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Today Apple released a beta version of Boot Camp. This software allows users to install Windows XP on their Intel based Macs. The user can choose to boot their machine to either Mac OS X, or Windows XP. This is a big step for Apple. In the computer industry, Apple has always been for a few things (good and bad):

• good hardware
• easy to use
• expensive
• lack of applications

Microsoft has their list too:

• inexpensive
• endless software selection
• crash-prone
• crappy user interface

Why is this good news for me? Because of these lists, I have 2 computers; A Microsoft box (which I am using to write this right now), and an Apple box (which is providing that webcam picture at the top of the screen). Now with Boot Camp, I can get the best of both worlds. I can buy new Mac, and still have access to all the Windows based apps I need.

Why is this good for Apple? In most situations, the good of Microsoft outweighs the good of Apple. You would love to have both brands, but that is expensive. Most people are willing to live with the BSODs and the un-evolved interface because they can spend the least money, and run any program they want. With Boot Camp, many people may lean the other way. Now it is worth it to spend the extra bucks to be able to boot to either OS depending on the situation, not to mention have that slick Apple styled hardware.

Good work Apple. This is the development I needed to convince me to buy a Mac for my home. FYI, the full version of Boot Camp doesn’t come out until the release of Leopard (10.5) and Apple will not provide Windows XP. You will have to purchase and install XP separately. If you still need convincing on buying a Mac, check out these videos on Dashboard and Expose. You’ll wonder how you lived without them.