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First Customer Receives Psystar Mac Clone

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Apr 12, 2001
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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.)
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
Click to expand...
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
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/28/first-customer-receives-psystar-mac-clone/
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).
 
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 :D
 
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
 
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.
 
arn said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
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 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*
 
Belly-laughs said:
Better software on crippled hardware vs. crippled software on better hardware… I´d go the better software route anytime.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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