According to Stell's Blog, a popular source for Hackintosh information, the 10.6.2 update is causing Atom-based netbooks to enter an instant reboot loop after it's installed, rendering the machines unusable. "My sources tell me that every time a netbook user installs 10.6.2 an Apple employee gets their wings," Stell wrote in a blog post.
Given the total control that Apple exerts over its hardware and software, its move to block Atom support isn't surprising. Apple has a long track record of disabling hacks through updates, and the Apple user community has just as long a track record of developing new workarounds.
Hackintoshes give Apple fans a way to fill the netbook gap that exists in Apple's product portfolio, but that gap isn't going to remain for very long. Some solution providers interpret the move as a sign that Apple is ready to enter the market with a long rumored tablet device.
"There is no other logical reason why Apple would do this unless they're going to enter this space with some sort of tablet-type device," said Shane Spiess, president of Portland, Ore.-based Apple reseller MacForce.
Although configuring a Hackintosh requires a moderate degree of technical skill, Apple may have decided that the Hackintosh community has grown too large to ignore, said Michael Oh, founder and president of Tech Superpowers, a Boston-based Apple reseller. "Clearly, if you stick your head up a little too high, Apple will come after you," Oh said.
However, Hackintosh users can't say Apple didn't warn them of the consequences of installing the 10.6.2 update. In the update's support notes, Apple offers the following advice:
"You may experience unexpected results if you have third-party system software modications installed, or if you've modied the operating system through other means. (This does not apply to normal application software installation.)"
related stories
trending stories
Video
sponsored resources

NetApp
NetApp Data Driven Learning Center

Vertiv
Edge Computing 360

Best of Breed Showcase

Annual Report Card Showcase

NexGen Showcase

Cloud PPG Showcase

100 People You Should Know Showcase

APC by Schneider Electric
IoT Platforms 360

Silver Peak
Silver Peak Learning Center

NPD
Industry Trends 360

Comcast
Comcast Business Learning Center

AT&T Cybersecurity
Cloud Security 360

ConnectWise
ConnectWise

Symantec
Symantec Business Security Learning Center

RSA
RSA

Eaton
Eaton Learning Center

BlackBerry Cylance
BlackBerry Cylance Learning Center

Storagecraft
Disaster Recovery Learning Center

Lenovo
Lenovo Learning Center

ID Agent
Managed Security 360

Wasabi
Wasabi

Sophos
Sophos Cybersecurity Learning Center

Scale Computing
Scale Computing Learning Center

SonicWall
Network Security 360

Cohesity
Cohesity Learning Center

Dell EMC
Software-defined Data Center 360

Sherweb
Cloud Partner Programs 360
Women of the Channel Showcase

Carbonite
Cloud Storage 360

HP Inc.
HP Toner and Ink
