Yes, it's practical, yes reliable. Requires user knowledge though to setup properly and maintain, but once a person embraces the ways a Hackintosh is different from a real Mac, and works with it accordingly, it works extremely well.
Ethical for business? As stated, that's a tougher call. If the business is going to be relying on tech support from Apple, then absolutely not. If the business has a self-contained IT staff that literally handle all computer servicing in house and can handle a Hackintosh, then it can certainly work out. I personally know of several businesses (from small to global conglomerate huge) that have a few Hackintoshes here and there doing all sorts of custom tasks. I won't get into the legalities of it, but so long as the OS and all software they use is legit, I don't see any real problem with it.
I myself use my Hackintosh to produce animation for major productions (when I work at home, NOT in the studio itself, where I use a legit MacPro provided by the studio.) So long as it's possible to do and no legit Mac makes as much sense for my use as a custom-built rig, I'll continue to as it works out beautifully. The bang-for-buck ratio of a good Hack that's built/maintained/operated correctly is unmatched.
Absolutely, as I say, if one follows instructions, uses supported hardware, and keeps their system/data cloned/backed up.Hi would you say once setup correctly that Hackintoshes are stable and mostly worry free?
What monitor to use is such a broad subject, it's purely up to your own preference. First off, choose a video card that's as powerful as you can afford and of course OSX-compatible. The worst case is a non-compatible card without full hardware accell and native resolution on a monitor. This would be totally unsuitable for any video/animation work. My recommendation: any supported nvidia 6xx card, and proper setup.I do animation myself and would like to setup a system then not have to worry about it once setup. Would you be able to recommend a good monitor for animation to, that displays OSX well?
Absolutely, as I say, if one follows instructions, uses supported hardware, and keeps their system/data cloned/backed up.
What monitor to use is such a broad subject, it's purely up to your own preference. First off, choose a video card that's as powerful as you can afford and of course OSX-compatible. The worst case is a non-compatible card without full hardware accell and native resolution on a monitor. This would be totally unsuitable for any video/animation work. My recommendation: any supported nvidia 6xx card, and proper setup.
Monitor choice should be based on your needs: size, type, and features needed.
IPS screens are best for color accuracy, but since animation work relies of frame-accuracy, one should be careful not to settle for a screen with a low response time. (Measured in miliseconds.) For example: an IPS display with 5ms response time would be great for producing motion graphics and video. RT of 7ms, 8ms or higher? Great for photo work, but less so for animation and video.
Standard LED monitors are less color-accurate, but have very high response times like 2ms which is excellent for video and motion graphics. Your choice should revolve around a balance of need for color accuracy (for broadcast if doing professionally) or the best possible video response time for viewing your animation. A monitor that does both stellar, is going to be pricer than one that offers a balance of one or the other, so base it on your level of professional need.
If using more than one, look for screens with a thin outer bezel and no controls/ports on the sides.
The larger the screen(s), higher the res, then go for as beefy a video card as possible and also note the type of ports you need (HDMI, DVI, Display Port, Thunderbolt, etc.) I'd avoid analog like VGA and stick with all digital.
Yes, it's a small business and site for my own productions.Am I right in thinking Zaptoons is the name of your animations and website?