it.

 

[apple_iBoy]

They are totally different architectures, and as impressive as the specs of the 4th gen iPad are, they are nowhere close a typical desktop/laptop. GPU and CPU are a lot slower than what modern computers have, and it has just 1GB of RAM, whereas every single computer Apple sells start from at least 4GB.

Don't forget, when Steve demoed the first iPhone, his words were "iPhone runs OS X." I think the UI interface is where the most significant difference lies, but I don't think the underpinnings are all that different.

 

[Macalway]

Splashtop works kinda well, especially with the new Air

It's good enough, and a lot of fun