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

[johndoubts]

its generating a lot of heat because it costs 1/3 of a f***ing apple computer and does the same job.

the only rebuttal mac evangelists have is 'but my box is prettier'

a computer is a TOOL, not a fashion statement. this is something almost all new apple users have never thought about.

If you think a computer is only a tool then you are living in the early 90's. I use my computer for 6 to 12 hours a day. I work on it, I communicate with people on it, I play movies and music on it, I even occasionally play games on it. Why wouldn't I want it to look as attractive, if not more attractive then my television or my car? Let's face it, for a lot of people their computer is one of their most important possessions, so shouldn't it be a piece of art that is both a joy to use and beautiful to look at?

When I buy something that I use as much as a computer, a phone or a car I'm not looking for the cheapest way to get the most power, I'm looking for a full experience.

 

[yomamafor1]

I believe working in a Dell 3 year warranty next business repair environment has skewed my opinions. I've seen users treat their hardware terribly and Dell just smiles as they fix it.

Can you provide any more examples then bad RAM? What prevents Apple from having bad RAM or me buying some as well? What about other bad components?

As I said, bad RAMs do not limit to only Dells, but also other brands. However from dozens of computer I've encountered, I've only seen problems in Dell computers. Contrary to you, this led me to develop a notion that Dell's computers are less reliable.

I've also encountered bad optical drive on Dell's notebook, after a year of little use. I've also encountered poor ventilation that led to excessive dust built up and internal components overheating, but I guess it is more of a design issue than a mechanical issue.

 

[sighlent]

I still want one.

 

[overcast]

And tell me again why should I pay 2x the price if I can get the same setup from HP, from Dell, or even self-built, that also come pre-built, operated silently, elegant designed?

What experience are you talking about? What's the difference in experience between using a computer and... using another computer?

Is someone forcing you to purchase Apple products? Is this a personal problem? The difference is one runs OSX and the other runs something I don't want to use as a desktop. I have many machines in my home, FreeBSD servers, Solaris servers, Windows Desktops for gaming and I use OSX for desktop. I've built every single computer I've ever owned by hand, except the MacPro. Why? Because I don't want to be bothered with hacking this and hacking that. I bought it because I have work to be done running 3 different business and that is that. K?

 

[squeeks]

If you think a computer is only a tool then you are living in the early 90's. I use my computer for 6 to 12 hours a day. I work on it, I communicate with people on it, I play movies and music on it, I even occasionally play games on it.

sorry doode but your computer is a tool to do all that stuff

 

[yiswitched]

I called them on their 888 number 5 minutes ago, they said the site was slammed because of traffic but it will be back up shortly. According to the sales department no one has shut them down.

 

[guzhogi]

I can understand why Apple put the thing in its EULA: it would be too difficult to support all the different variations if everyone made their own computer. Just writing all the right drivers, make sure there aren't any conflicts, and fixing computers would be really tough. Why do you think Windows crashes all the time?

On the other hand, this should show people and Apple that they can build a decent computer for a reasonable cost. Apple is notorious for charging a large premium for its hardware (especially RAM). Plus, look at how underpowered the Mac Mini is in terms of CPU & graphics. I remember before Steve Jobs came back and there were Mac clones. I think one reason why SJ put the axe to them was because the priceerformance ration of the clones was better than the Apple-made Macs and thus were cannibalizing Apple sales. Sure, it takes money for R&D, materials, advertising, whatever. But not that much. This OpenMac proves that. I feel its time to show Apple we not only want more out of them, but need it too. If Apple really wants more market share, it should really get more competitive. Better hardware, lower prices.

 

[yomamafor1]

You show me an EQUIVALENT machine to the current Mac Pro in price. Giddy up. This has been beaten to death 100 times. Yes the MacMini is the only ripoff.

Ahh... I just did this an hour ago. Can't you just go back to the history and search for it?

E5462 Xeon 2.6Ghz x 2 = 1600USD.
2Gb FB-DIMM DDR2-800 = 82USD
ATi 2600XT = 60USD
Tyan Intel DP board = 400USD
Optical Super Drive = 30USD
320Gb HD = 50USD.

Sub-total= 2142 USD.

+ Leopard = 100USD
+ Case = 300USD
+ feel good factor = 200 USD
+ Superior recognition = 100USD

Grand total: 2842USD.

Advertised on Apple: 2800USD

For Mac Pro's basic setup, Dell's similar speced setup is more expensive. However, if you upgrade Mac to 3.2Ghz DP Xeons, along with more RAMs and video cards, Dell's solution is cheaper by over 1000USD.

 

[WannaGoMac]

An absolute home run from Psystar in design! Wow!

Who cares! Geesh for the 100th time, design whatever. Are you having sex with this computer or something the way you fan boys obsess about the supposed beauty of a stupid computer.

Why headless? That part is easy

• You already have a nice display
• You do not want to be forced to get rid of your display when you upgrade the computer as all imac users must
• You just want to be able to choose from the hundreds of displays on the market

Now about the Mac Mini: First off it is not "cheap" it is actully quite expensive compared to other computers with even bettr specs. For example HP makes a more powerfull quad core maichine. Also the Mini is not upgradable so it's total cost of ownership wil be high because you can not extend it's usfull life via upgrades.

Apple needs to sell a machine like this. Bt we know they never will because if they did offer a $500 mid tower it would just kill of the Mini and iMac lines.

Exactly. Not everyone wants an all in one computer.

If you think a computer is only a tool then you are living in the early 90's. I use my computer for 6 to 12 hours a day. I work on it, I communicate with people on it, I play movies and music on it, I even occasionally play games on it....

And don't forget the most important one, you make love /sex with your computer as apparently the first person I responded to above is ...

 

[swagi]

Great!

I for one think this is a great development! Even German newsmags are all over it.

Maybe this will make Apple realize, that they better get their Mini on spec! And they better stop this stupid BYODKM thing and include at least a wired keyboard and mouse in it!

 

[apearlman]

I'd buy it from Apple

I don't know about "Psystar", but I'd pay twice this price to buy this machine from Apple.

Maybe this will trigger Apple to broaden its offerings before the next time I buy. On the other hand, maybe Apple doesn't want us to have upgradable boxes. Maybe they'd prefer that we buy new ones every couple of years.

 

[yomamafor1]

Is someone forcing you to purchase Apple products? Is this a personal problem? The difference is one runs OSX and the other runs something I don't want to use as a desktop. I have many machines in my home, FreeBSD servers, Solaris servers, Windows Desktops for gaming and I use OSX for desktop. I've built every single computer I've ever owned by hand, except the MacPro. Why? Because I don't want to be bothered with hacking this and hacking that. I bought it because I have work to be done running 3 different business and that is that. K?

Are you having a bad day or something? So far I've been criticizing these:

1. Its overpriced, but if you're willing to pay for it, fine.
2. Its the same thing as a PC, including similar parts. Nothing more, nothing less.

If you're willing to spend that much money for a product that you can get for cheap elsewhere, be my guest. If you don't like Windows and prefer OS X, fine by me. But don't give me that "OSX is better" or "Apple is better" bullcrap.

As for your "hacking this and hacking that", I have no idea what you're talking about. As a PC user, I don't hack around just to get my PC working. I don't hack around to get additional softwares. How is that different from an Apple user?

 

[BongoBanger]

I don't know about "Psystar", but I'd pay twice this price to buy this machine from Apple.

Maybe this will trigger Apple to broaden its offerings before the next time I buy. On the other hand, maybe Apple doesn't want us to have upgradable boxes. Maybe they'd prefer that we buy new ones every couple of years.

That's exactly what they want you to do. It's one of their major revenue streams after all.

 

[Eidorian]

If you think a computer is only a tool then you are living in the early 90's. I use my computer for 6 to 12 hours a day. I work on it, I communicate with people on it, I play movies and music on it, I even occasionally play games on it. Why wouldn't I want it to look as attractive, if not more attractive then my television or my car? Let's face it, for a lot of people their computer is one of their most important possessions, so shouldn't it be a piece of art that is both a joy to use and beautiful to look at?

When I buy something that I use as much as a computer, a phone or a car I'm not looking for the cheapest way to get the most power, I'm looking for a full experience.

Sadly a computer is a tool that can accomplish many tasks. The ones that you've listed are among them. What does appearance have to do with how a tool accomplishes its task? Unless its design is used for accomplishing said task. You're only using a fancy coat to hide the computer hardware. Many other people and manufactures believe a minitower is more then enough.

As I said, bad RAMs do not limit to only Dells, but also other brands. However from dozens of computer I've encountered, I've only seen problems in Dell computers. Contrary to you, this led me to develop a notion that Dell's computers are less reliable.

I've also encountered bad optical drive on Dell's notebook, after a year of little use. I've also encountered poor ventilation that led to excessive dust built up and internal components overheating, but I guess it is more of a design issue than a mechanical issue.

I don't see a reason to single out Dell then.

 

[50548]

I for one think this is a great development! Even German newsmags are all over it.

Maybe this will make Apple realize, that they better get their Mini on spec! And they better stop this stupid BYODKM thing and include at least a wired keyboard and mouse in it!

Of course German magazines are all over it:

1 - They know nothing about Macs, especially C'T and co.;

2 - They hate Apple for not playing the "dull boxes / I am a hobbyist" geek game.

 

[Wild-Bill]

On the other hand, maybe Apple doesn't want us to have upgradable boxes. Maybe they'd prefer that we buy new ones every couple of years.

You mean like the pre-2008 Mac Pro owners who can't upgrade their machines with an nVidia 8800GT?

 

[AtariKee]

Yes I actually really hope this tanks, what are you going to do about that?

I'll kick your butt. After the coaches are gone, toughguy!

 

[bokdol]

Even compared to manufactured, Apple still charges a lot more. Why is that?

i pose for people to have a manufacture built machine mini. with exact specs and was waiting for an answer. i got one. and it cost more. granted it had x3100 instead of the 950. all i can say is you got one, post it. same size as the mini with same components.

after apple moved to intel they have been more similar in cost they what people perceive.

but yes there is an apple tax. and it can be clearly seen under ram upgrades

 

[Electrolytic]

Personally I encounter some Dell horror stories. A friend of mine bought a Dell, and Ram poofed on him about 2 weeks later. Therefore I regard Dells as.... low quality build.

But again, it might happened to Apple users too.

I might happen, maybe once?

No Apple's never fail, that's why apple sells apple care, just for the heck of it, just because.

The power supply in my friends imac did not fail after a couple months either, he just brought the whole computer in to Apple for a visit...

However I do have a 4 year old dell that I've never had to take in for any repairs, I also upgraded the hard drive & ram without a paint scraper...

Also my last dell never had any failures either....

 

[50548]

Nope. I didn't sign anything, and I didn't even see the EULA until after I've already paid for and opened the software. This thread is full of reasons why an EULA wouldn't hold up in a court of law.

Of course you did. The only situation where you wouldn't have seen it is if you are a pirate. Every shrink-wrap license is subject to acceptance of its terms. If you don't agree, you give it back.

Seriously now, have these lowly hackers been arrested or not?

 

[Clive At Five]

I guess a big thing for me would be support. If you have a problem with an "openmac" you can't expect to walk up to the genius bar and have them fix it.

Hahahaha, I would pay big money to see someone do try that...

-Clive

 

[0098386]

I would like one of these. We've only got 1 non-Apple desktop PC left and I'd love to replace it with one of these. I've already got a touchscreen monitor (Sorry Apple), speakers, keyboard and mouse.

 

[rhpenguin]

There are about 3 people in the world willing to deal with the nonsense required to run OS X on non-Apple hardware. Just as there were about 3 people in the world willing to build a MythTV instead of buy something like a Tivo or Apple TV.

I guess I'm one of those three.. I have a Hacintosh and MythTV setup. Both are pretty friggin sweet.

 

[milo]

The only reason this exists is because apple still hasn't offered a budget expandable machine. The demand is there but they just won't do it, and I think it's costing them some sales, especially from potential switchers.

For the record, I'm not saying apple should go nuts and offer a million models like Dell or someone. But I think adding a midtower model would appeal to PC users who are holding out because apple doesn't offer a model that is a good fit.

 

[Dsr1205]

I called them on their 888 number 5 minutes ago, they said the site was slammed because of traffic but it will be back up shortly. According to the sales department no one has shut them down.

this makes sense because im sure their website was not prepared for the traffic and apple has not had time to tell their lawyers to write something up.