Codeweavers has released a beta version of its Crossover product for Intel-based Macs. Crossover Mac should allow x86 OS X users to seamelessly run Windows programs, without the need for clunky virtual machines.

To quote from the website:

CrossOver Mac will be the very best way to run your Windows applications on your Intel based Mac. It will let you install and run Windows programs as though they were native, all without having to buy or run a copy of Windows itself.

This beta version will give you a taste of the promise of CrossOver, but should be considered an early test release – we intend to make substantial further improvements before we ship a production version.

Although Crossover is based on the open source Wine project, it’s sold as a proprietary product. You can download a 60-day trial version here. If there’s a specific application you want to run, it might be worth checking the Crossover application compatibility database.

(Sadly I haven’t got a x86-based Mac on which to test Crossover Mac. Until Apple send me one out of the kindness of their hearts it would be cool if any x86 Mac users could post in the comments below how well it works.)