Howto Install Aperture on original iMac G5 [unsupported]

Question

I just spent the last couple of hours trying to get Aperture to run on an iMac G5 (Rev. A) with an unsupported NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200. I have it working, its not too difficult to do, so I hope folks who walked into this problem can at least get it working
Basically what you have to do is this:
Step 1:
Create a disk image using disk utility of the install DVD.
Step 2:
Eject the DVD.
Step 3:
Edit the Distribution.dist file (its in the Aperture.mpkg/) directory, use terminal (under utilities) and an editor such as nano. You want to modify the check code so that the NVidia GeForce 5200 is no longer matched, an easy way to do this is reverse the 5 and 2, so it reads 2500 instead of 5200.
Step 4:
Run the installer as normal (should no longer complain about your video card)
Step 5:
Running Aperture still produces an error. Couldn't find where Aperture was loading the comparison string, could be in the executable. Didn't want to hex edit that and cause instability. So needed to find another workaround, the answer.. Xcode 2.2. Download it from Apple's ADC site (just google for Xcode 2.2 and you'll get the link.
Step 6:
After installing Xcode 2.2, there is now a Developer folder on the installation drive, click on it and then Graphics Utilities, you should see a program called OpenGL profiler.
Step 7:
Load up OpenGL profiler, make sure trace and backtrace are UNSELECTED. Set under preferences the sampling / polling rate under seconds and mseconds to something fairly high. This will limit OpenGL profilers impact on performance.
Step 8:
Select Aperture under Applications as the program to launch. The under launch options, you'll see the video driver option. This works as software driver, or on the iMac G5, the NVidia 6800 driver works as well.
Conclusion:
Aperature appears to run smoothly on the iMac G5 20" with an Nvidia Geforce FX 5200. Why Apple deliberately chose to single out this particular card, is beyond me.
Apple really needed more clearer specs information on their packaging. Most non-tech people are going to read iMac G5 1.8GHz and 1GB ram, go I have all of those and buy the software. Of course the license agreement on Apples site indicates if you open the box and have a printed license agreement inside, you cannot return the software. So you either buy a new system or are out the $499+tax for the software. In my opinion this kind of forced upgrading tactic won't win you over any customers. Especially if those customers purchased a $2000+ system from you last year

Answer 1

Strange. It really runs ok (speedwise)?
I have the Rev A iMac. I was so ready to plop down my $500 when I saw the demo. I was very dissapointed when I found my machine wasn't supported. I can't justify spending $2k on a new computer when this one runs everything else (including Photoshop) just fine.
If it does run well enough, I don't see why they would prevent me from giving them $500. I suppose they could give a disclaimer about speed and all...
Well, keep it up and post your progress. Maybe if there is enough demand, they'll lower the requirements for 1.1
Thanks!
tim
iMac G5 Rev A   Mac OS X (10.4.3)