First Customer Receives Psystar Mac Clone

MacRumors · Apr 28, 2008, 01:29 AM

Gizmodo posts the first video evidence of the existence of the Psystar OpenComputer in the wild. One of their readers who actually received their OpenComputer and was kind enough to provide video proof. (There have been questions about the company's legitimacy.)

Quote:

Reader Patrick (Whiskeyfrown) is lucky enough to be using one of the few Psystar Open Computing machines that have made it into the wild, and he was generous enough to make a video showing the machine (including the connections in the back to the monitor to show that it's legit). The thing boots up and runs pretty damn fast, says Patrick, but Software Update won't recognize it so you won't be able to patch

As we've pointed out before, the technology to run Mac OS X on non-Apple hardware has been well established, but never previously offered commercially. Psystar has specifically adapted the technology from the OSx86Project to allow Mac OS X Leopard to run on standard PC hardware. Individuals with the time and inclination could accomplish the same task on their own PC hardware. Psystar's solution, however, eliminates this technical "hands on" process.

While the advantage of purchasing from Psystar includes a potentially cheaper alternative to Apple hardware, the disadvantages remain significant, still limiting this option to the serious hobbyist. Psystar's patched installation of Leopard appears to prevent future software updates. Even if this were possible, you would run a serious risk of disabling your Mac OS X Leopard installation by installing future software updates.

Apple has remained silent about Psystar's offering, which appears to violate their End User License Agreement (EULA) prohibiting the installation of Mac OS X on non Apple-branded hardware.

Article Link

NotFound · Apr 28, 2008, 01:30 AM

We'll see.

BrownManUPS · Apr 28, 2008, 01:36 AM

I am going to side with the camp of "if you really want to do it, go ahead." It is essentially hacking a box to run an apple framework. And hacking isn't terrible, so long as the copy of the software you buy is legal and you are doing it merely for yourself.

There may be an EULA, but I think when it was established (much before the possibility of intel, I'm sure), it was really a formality. If apple wanted to do something, they probably would have eaten this company alive a while ago (via a buyout, or something).

Buschmaster · Apr 28, 2008, 01:36 AM

Hm... Interesting that somebody actually received one.

It won't be long, now.

Live in 3D · Apr 28, 2008, 01:36 AM

I'm a little surprised that no one has heard anything from Apple on this yet

Grimace · Apr 28, 2008, 01:37 AM

Sounds like a lot of hassle to save a few bucks.

Support? It's like buying a computer from a guy in a white van.

iJesus · Apr 28, 2008, 01:38 AM

Yup,
Just a matter of time before Steve picks up the phone.

Willis · Apr 28, 2008, 01:38 AM

Not being able to upgrade, I'm pretty sure Apple will take their time in this. Maybe locking the OS in 10.5.4/5?

It's good that there is a community that wants the Mac OS... but, without the hardware, you could hardly call it a Mac. Example, when you have Windows installed on your Mac and use it primarily, you would still say, "I have a Mac"

Price of Apple Hardware has dropped in recent years, more competitive in the market. It's just a shame that it's still just a little too expensive for most peoples tastes.

Nevermind, Apple is changing however slowly

Ramsos · Apr 28, 2008, 01:39 AM

Sounds like a Vacuum.

heads up · Apr 28, 2008, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramsos

Sounds like a Vacuum.

More like a jet taking off.

TuffLuffJimmy · Apr 28, 2008, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iJesus

Yup,
Just a matter of time before Steve picks up the phone.

Not necessarily, it is very likely that too few will actually buy this computer to keep this company afloat.

arn · Apr 28, 2008, 01:39 AM

Mostly I see PC hobbyists who want to play with a Mac OS X machine, might pick up the low end model ($399) to play around with.

"general" consumers should not try it.

arn

asdavis10 · Apr 28, 2008, 01:40 AM

I can't wait til updates break these hobby boxes.

kwong2006 · Apr 28, 2008, 01:41 AM

Looks like these shysters (let's face it, they were very shady from the get-go) finally released a computer. However, being a serious (and might I add terminal) Mac fanboy, I will stick with my MacBook Pro.

mcarnes · Apr 28, 2008, 01:41 AM

Oh, poor Psystar. They are in for a serious ass whoopin now.

BrownManUPS · Apr 28, 2008, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arn

Mostly I see PC hobbyists who want to play with a Mac OS X machine, might pick up the low end model ($399) to play around with.

"general" consumers should not try it.

arn

I completely agree. Which is partly why I think Apple shouldn't have much of an issue if the mod is done in a legal fashion (ignoring the EULA). Buying the computer legit with an operating system that was bought legit is fine. It is a problem if the company, PsyStar, copies a Mac OS disc and uses that copy to put the OS on all of the machines. But I didn't RTFA so I have no idea how the company works internally and how the intricacies of pricing are working.

So someone who wants a mac and is looking for a cheap one, this isn't your answer. A real Mac is worth saving up for anyway.

Belly-laughs · Apr 28, 2008, 01:44 AM

Better software on crippled hardware vs. crippled software on better hardware… I´d go the better software route anytime.

harveypooka · Apr 28, 2008, 01:50 AM

Do you think this will end like Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith?

The PyStar clones will turn on the Apple Order and once again beige will rule the universe?

MacManiac777 · Apr 28, 2008, 01:50 AM

I find Apples silence about this rather freaky. It's almost as if they are planning to do something big to take them down.

*Awaiting anxiously for Apple to make a move*

himansk · Apr 28, 2008, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belly-laughs

Better software on crippled hardware vs. crippled software on better hardware… I´d go the better software route anytime.

I dont think the psystar solution is the better hardware, apple seems to do more quality control & R&D than psystar could ever afford at these prices.

ericdano · Apr 28, 2008, 01:52 AM

My God, that is LOUD. What the hell.

And you can't update? No thanks man.

/dev/toaster · Apr 28, 2008, 01:52 AM

If this is true, then I give it 4 days before Psystar receives their first legal document from Apple, titled cease and desist

NotFound · Apr 28, 2008, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by /dev/toaster

If this is true, then I give it 4 days before Psystar receives their first legal document from Apple, titled cease and desist

I would say the same thing, but they seem to be nomads.

Papajohn56 · Apr 28, 2008, 01:55 AM

I bet they were waiting for a sale of it before anything happened, so here it comes.

Bobjob186 · Apr 28, 2008, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heads up

More like a jet taking off.

more like a wind tunnel MDD G4 lol

Apr 28, 2008, 01:30 AM	#2
NotFound macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Nov 2006	We'll see. __________________ Andrew

Apr 28, 2008, 01:36 AM	#3
BrownManUPS macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Carmel, Indiana	I am going to side with the camp of "if you really want to do it, go ahead." It is essentially hacking a box to run an apple framework. And hacking isn't terrible, so long as the copy of the software you buy is legal and you are doing it merely for yourself. There may be an EULA, but I think when it was established (much before the possibility of intel, I'm sure), it was really a formality. If apple wanted to do something, they probably would have eaten this company alive a while ago (via a buyout, or something). __________________ Switched: May 29th 2007 Macbook \| Unibody CE \| 2.0 GHz \| 4GB RAM iPhone 3G(S) 16GB MR Marketplace Bazaar \| Twitter \| Blog

Apr 28, 2008, 01:36 AM	#4
Buschmaster macrumors 65816 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Minnesota	Hm... Interesting that somebody actually received one. It won't be long, now. __________________ White MacBook (9400m), 2.0 GHz, 160GB HDD, 4GB RAM iPhone 3G 16GB White www.mintapps.com

Apr 28, 2008, 01:37 AM	#6
Grimace Contributor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: with Hamburglar.	Sounds like a lot of hassle to save a few bucks. Support? It's like buying a computer from a guy in a white van. __________________ Canon 1Ds Mk III • Canon 5D MkII 16-35mm f/2.8L II • 24-70mm f/2.8L • 70-200mm f/2.8L IS 50mm f/1.2L • 85mm f/1.2L • 135mm f/2L • 300mm f/2.8L IS

Apr 28, 2008, 01:38 AM	#7
iJesus macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Nevada, US	Yup, Just a matter of time before Steve picks up the phone. __________________ 15" Uni. MBP, 24" Alu. iMac, 32GB iPhone 3G S⃣ , etc. Follow Me On Twitter! My Website

Apr 28, 2008, 01:36 AM	#5
Live in 3D macrumors newbie Join Date: Feb 2008	I'm a little surprised that no one has heard anything from Apple on this yet

Apr 28, 2008, 01:38 AM	#8
Willis macrumors 68000 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: High Wycombe, Bucks	Not being able to upgrade, I'm pretty sure Apple will take their time in this. Maybe locking the OS in 10.5.4/5? It's good that there is a community that wants the Mac OS... but, without the hardware, you could hardly call it a Mac. Example, when you have Windows installed on your Mac and use it primarily, you would still say, "I have a Mac" Price of Apple Hardware has dropped in recent years, more competitive in the market. It's just a shame that it's still just a little too expensive for most peoples tastes. Nevermind, Apple is changing however slowly __________________ MacBook Pro 17" Antiglare 500GB 7,200rpm iPhone 3G 16GB Black

Apr 28, 2008, 01:39 AM	#9
Ramsos macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Oakland, California	Sounds like a Vacuum. __________________ Switcher since 2001 -7- Macs so far.

Apr 28, 2008, 01:39 AM	#12
arn macrumors god Join Date: Apr 2001	Mostly I see PC hobbyists who want to play with a Mac OS X machine, might pick up the low end model ($399) to play around with. "general" consumers should not try it. arn

Apr 28, 2008, 01:40 AM	#13
asdavis10 macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bowie, MD	I can't wait til updates break these hobby boxes. __________________ Mac Pro 3.2GHz 8 core/8GB/500HD x 4; MacBook Pro 15"/2.5GHz/4GB/120HD; MacBook Air 1.8GHz/2GB/64SSD; Mac mini 1.83GHz/2GB/80HD (10.5 Server)

Apr 28, 2008, 01:41 AM	#14
kwong2006 macrumors regular Join Date: May 2006	Looks like these shysters (let's face it, they were very shady from the get-go) finally released a computer. However, being a serious (and might I add terminal) Mac fanboy, I will stick with my MacBook Pro. __________________ 17" MBP C2D 2.4 GHz (Jun. '07), 500GB FW800/400/USB2.0/eSATA Ext. HD, 4GB RAM

Apr 28, 2008, 01:41 AM	#15
mcarnes macrumors 68000 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: USA! USA!	Oh, poor Psystar. They are in for a serious ass whoopin now.

Apr 28, 2008, 01:44 AM	#17
Belly-laughs macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2003	Better software on crippled hardware vs. crippled software on better hardware… I´d go the better software route anytime.

Apr 28, 2008, 01:50 AM	#18
harveypooka macrumors 65816 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Not Akron	Do you think this will end like Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith? The PyStar clones will turn on the Apple Order and once again beige will rule the universe? __________________ "I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, and I'm happy, Doctor, I finally won out over it." - James Stewart (Elwood Dowd) in Harvey, 1950.

Apr 28, 2008, 01:50 AM	#19
MacManiac777 macrumors member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Zealand	I find Apples silence about this rather freaky. It's almost as if they are planning to do something big to take them down. Awaiting anxiously for Apple to make a move __________________ Crazy is a relative term in my family. I've always wanted to go to Switzerland to see what the army does with those wee red knives. - Billy Connolly

Apr 28, 2008, 01:52 AM	#21
ericdano macrumors member Join Date: Apr 2003	Loud! My God, that is LOUD. What the hell. And you can't update? No thanks man.

Apr 28, 2008, 01:52 AM	#22
/dev/toaster macrumors 65816 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA	If this is true, then I give it 4 days before Psystar receives their first legal document from Apple, titled cease and desist __________________ http://www.jokeped.com http://www.linkped.com

Apr 28, 2008, 01:55 AM	#24
Papajohn56 macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2005	I bet they were waiting for a sale of it before anything happened, so here it comes.

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