OpenMac ($399) - Leopard-Compatible Computer Built from Standard PC Parts

[CadCrazy]

Psystar, a Miami-based consulting company, is showing off a $399 computer called "OpenMac." They say it is
able to run Leopard like any real Mac would, only it is built from standard PC-parts and goes for a mere $399. Sounds quite attractive for folks looking to move to the Mac but can't afford the purchase of a decent system from Apple.

Take a look at the specs (via MacRumors):

- 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 2GB of DDR2 667 memory
- Integrated Intel GMA 950 Graphics
- 20x DVD+/-R Drive
- 4 USB Ports
- 250GB 7200RPM Drive

The company states: "The Psystar OpenMac works just like an Apple Macintosh. Why spend $1999 to get the least expensive Apple computer with a decent video card when you can pay less than a fourth of that for an equivalent sleek and small form-factor desktop with the same hardware. Sometimes reinventing the wheel is a good thing. The OpenMac can work for new Mac users and Mac geniuses, alike."

Psystar also claims that many of the components can be upgraded. The graphics card, for instance, can be taken to 512MB for $155 more, with a GeForce 8600GT. The system is also ready to run "out of the box" if you buy the Leopard-included version. "If you buy Leopard with your OpenMac we'll install it for free," says Psystar.

"When comparing base configurations, the Mac Mini costs 150% of the price of the OpenMac while offering poorer performance, smaller storage space, and RAM. Not only that but the Mac Mini doesn't have the option for an nVidia GeForce 8600 video card like the OpenMac does so playing games on it is a lost cause," Psystar says.

True. The OpenMac does however take up 150% (figurative) more space than the Mac Mini. Some people actually buy it for the looks and its small size. Has that ever occurred to Psystar? Nevertheless, if performance is your top priority and you definitely want Leopard ASAP, we can't not admit that OpenMac sounds more than attractive.

Psystar Corporation is a consulting company based in Miami, Florida. Specializing in Information Technology and Telecommunications, Psystar Corporation provides solutions for businesses of any size on any scale. The use of Apple's Mac OS X Leopard on non-Apple-branded hardware is a violation of the company's End User License Agreement (EULA), which is prohibited.

Source

[abhinandh]

hmmmmmm..... interesting.
lets see what apple does.

[praka123]

eh?how can it be possible? mac h?w and s?w are locked!

[abhinandh]

Originally Posted by praka123

eh?how can it be possible? mac h?w and s?w are locked!

just like imav installed.
they will not install original leo retail dvd.they install patched ones.read it on their website only.

[CadCrazy]

News Update: OpenMac renamed to OpenComputer. Pyster said it would fight in court over OpenMac and also Apple violates US Monopoly laws.

Read More

[abhinandh]

from their site http://www.psystar.com/

Can I run updates on my Open Computer?
The answer is yes and no. No because there are some updates that are decidedly non-safe. Yes because most updates are safe. It's best to check the web for this information but when in doubt don't update it. You may have to reinstall your OS X if it is a non-safe update.

Originally Posted by CadCrazy

Pyster said it would fight in court over OpenMac and said Apple violates US Monopoly laws.

now more interestion

[NucleusKore]

Funny, I thought Apple OS could not be LEGALLY run on other hardware.

[DigitalDude]

^^^^
whether it is legal or illegal will be known out of this lawsuit


_

[iMav]

*rushes to start my own company to sell computers with leopard loaded*

[debsuvra]

Originally Posted by praka123

eh?how can it be possible? mac h?w and s?w are locked!

It is nothing harder than installing linux. You install EFI v8 and pop in the Original Leo DVD and install it on any PC having a C2D or C2Q. You will need other drivers for Gfx cards though.

I am successfully running Tiger for almost over an year and nowadays Leopard in my Pentium 4 PC.

[Tech.Masti]

woow!!! thats really interesting, we can run mac on our pc
can anyone tell me what is the minimum pc configuration to run mac?

[iMav]

Originally Posted by Tech.Masti

woow!!! thats really interesting, we can run mac on our pc
can anyone tell me what is the minimum pc configuration to run mac?

its illegal to discuss and link tuts that help/guide in installing os x on a non-apple hardware

[Tech.Masti]

^^ ohhh, its illegal nah!! bhool gaya tha

[CadCrazy]

Originally Posted by iMav

its illegal to discuss and link tuts that help/guide in installing os x on a non-apple hardware

Buddy Ek bar aaine mein apni shakal dekho

Originally Posted by Tech.Masti

^^ ohhh, its illegal nah!! bhool gaya tha

Par iski saza milegi. Brobar milegi

[aku]

Ahh.. it was bound to happen...
jus thinkin what the official macboys have to comment on this..

(i don't show the proper traits to be counted in the fanboy category, whthr its apple or ms)

[NucleusKore]

Looks beautiful
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=8485

[aryayush]

The Psystar case just got weirder; who’d have thought!
Posted on Apr. 16, ’08, 11:59 AM PT by Aayush Arya

Charles Arthur, a writer for Guardian Unlimited, was just as amused as we were by Psystar. The company claims to have every intention of continuing to sell their Open Computer (previously known as OpenMac), which allows users to run Mac OS X on it, and also optionally comes with it pre-installed. They’ve also added the OpenPro, a more expensive counterpart, to their lineup.

While we were all busy discussing the legality of these products, whether or not Apple would sue them, and how much time they are going to stay on the market, Charles took a peek behind the scenes to try and figure out how genuine the company itself is. Read more...

[Via MacUser]


Clearly, if it were legal, they wouldn't have been so fishy. In any case, I'm guessing we'll see what happens to them in a few days. It's clearly illegal, Apple is not violating any laws, and they're going to get crushed.

[praka123]

yeah,apple and microsoft are not violating any laws except that they were monopolies in their deepest core

[iMav]

ur post is against forum rules

[debsuvra]

Originally Posted by himtuna

Their are several release like kalway, iATkos, .etc...etc..and you know where to search them..
If you love mac..better buy the legal copy.

I am running ToH

[CadCrazy]

Mac Clone Maker Is Back in Business

Upon learning that its credit card payment processor had terminated its account, Psystar has employed another "high volume payment processor," sources inform, thus enabling the Miami based Mac clone makers to get back on track with their orders.
"Orders placed the week of April 7th are currently being shipped," Psystar confirms in a note currently posted on its site.

For those who are only now picking up on this (endless) story, Psystar has started advertising its OpenMac, now called Open Computer ('cause Apple looked in a funny way at said company) on April 14, meaning last week. The offer is indeed attractive: 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB of DDR2 667 memory, Integrated Intel GMA 950 Graphics, 20x DVD+/-R Drive, 4 USB Ports, 250GB 7200RPM Drive, all making up this cheap computer that runs Leopard an alternative to Apple's Macs.

Psystar also says it will install Leopard on it for you, free of charge. Apple's OS, of course, adds to the total price of what you've ordered. The installation service, however, is free. Psystar says it can install Leopard's kernel straight from the OS X disc, using an EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) emulator and a few drivers. That violates Apple's EULA.

And so the trouble started. First Apple told Psystar to change the name of their computer, or else; then Psystar's credit card payment processor dropped out on them for not being honest with them; then it was revealed that Psystar has listed as many as four different street addresses on its website since beginning to advertise the Open Computer, increasing its unreliability, and so on.

Now, have a look at the company's position today: "It is our pleasure to inform you that our store is up and running thanks to our new high volume payment processor," says Psystar in a note to the visitors of its website. "To all, we challenge you, let’s see if we can max this one out. Regarding shipping, orders placed the week of April 7th are currently being shipped. We will be shipping units out of our new facility starting Monday, April 21st, including those orders placed the week of April 14th. Orders are being shipped in the order that they were received, don't worry, you'll get yours soon. Upon shipment an email notification including tracking information will be sent to you automatically."

Psystar claims its Mac clones cost around one-quarter of what Apple's systems go for, also claiming that Apple increases the cost of Leopard-running hardware by as much as 80%.

Source

[Yoda]

really interesting

[gary4gar]

how can they openly sell Mac OS X?