I build my own PC's and have been doing so for about 5 years now. Yesterday, while doing some holiday shopping, I stepped into an Apple store and sorta fell in love. Is it possible to "build" an apple the same way you can guild a Windows based PC? If so, how could I get started on my research towards building one?

They are quality machines but not built in the same way as what we're used to. Apple has more strict control on the machines similar to how you can't build your own DVD player or Plasma TV.

Basically you have to buy an Apple box and then do upgrades if you want. I think you can upgrade CPU, RAM, HD, GPU, CD/DVD/Floppy drives etc. But I don't think you can go and buy power supplies and various motherboards to start from scratch.

The Apple/Windows line is bluring and nowadays most of the parts are interchangable from platform to platform which makes sense to save costs for everyone. Soon....all OS will run on the same hardware I think. Hackers already have versions of each OS that runs on the others hardware. Just politics behind it now.

Hey

Yea you're right. There is a solution if you like thought, and it’s easier on your pocket book.

Build a normal PC (INTEL ONLY) 1GHz or more and I would suggest LOTS OR RAM 2GB would be fine. (Intel it's the only way this is going to work "SUPPOSEDLY". you may be able to use AMD but I'm not sure.)

Then go to http://thepiratebay.org/search.php?q=Mac+OSX+x86 (this link will take you to the page directly.)

Download the patched version, make a bootable ISO, and have fun

The download is a full install of the Mac OS for Intel chips. It’s not perfect but its fun.

Since Apple is making the switch to Intel Procs it's going to change their hardware and software. So therefore the Mac OS will be able to run on PC's (In theory) although this download DOES WORK.

Have fun

A CPU with at least SSE2 is necessary to run OS X on x86... anything less will result in boot up hang or somewhat... Celeron Ds work great in this since they come with SSE3 and are cheap.. http://www.osx86.theplaceforitall.com/ <-- this site here has great info for OS X for x86

I have an Apple clone right here, made by PowerSpec, I don't think they're around any longer.

You can't just buy boards for the processor Apple uses, hence you're not going to build a Mac. But you CAN build a PC and load OSX now that it's been cracked, and Apple will be switching to Intel processors soon, so count on support for PC components to improve.

you can try buy going to sites like these

http://www.macgurus.com/info/storehome.php

or

http://www.powerlogix.com/

but they are typicly for upgrading OLDer generations macs for those who want to keep say their G4 Cube.

when the day comes that i can build my own NEW Mac from scratch...I will.