Install Mac OS X Lion on HP ProBook - Hackintosh Guide
Transforming an HP ProBook into a Mac OS X Experience
The prospect of building a hackintosh – installing Mac OS X on non-Apple hardware – is incredibly appealing. While not a straightforward process, the resulting system can offer significant cost savings compared to purchasing a genuine Mac. Now, extending this capability to portable devices is within reach. This guide details how to convert an HP ProBook, or a compatible Sandy Bridge laptop, into a system functioning at approximately 95% of a MacBook Pro’s capabilities.
Should You Undertake This Project?
Apple laptops are renowned for their design, build quality, and user experience. For those prioritizing these aspects, a genuine Mac remains the optimal choice. However, if your primary interest lies in the Mac OS X operating system itself, and you’re seeking a cost-effective solution, a hackintosh offers a viable alternative. It’s important to acknowledge that performance may not precisely match that of a native Mac, so managing expectations is crucial.
Why the HP ProBook is a Suitable Candidate
The hackintoshing methods promoted by tonymacx86 are considered the most legitimate, avoiding reliance on pirated software. The tonymacx86 community discovered that the HP ProBook, particularly the 4530S model, exhibits exceptional compatibility with Mac OS X Lion and Snow Leopard. Furthermore, its physical design bears a resemblance to the MacBook Pro. The key lies in the motherboard’s hackintoshability and the presence of a Sandy Bridge processor.
Sandy Bridge processors include integrated graphics, enabling full graphics acceleration (QE/CI) within Mac OS X through a minor configuration adjustment, eliminating the need for a dedicated graphics card. If you already own a ProBook, verify its compatibility. For Wi-Fi functionality, an ‘Atheros’ Wi-Fi module is required. If your ProBook has a Broadcom or Ra-link module, an Atheros card (HP part number 593127-001) can be readily purchased from eBay and easily replaced.
Compatibility Beyond the ProBook
If you possess another Sandy Bridge (Core i3 or higher) laptop, attempting this method is possible. However, it’s essential to consult the tonymacx86 forums to determine if others have successfully hackintoshed your specific model. Alternatively, you can install Mac OS X Snow Leopard using the iBoot+MultiBeast method.
The Installation Procedure
The process begins with preparing the hard drive, which should be formatted using GPT. Back up all important data before proceeding. We will utilize the UniBeast method. First, create a UniBeast USB drive. A detailed guide for this process is available online; it involves downloading UniBeast from tonymacx86, formatting a USB drive (8GB or larger) as Mac OS X Extended, and running the application, selecting "Laptop Support" during the process.
Once the USB drive is prepared, boot your ProBook from it (press F9 during startup). Select your language and proceed. Navigate to Utilities > Disk Utility. Create three partitions: one for Mac OS X (labeled "Lion" or similar), one for data storage ("Empty"), and optionally one for Windows. Adjust the partition sizes as desired. Click Options, select ‘GUID Partition Table’, and apply the changes, formatting the Windows and Empty partitions as MSDOS and the Mac OS X partition as Mac OS X Extended (Journaled).
If you intend to dual-boot with Windows, it’s generally recommended to install Windows first. However, to streamline the process, we will install Mac OS X initially. Select the Mac OS X partition as the destination and allow the installation to complete, which typically takes 15-30 minutes. Upon completion, restart your computer.
Boot from the USB drive again. This time, select the newly created Mac OS X partition ("Lion" or your chosen label) to boot into the installed system. You may be prompted to attach a USB keyboard during the first boot; this is a one-time requirement.
Finalizing the Installation
The final step involves utilizing a specialized installer developed by the tonymacx86 community member who pioneered this ProBook hackintosh project. Register on the tonymacx86 forums to access and download this installer. If you are installing on a different laptop, use MultiBeast instead.
Run the downloaded installer. Select your BIOS version (recorded earlier). Choose the components to install: the OS X version, Ethernet Kext Installer, Chimera (the bootloader), and the appropriate SSDT for your CPU (i5 or i7). Critically, select the correct DSDT based on your ProBook model (integrated graphics, dedicated graphics, or 4730S). Click Install, enter your password, and wait for the process to finish.
Test the functionality of all components. The installer can be rerun to re-enable any features that may not be working correctly. Reports indicate that HDMI, VGA, sleep, audio, full graphics, Wi-Fi (with the Atheros card), and the webcam should all function properly. The community is actively working on implementing multi-touch gesture support for the trackpad.
Dual-Booting with Windows
If you desire a dual-boot system, install Windows on the designated partition using the Windows DVD. Format the Windows partition as NTFS and the empty partition as FAT32 for compatibility between operating systems. After Windows installation, booting into Mac OS X may be disabled. To restore the ability to boot into Mac OS X, boot from the installer USB, run the ProBook installer, and reinstall Chimera.
Resources and Support
Consult the FAQ for answers to common questions. The tonymacx86 forums provide a dedicated section for HP ProBook hackintoshes, offering a valuable resource for assistance. Avoid using the default ‘software update’ feature within your hackintosh, as it may cause instability.