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Psystar claims to offer $400 Mac clone [U]

updated 06:00 pm EDT, Mon April 14, 2008

Psystar Mac clone


A company called Psystar claims it will soon deliver a $400 Mac clone, based around a 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics. Stating that the machine will be compatible with Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5), the company says it will pre-install the OS and include a special restoration disc, alongside the genuine installation disc. The legality of Psystar's operation is dubious, as Apple's Mac OS X license explicitly states that the software can only be installed and used on an Apple-labeled computer, specifically stating "You agree not to install, use or run the Apple Software on any non-Apple-labeled computer, or to enable others to do so."

The alleged $400 system will purportedly also include 2GB of DDR2 667 memory, a 20x DVD+/-R SATA drive that is Lightscribe-capable, and 4 rear-mounted USB Ports.

Psystar's website is currently inaccessible.

Update: A MacNN reader has informed us that orders for the computers are still active, with a representative of the company stating that the mere influx of users wanting to see the computer crippled its servers temporarily.


by MacNN Staff

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TAGS :

 Leopard, Mac OS X, Core 2 Duo, Core 2, clone, Mac, Apple

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  1. vasic

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: May 2005

    0
    04/14, 02:25pm | report spam | Reply |

    Dubious??

    My guess is, 'dubious' is just a polite way of saying illegal.

  1. ZinkDifferent

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2005

    0
    04/14, 02:28pm | report spam | Reply |

    Here we go again...

    ...kinda like a re-run of the 90s, or early 80s, if you include Apple II clones.

    There's always gotta be one chinese company trying its hand at cloning the Mac.

  1. ZinkDifferent

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2005

    0
    04/14, 02:33pm | report spam | Reply |

    for real news recap...

    Here's some better information on this, then the curtailed MacNN version of 'news':

    http://www.macobserver.com/article/2008/04/14.4.shtml

    http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/006792.html

    http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/14/psystars-openmac-clone-is-close-to-a-cease-and-desist-order/

  1. ScottG

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2005

    0
    04/14, 06:43pm | report spam | Reply |

    I Just placed an order...

    But, I can't add features like the options to increase the Processor Speed, RAM, or Firewire. Kinda annoying if you are sold the options but it will not show up on the final order. I'm getting one anyway, before Apple Shuts this company down for good.

  1. Guest

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 1999

    0
    04/14, 09:12pm | report spam | Reply |

    Placing order at Psystar

    I had no problems ordering any of the options. I emailed the company with a couple of questions regarding the legality of the product and what would happen if Apple successfully shut them down after I received my computer. I also wanted to know about bluetooth, Airport and a warranty.

  1. robttwo

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2005

    0
    04/14, 09:24pm | report spam | Reply |

    uh...

    I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you as well...

    Anyone who orders one of these deserves to be scammed.

    Doofuses.

  1. horvatic

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Apr 2002

    0
    04/14, 09:51pm | report spam | Reply |

    They won't ship your orde

    I don't think your orders will ship before Apple shuts them down for good. For one thing it's illegal for them to install OSX on a PC Clone clearly stated in Apple's license agreement. Selling OSX with a clone is probably twice as illegal. Anyways I don't see how these systems are any improvement. A GMA graphics card? I thought this was a super upgrade, NOT!!!!

  1. testudo

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2001

    0
    04/14, 10:09pm | report spam | Reply |

    Re: they won't ship

    Yet I thought EULAs were garbage that can't be enforced.

  1. fubar_this

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2006

    0
    04/14, 11:47pm | report spam | Reply |

    EULA schmuela

    EULAs have never been tested in court. It will be interesting to see what Apple does here—I know of many people (including me) who have skirted legality issues when ripping DVDs, which is technically illegal. But it's an issue of fair use all the same; I bought them and I should be able to watch them wherever.

    Now the Mac OS X EULA will be tested: I have a PC that I want to install OS X on, but can't because it's a violation of the Leopard EULA EULA, even though I have 1 more install on my Leopard family-pack. It's legally mine, I bought it...why can't I install it on whatever computer I want? Fair use again.

    I actually hope Apple loses this one, I must say.

  1. Roehlstation

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2001

    0
    04/15, 01:28am | report spam | Reply |

    Old Sony Cases

    Those are the same cases Sony had used for a while, Not a bad price for a computer. Almost tempted to order one, even if it ends up running an OS other than Mac OS. (likely it won't be supported by newer versions of Mac OS X)

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