Earlier today Apple released two Macs, the MacBook Pro and iMac, that both feature Intel processors. Unlike the previous IBM Gx series of chips that couldn't feasibly run Microsoft Windows, the new Macs can actually run Windows. Obviously, Apple will not sell Macs with Windows loaded on them, but sources say that nothing is stopping an advanced user from loading Windows on their new Intel Mac. Older Macs utilized an Open Firmware instead of a BIOS, however the new Macs are different and support the architectures utilized by Microsoft's popular operating system. Apple's VP of worldwide marketing, Phil Schiller, had the following to say on this issue:
"That's fine with us. We don't mind. If there are people who love our hardware but are forced to put up with a Windows world, then that's OK."
This opens up a whole slew of opportunities to say the least, including dual-boot Windows and OS X systems. You could bring your MacBook to work with XP and come home to OS X on the same computer. Or, more appropriate for me, run the Visual HAM IDE for programming on the GameBoy Advance for my CS2260 course which requires Windows and then still have that lovely OS X environment. For the full AP article, check out MSNBC here.