[josteink]

> Still, it's bizarre considering you can install Linux on any PC/laptop you buy.

Apple is trying to change that with their new T2-line of machines where you are effectively locked out of using the device’s storage if you try to boot a OS not blessed by Apple (like Linux).

You don’t own your new MacBook or Mac Mini.

https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Apple-T2...

[sneak]

You can disable all of that and boot any code you like. For the 99% that don’t want bootkits to be possible on their hardware, you can require a signed bootloader. Best of both worlds.

[josteink]

Inaccurate. Boot yes, but you can’t access your SSD from Linux, so you can’t actually install anything on your (very expensive) internal storage.

For a Mac Mini with external storage that may be passable, but for a laptop like the MacBook that’s pretty much a no go.

This move by Apple should not be confused with generic UEFI secure boot with user-loadable keys, which yes, IMO is a good thing for most people.

Apple however has locked down the hardware in a way which only benefits them.

This move is actually what everyone feared Microsoft would do with UEFI (which they didn’t) and literally caused endless FUD and uproar on the Internet (and it’s still going on).

Now that Apple is actually doing it nobody bats an eye, because Hey shiny!

TLDR: I don’t get people.

[sneak]

Linux distro support for Apple hardware has always been pretty weak; I doubt many people run linux on apples anyway. They ship with a viable unix and better UI, and getting Ubuntu or similar to work well on them is an uphill battle. I imagine most “linux people” are buying thinkpads.

[apricot]

I run Linux on an old Macbook Air, and it's a great machine. But it's getting a bit long in the tooth (2GB RAM doesn't cut it anymore) and I've been looking around for my next laptop. That locking move by Apple ensures I won't be buying a Macbook this time, it will likely be a Dell XPS or Thinkpad.