Sinning with a Dell Inspiron Mini 10v

Forgive me Steve for I have sinned. I have not been true to my values and have had an unfaithful transgression. I have befriended a heretic and willingly welcomed this heathen into my home. But Steve, please accept my humble apologies and understand the true reason for this crime – to convert this pagan to the light, the light of Mac.

Yes, dear readers, I am now an owner of a Dell computer along with Windows 7. I’ve never owned a non-Apple computer in my life until now. So what happened and why the change? Hackintosh happened is what. Some smart people out there figured how how to install Mac OS X on Intel-based hardware made from vendors other than Apple. So my Dell Mini Inspiron 10v is no longer running Windows 7 but is purring along with Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6).

I’ll be writing a few posts about my experiences with my Hackintosh, so you can see if this is for you.

Why a Hackintosh?

The first obvious question is why? Why a Dell (or other vendor) and not stick with Apple? Well, I still have my Apples but was essentially looking for a disposable secondary computer. Have you ever been on a trip where a computer would be handy, but you didn’t want the hassles? Do you risk leaving the computer in the hotel room or bring it with you to Disneyland? What about all those digital pictures you’re taking? What if your camera’s memory card gets swiped out? There goes all the memories? Wouldn’t you want a backup of these keepsakes? Wouldn’t access to email, directions, Facebook, and in general, the Internet be very useful while on travel. You with me?

Now, do you want to bring that $2000+ MacBook Pro with you? Sure it’s high speed and portable but not that portable. You’d be lugging the computer around, possibly damaging it or losing it or worse having it stolen? Is your beloved Apple worth that worry? Maybe not, but a $300 Netbook sure is. Though very small and admittedly underpowered, a Netbook is just right as a secondary disposable computer.

For my Hackintosh Netbook, I went with the popular Dell Inspiron Mini 10v which is well documented as a Hackintosh. Note: the 10v model number is 1011. Available at Amazon.com for just under $300, this Netbook features:

• 10-in screen
• 1 GB of RAM
• 160 GB hard drive
• built-in webcam
• one VGA port
• 3 USB ports
• SD memory card reader
• RJ-45 jack
• WiFi (802.11b/g)
• Bluetooth

You can customize a Mini 10v at Dell’s web site, but this stock configuration is good enough (and Mac compatible).

In the next few posts, I’ll be writing about:

• Converting to Mac OS X
• Interfacing with a diminutive Netbook
• Software (and installing software)
• My observations

Stay tuned and sin with me!