Updated post for final install process.
after previously unsuccessful attempts at installing osx on the new laptop, i gave it one more go with the empire efi boot disk and a retail copy of snow leopard.
base install
the install completed using this boot disk and a retail copy of snow leopard. i opted to use the empire efi boot disk i5 for the i7 support.
video support
netkas’ nvidia injector – 1920×1080 resolution worked after that.
audio support
the retail disk install did not support the built in audio, but after updating to 10.6.2 audio support worked out of the box.
laptop ps2 keyboard and mouse
ps2 kext to fix the keyboard and mouse in the laptop.
network
unfortunately, the atheros ar8131 chipset is not supported in osx, so the ethernet port is not working. there looks like there is progress being made to get this chipset working, so hopefully in the near future the ethernet port will work. i don’t use ethernet often, so i don’t think it’ll be sorely missed, but still, missed a little.
the wireless card, on the other hand, will be missed. the laptop sports an intel wifi link 1000 bgn half height wireless card and as far as i know, that, too, is not supported in osx. it seems that support for intel chipsets is limited in this area and your best bet is to replace the wireless card in the laptop. that’s what i’m opting to do. i’ve ordered the dell 1510 wireless card and once that comes in, i’m hoping to get wireless working in the laptop. with that done, the laptop should be operational.