14 DAY TRIAL // This move on Apple's part is not a surprise to anyone. Ever since Apple first announced the move to Intel, everyone knew this was going to happen sooner or later, so here it is.
The stand alone version of BootCamp is available immediately from the Apple site, and allows the user to install, and dual boot, Windows XP, without any additional cracks of hacks, on any Intel-based Mac. The software is currently a time limited beta preview, and will be a part of the next version of OS X, Leopard.
The advantages of this Apple solution is that it does not require any modification of Windows XP, meaning that it is as legal as it can get, and can be used without any fear in any environment. Furthermore, since it uses the typical Apple approach to installing the other operating system, just about anyone who can weild a mouse will be able to do it.
The real question is why has Apple come forward with this? It was going to be out when Leopard became available anyway. Also for the home user, there was always the solution provided by 'narf' and 'blanka'. The only thing that springs to mind is the ever present delay in Vista. With almost a year until it comes out, and that if they do not push the date back even further, Apple is in a great position to get some new customers. Why wait almost a whole year to get a new PC with Vista when you can get a Mac now, which can do both OS X and Windows XP.