'OpenMac' Promises $399 Headless Mac... But Not From Apple

[supercooled]

After them with hammer and tongs, Steve!

 

[DamnDJ]

Why does everyone want a headless iMac, if they want a cheap iMac, there's the Mac Mini.

What's wrong with an iMac with a screen.

Because people want to upgrade their mac with a new Video card, extra hard drives, ETC and don't want to pay the outrageous premium of the Mac Pros.

Simple answer.

 

[mklos]

It's the same stuff, same CPU, same HDD, same video card, etc.

They just charge more for it, that doesn't make it better.

No, its not the same stuff. You don't understand what Apple does during its R&D process. Apple goes through a very tough testing process. They sample all the parts need from various manufacturers and send back the ones that don't pass their tests. This is not the same stuff thats in a Dell, HP, etc. If it is, then why do the Dell parts fail more than Apple's? Is because OS X is better than Windows? :rollseyes:

 

[BenRoethig]

AOpen miniPC. Pratically the same size and the same specs (except Intel GMA X3100, but I'm betting the next revision of the Mac mini will also have it, just like the current MacBook).

I tried to price one at LogicSupply.com. I even gave it a chance and used Windows XP Home instead of Pro:

AOpen MiniPC Duo MP965-DR
- Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile (Merom) Socket P T7100 FSB800 1.8GHz
- DDR2 667 SO-DIMM 1GB
- 2.5" Samsung SATA 5400rpm 80GB
- Windows XP Home
Sub-Total: $967.00

And it's still missing a FireWire port.

Mini PCs like that sell maybe a couple thousand a year. The real competition are the mainstream slimlines from HP and Dell.

 

[Yvan256]

So you're spending extra on a system with laptop components for use as a desktop.

...Why not just buy a laptop then?

Mac mini: US$599
MacBook: US$1099

You're only $100 away from being able to buy TWO Mac minis for the price of a single MacBook.

"But the Mac mini needs a display, keyboard and mouse", you say. Of course!
- Logitech Classic Keyboard 200 (USB): $15
- Logitech LX3 Optical Mouse: $25
- DELL E178FP 17-inch Flat Panel Monitor: $180

MacBook: $1099
Mac mini with keyboard, mouse and monitor: $819

That's a $280 difference, or only $20 short of being half the price of the Mac mini.

 

[Poll Smoker]

Why does everyone want a headless iMac, if they want a cheap iMac, there's the Mac Mini.

What's wrong with an iMac with a screen.

Oh, I don't know. Maybe you don't want to be without a computer when its ****** screen dies? Or its DVD drive?

 

[yomamafor1]

No, its not the same stuff. You don't understand what Apple does during its R&D process. Apple goes through a very tough testing process. They sample all the parts need from various manufacturers and send back the ones that don't pass their tests. This is not the same stuff thats in a Dell, HP, etc. If it is, then why do the Dell parts fail more than Apple's? Is because OS X is better than Windows? :rollseyes:

As far as I know, Apple's R&D only focuses on developing drivers for hardwares, and gadgets. In other words, the same part you use in your glamorous Apple computers can also be used in other laptops, including Dells.

There's no "very tough testing" process. There's no "sample all the parts". There's only "the cheapest part out there, and the ability to write stable driver for it".

Why Dell's part fails more than Apple's? Because Apple's hardwares are pre-selected, and optimized along with the operating system. Therefore there's a lot less compatibility problems. No, OSX is not better than Windows.

 

[oban14]

It depends on your country and jurisdiction. They are actively infringing Apple's IPR by selling Leopard or enabling its use in non-Apple branded computers, simple as that.

In most "civilized" places this would be good cause for criminal prosecution or, at the very least, steep civil damages.

Amazon.com sells Leopard, and it can be installed on computers they sell as well (Macs are after all just a bunch of Intel/clone parts in a pretty box).

So are they breaking the law? If the company just stops installing the software and now sells the machine as an "OpenCPU: Runs all operating systems!" Are they once again legal?

 

[asdavis10]

I didn't ignore any of it. The EULA states what hardware configs it can be installed on. If you break the EULA (by installing it on a hackintosh) Apple is no longer legally required to support the product or guarantee that it will work.

So I've agreed to break the EULA, Apple has agreed to no longer support my copy of Leopard, and we're both going to live happily ever after.

Got it?

It doesn't only state that they won't support your copy of Leopard. But if that's what you choose to take from it then you're (partially) right.

 

[50548]

Amazon.com sells Leopard, and it can be installed on computers they sell as well (Macs are after all just a bunch of Intel/clone parts in a pretty box).

So are they breaking the law? If the company just stops installing the software and now sells the machine as an "OpenCPU: Runs all operating systems!" Are they once again legal?

Amazon only sells Leopard as a software to be used in Macs, and have never advertised otherwise.

These guys advertise those ugly boxes as Mac-compatible machines, which they ARE NOT and CANNOT be without a license from Apple (as is the case for modBook tablet).

 

[Yvan256]

Mini PCs like that sell maybe a couple thousand a year. The real competition are the mainstream slimlines from HP and Dell.

Probably, but the parent asked for a system that was as close to possible in size and feature to the Mac mini. Those slimline computers from HP and Dell are much bigger.

 

[BenRoethig]

-UNBEATABLE FORM FACTOR ON ALL MACS

Yes making an incredible form factor like the mini and iMac costs more than some ugly old big box that resembles a small refrigerator and sounds like a hair dryer.

The collection of external devices of things left out of the unbeatable form factor resembles a small junkyard.

 

[turboflam3]

No, its not the same stuff. You don't understand what Apple does during its R&D process. Apple goes through a very tough testing process. They sample all the parts need from various manufacturers and send back the ones that don't pass their tests. This is not the same stuff thats in a Dell, HP, etc.

They get their stuff from the same manufacturers. Intel doesn't give Apple all of their good chips and send the crappy ones to Dell. Certain hardware components such as PSUs and HDDs are generally luck of the draw no matter what company you buy them from (unless you buy Maxtor which greatly increases your chance of getting a lemon). I've heard of horror stories about pretty much every HDD manufacturer.

If it is, then why do the Dell parts fail more than Apple's? Is because OS X is better than Windows? :rollseyes:

Maybe because they sell more?

 

[yomamafor1]

Maybe because they sell more?

Definitely true. Definitely true. Bravo.

 

[Digitalclips]

...that this is what Apple WANTS.

Apple doesn't traditionally like giving up control of their products, however, they DO seem to like it when users/hackers begin viral usage of things.

Let us consider briefly why Windoze was ever so successful in the first place: The widespread piracy of Windows 3.1. EVERYONE and their brother installed it, learned it, etc. The OSX86 project is basically allowing the same thing, but with LEGALLY PURCHASED SOFTWARE, and I suspect has been allowed to continue simply because it's FREE ADVERTISING FOR APPLE. This is the same thing. It targets a VERY specific market that Apple isn't targeting, but that is certainly not inconsiderable. These users will promote the Macintosh as a Platform, and expand the total number of Leopard users out there, which ultimately serves Apple's goals.

Now, they might get a "stop pre-installing Leopard" order from Apple, but will they have to stop selling this computer? NO WAY. Apple wants a viral phenomenon in regard to their products, period. Eventually, is this a market they want to tap? I doubt it, price points for GAM3R machines are EXTREMELY competitive, and there's a low profit margin, so I doubt they're that interested.

Consider that Apple is sneakily allowing clones to exist, basically to fill this market gap (that wouldn't be profitable for them to fill otherwise), yet still making BUX on Leopard sales as well as other software, and furthering the Platform.

-K

I am puzzled why you think this system will necessarily mean legally purchased copies OS X. I suspect there would be plenty of bootleg copies of OS X installed on such machines if they were on the market.

 

[supercooled]

As far as I know, Apple's R&D only focuses on developing drivers for hardwares, and gadgets. In other words, the same part you use in your glamorous Apple computers can also be used in other laptops, including Dells.

There's no "very tough testing" process. There's no "sample all the parts". There's only "the cheapest part out there, and the ability to write stable driver for it".

Why Dell's part fails more than Apple's? Because Apple's hardwares are pre-selected, and optimized along with the operating system. Therefore there's a lot less compatibility problems. No, OSX is not better than Windows.

Had you left out that last jab, people would be more inclined to agree with you. Which OS is better is a matter of opinion, but I find it hilarious people think Apple inspects and tests all their machines before shipping them out. If they built 100 a year, sure.

Premium brands like Apple and BMW are all mass produced on assembly lines unlike perhaps specialty shops like Alienware (pre merger) and McLaren sports cars who only built about 100 of the McLaren F1 sports cars.

Anyway, people can choose to believe Apple takes special care and attention to their products, above and beyond other manufactures but at the end of the day, all they care about is the bottom line and getting products out fast and broken is part of that game plan. It's a crapshoot.

 

[BenRoethig]

Probably, but the parent asked for a system that was as close to possible in size and feature to the Mac mini. Those slimline computers from HP and Dell are much bigger.

They're also thinking with practicality in mind. The Mini is more experiment than computer. Still, its really only a 3.5" hard drive away from being competitive. Most users in the basic range don't care if they get an 8x drive or have the ability to add a pair of half height expansion cards. Getting a 80GB hard drive instead of 320GB might anger the buyer a bit.

 

[Phil A.]

If the company just stops installing the software and now sells the machine as an "OpenCPU: Runs all operating systems!" Are they once again legal?

I would have thought so. Where they're going wrong is selling it branded as an "OpenMac" (possible breach of Apple's Mac trademark, passing off, etc), using other Apple trademarks on their site, and selling it pre-installed with OS X.

 

[yomamafor1]

Had you left out that last jab, people would be more inclined to agree with you. Which OS is better is a matter of opinion, but I find it hilarious people think Apple inspects and tests all their machines before shipping them out. If they built 100 a year, sure.

Premium brands like Apple and BMW are all mass produced on assembly lines unlike perhaps specialty shops like Alienware (pre merger) and McLaren sports cars who only built about 100 of the McLaren F1 sports cars.

Anyway, people can choose to believe Apple takes special care and attention to their products, above and beyond other manufactures but at the end of the day, all they care about is the bottom line and getting products out fast and broken is part of that game plan. It's a crapshoot.

I would disagree on the operating system part, but I'll digress. Point taken.

I agree with the rest. Apple is no different than Dell, just with a better decorated box, a slightly more styled finish, and an optimized operating system with optimized system components.

If you're really looking for a system that's rigorously tested, hand picked, and stressed to ensure stability, get a Voodoo or Falcon NW.

 

[cohibadad]

Seems inevitable that Apple will battle this if it isn't defunct already. Would be interesting to see what the basis of their suit would be. I suspect many of the posts here outline the legal standing. Trade mark infringement, etc.

 

[Yvan256]

They're also thinking with practicality in mind. The Mini is more experiment than computer. Still, its really only a 3.5" hard drive away from being competitive. Most users in the basic range don't care if they get an 8x drive or have the ability to add a pair of half height expansion cards.

Depends on your point of view. If you ask me to show you a computer smaller than the Mac mini, I can easily do so.

As for your 2.5" drive comment, that's what most people dislike about the Mac mini, me included.

 

[rmwebs]

It'll be rather like the wonderful world of Windows. Driver incompatibilities with every cheap jack add on. Loads of whining from customers who wonder why the XYZ scanner/cheap video card they got from a bloke down the pub doesn't 'just work'.

Not if Apple did it propperly. A database of compatible hardware and such, which would have to be verified. I dont mean by slapping any ol' hardware in there...just more than is currently avaliable, kind of "build your own".

Rip off prices - can't afford a new one? Buy a second hand one off e-bay. Poor build quality products? You've got to be kidding. I'm typing this on a 6 year old G4 running Tiger that hasn't skipped a beat.

Older hardware is fairly reliable, however look at the hardware from the last year or two. Theres hundreds, make that thousands of threads about bits and bobs snapping, breaking, etc on this forum alone. (See iMac screen issues, MacBook cracking, iPhone/Pod touch negative black, etc).

The older hardware does seem much better. I've not got any myself, however a friend recently got a powerbook off ebay and yes, its well built.

To go the MS route would be the death of Apple. Seriously, this has been beaten to death so many times it isn't worth going over it again.

Why do so many people have this instant vision of Microsoft when the words "Custom" and "Computer" are put together? As I stated above, if Apple did it right, they could pull it off with little effort.

A simple regulation system on hardware, like several communities have established for linux compatible hardware would be fine. People then look at the lists of compatible hardware, and use it. Is that so damn hard to do? Course Not!

I agree with some of the other posters. If you want to go this route buy your own kit and build one yourself.

And void my license? No taa. I would rather Apple stop bitching and remove the limitations. That way you have the option to use your own hardware...nobody's forcing you to make your own...the option would be nice though!

If you're going to continue with stupid fanboy remarks, don't waste your time...I've said my opinion, you've said yours. You think your right, I think I'm right. End of.

 

[skellener]

An absolute home run from Psystar in design! Wow!

 

[beast]

Hypothetically speaking....Well, say you spent $2500 on a MacPro and $550 on an OpenMac. In three years, you sell your MacPro for $2000 and but a new one for $2500 and the OpenMac dies from crappy parts so you get $0 (maybe a tax write-off for recycling it or something). You buy another OpenMac (yeah, they're still around, this is hypothetically speaking after all) for $550.

To compare the two, you spent $3000 for two MacPros and $1100 for two OpenMacs. Having a high resale value doesn't always make it a more cost efficient purchase.

this is a ridiculous comparison.... you can't compare the openmac to the macpro. THe macpro smokes the openmac in terms of performance.

 

[johndoubts]

Can someone suggest some better looking chassis for a hackintosh? I'm looking at that Cooler Master, are there any good aluminum chassis or anything that is actually good looking, sleek and adult?