Psystar Sells $399 Mac Clone: Return of the Mac Clones?

I'd buy the clones in a heartbeat if they were legal. The ridiculous premium for Apple hardware has kept me from making the jump from MS for years. It's tough to justify if you are in a budget consious situation, where about 75 percent of PC users are likely to be.

Are you an idiot? The cheapest "similar computer, a Mac Pro, starts at $2000.Mac." Dumbass, look at the Mac mini.

Are you an idiot? The cheapest "similar computer, a Mac Pro, starts at $2000.Mac." Dumbass, look at the Mac mini.

Are you an idiot? The cheapest "similar computer, a Mac Pro, starts at $2000." Dumbass, look at the Mac mini.

While the Apple hardware prices aren't cheap, they aren't unreasonable for the quality. I liked the idea of Mac Clones, until I read the reviews. "Cheap" works with PCs. They are a pain in the ... anyway. Good hardware doesn't change that.

On a Mac, however, quality hardware and a quality OS makes all the difference. Just look at the Mac Mini. I bought one 2 years ago just as a temporary stop-gap until I could afford a Mac Pro. I use it to run Architectural visualization software. 2 years later, I'm still on the Mac Mini and lovin' it! Much better than my most powerful Windows PC.

I think Jobs was right.

How can the title be "Psystar Sells $300 Mac Clone: Return of the Mac Clones?" When it's $399 as listed in the next line of the article. Or is it just a typo?

@docsurf : Actually, the mini isn't expandable/upgradeable like this is, and doesn't have the same feature set. This is basically a Mac Pro with integrated graphics. Before calling someone an idiot and a dumbass, you should think a little bit to avoid being not only an idiot and dumbass yourself, but also an asshole.

@vipv6. You could've paid less and got more powerful hardware than your mini if clones existed. And now, 2 years later, you could update your processor, graphics card, internal drives, etc. without having to buy a whole new mini or mac pro. Maybe there would be quality issues, but that would be improved as some "in the middle" type companies got things happening - like Dell or Sony...

The Mac mini isn't comparable. It is very handicapped in features and upgradeability.

On the "quality hardware" issue, Apple buys it's the components they use to assemble from the same manufacturers as any other desktop assembler. The components Apple uses are not the highest quality available by a long shot. The components Apple uses are just average.

So, Phlegm...$1500 justifies some limited expandability...I alter my previous statement: "Are you an idiot? The cheapest 'similar computer, a Mac Pro, starts at $2000.Mac.' Dumbass, look at the Mac mini."

Phlegm is also an idiot...he thinks that PCs can only be upgraded by pulling the PCs apart and adding hardware to their inerts. You Dumbass....try an external harddrive or any other USB ready alternative (i.e., netowrk, Blueray drive, etc.). DUMBASS X 2 for You!!!!

So, Phlegm...$1500 justifies some limited expandability...I alter my previous statement: "Are you an idiot? The cheapest 'similar computer, a Mac Pro, starts at $2000.Mac.' Dumbass, look at the Mac mini."

Phlegm is also an idiot...he thinks that PCs can only be upgraded by pulling the PCs apart and adding hardware to their inerts. You Dumbass....try an external harddrive or any other USB ready alternative (i.e., netowrk, Blueray drive, etc.). DUMBASS X 2 for You!!!!

I've given some more thought to..cough..cough...spit...flugie...phlegm's comments. He does have a, very, limited argument. If you are looking for an omnipotent PC system (i.e., one that you can add an unlimited number of peripherals to...(extra video cards, hard drives, optical drives, RAIDs etc.), then you would have to buy a Power Mac. On the other hand, dumbass, most people ARE NOT CONCERNED with commercial video production, nor playing WOW at wo frame per second faster. A Mac Mini with a few ADD ONs would be a lot more economical...and NO BLUE "I'm a crappy Microsoft programmer, please support our monoploy" SCREEN OF DEATH. For most people, who are interested in reading the news on CNN, or reading their loved-ones e-mail. A mac-mini id MORE that enough computing power. By the way, tey now have a Mac version of WOW, and if your are that hopeless, then, please, buy a PLAYSTATION 3.

Best Regards,
docsurf

Cable clutter, inability to upgrade the main performance enhancement components, and spaghetti monster computer that the limited upgrade options of the Mac mini will give you, all of that aside - try to keep it civil docsurf.

And learn to spell and post just once before you go calling anyone else a dumbass.

@PDX57
You have decided to make fun of my English, not my philosophy..the fact is: I've been living in Germany and I cannot help that my English is poor..no proper English dictionary. On the other hand, if you're in the US, you should be learning proper Chinese...your new future overlords will demand it. If you honestly expect to retain you precious (crap) M$ PC for a few years without adding any external hardware, then you are a fool. The lifespan of a PC is what? Two years....er, no...three, NO..four..years..uuhhhmm. "I'm smoking mushrooms (amoungst other grabege) The M$ VISTA interface looks great and works wonderfully..NOT!
BLAHGGGH!
OK. I'll try to be "reasonable" The original comparison of a PC with an open door policy to a closed system that your grandmother doesn't have to worry about is asinine. The average person want to have a computer that they can:
1: READ e-mail without SPAM
2: Visit web pages without malwar being installed
3: Whack-off to porn via quicktime!

Are you laying the fact that you act like a ill-mannered 15 year old boy on being German docsurf?

Windows computers last a lot longer than two or three years, unless you are incompetent with running one, which you admit to, but that is your own fault. I don't have any of the problems you describe, nor do most people I know.

Your Mac mini obviously is working for your average person user needs, but when it comes upgrade time, the Apple method is throw the old out and buy another Apple, rather than more RAM or a faster motherboard and processor or faster video card, options apple does not offer - especially in the Mac mini.

docsurf: reading your posts made me laugh like crazy at work. Thank you for that.

I laugh because, for some reason, you think that Mac hardware is any different from PC hardware.

I feel silly that I have to be the first to inform you this, but seriously - there is really no difference, other than Apple's unjustified (and extensive) price.

Since Apple's gone to Intel chips, sure they could pull a Tandy and add a PROM so that people can't install their OS on any other type of hardware, but, well, all of us know what happened to Tandy...

Fact of the matter is that sooner or later people are going to prove that Apple overprices it's hardware simply to justify their desire not to be seen as a software company.

Psystar just proved it. If the mac had something really functionally different than a PC, a PC "clone" could not have been built.

It was, it did, and frankly - I'm glad. Someone had to do it.

@PDX57
STFU!
1) I'm 37, not 15.
2) I've been using Apple products (Apple II+) and M$ related products (IBM PC XT) since 1983, beat that you little $h!t. I have lived a privileged, but educated life. I have had more computers in my house than people, and this was in the '80's.
3) I hate Microsoft because of all the crap the pulled in the mid 80's and 90's (your need to educate yourself. They pulled: software upgrade policies; software ULA's, etc., and it continues..please if you choose not to use apple, use linux)
4) I worked in the semiconductor industry. I worked on the line where the chips that go into your computers are made.
5) I am now a nanotechnology professor at an "unnamed" university.
The concept you proposed: The throw out the old for the new....YES!!, but recycle...and..TO ANSWER YOU BITCH:
Apple needs to be thrown out LESS often than the other crap.
6) PDX57: If you take my course, you fail!!!

I'm sorry, docsurf, that you come off as an in immature little boy in your writing.

Beware of thinking that you know more of the history of computing than anyone else when you are chatting with people you know nothing about.

Welcome to computing - newb.

And since you say you are having trouble finding an English dictionary in Germany, you might try something called the internet.

To mr/miss. "docsurf"
Also as a side not and nothing more than just to mention this buuuut....
mr/miss. cryptographrix is right. I work at best Buy's Geek Squad doing computer repairs for PC, Game Consols, and Mac Computers all the time. I've pop opened a Mac Pro
, Mini, G4, G5, you name it and more microsoft PC's than you can shake a stick at and the manufacturer of the components that really matter (ie: processor, graphics card, and ram) are no different than say Alienware Computers/DELL, HP, or Fujitsu. Apple uses RAM made by Samsung my friend and it is indeed average quality. Even before Apple switched to Intel Processors all the G4 Processor was, was pretty much a modified Opteron Processor from AMD. If your worried about the whole Greed thing from Microsofts OS monopoly, then you can easily download and install Ubuntu Linux (Which has splendid hardware support considering it's FREE) and comes with a ton of free software alternatives. But hey, this is just my 2-cents.

Sorry, but I just couldn't believe that a 37-year-old nanotechnology professor would post profanities all over this news post. I thought professors are professional people. I think, sir, that you are being a bad example to your students. I'm an undergraduate student, and after stating that you're a professor, I was beginning to be disturbed by your posts.

If this website was a university filled with administrators, and this news post was a classroom, your students would've complained and you would've been fired.

But docsurf I do AGREE with you on the opinion that Mac's do get thrown out LESS OFTEN. But in my opinion 2 major factors come into play with this.
1.) The Mac OS is very well built from the ground up and was made, designed, and custom tailored to work only with the Mac Computers and Hardware. So because of that things like resource, hardware, and power management have all been pretty damn well because Apple remembered to dot all it's i's and cross all its t's. And the little face that it's OS is based off of FreeBSD (which is a UNIX clone for those whom may not know.) and is already very solid to begin with.

2.) People pay ALOT of money on these machines. Mac's are not cheap in terms of price by any stretch of imagination even by standards of the Middle and upper class people. Because of that people are alot more careful and take much better care of their Mac's.

All this of course is just my personal opinion, but I felt that it would be good to add this in for some more insight.

... or at least suspended. With that aside, this company selling OpenMacs will really have to keep a low profile, else they'll be practically bombed with lawsuits. And people need to be aware that, while the specs given by Psystar seems to be perfect, some [future versions] of Leopard might not work there, so you would need several patches for it to work. If I can remember, the 10.5.2 upgrade brought problems to these "Hackintoshes." I know it myself; I've tried it.

Docsurf, I am afraid you are, beyond any doubt, on the losing side of this argument. Apple computers are simply a poor value, ESPECIALLY given the fact that, thanks to a benevolent team of hackers, it is possible to run OSX on your standard PC.
Let?s just break it down:

Mac Mini (2 basic configurations)

- 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 1GB memory
- 80GB hard drive
- $599

- 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 1GB memory
- 120GB hard drive
- $799

OR

Psystar OpenMac

- 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 2GB of DDR2 memory
- 250GB hard drive
- $399 ($555 w/ OSX)

OR
- [insert high value desktop tower pc + osx86 (you get the idea)]

Psystar?s machine isn?t even a great value as far as PCs are concerned but it still handedly kicks the ass of Apple?s closest offering. I?m afraid you are just another victim of the Apple PR machine. Enjoy your overpriced shiny turd!

ZeeMoney,
I appreciate you comment!! The first truly intelligent comment in this debate!!!!
Du must Deutsche sprechen!
I agree that Apple components are marginally overpriced, at the same time they are not the ones that wear out after a year (they use high-end components). It comes back to the "Can Gandma handle it?" M$ dorks..er..M$.fudge-packers.say "NO!" without consideration to longevity.
From the dense, duhhh...never I'VE NEVER TRIED IT, YET, I fear to try Secure version (2000, er 2004,...er 2008...er..it'll be out soon).
As for "my overpriced shine turd;"
IN THE REAL WORD, THE LAST TIME I HAD TO DEAL WITH A COMPUTER VIRUS WAS: 1992. (I KID YOU NOT!!!!)
THE LAST TIME I HAD TO FORCIBLY (HARD RESET) MY COMPUTER WAS JANUARY...AND IT WAS MICROSOFT WORD THAT CRASHED THE SYSTEM.
Can you make the same brag???

PDX57 & cyptographrix & ZeeMonkey

You can not have a computer talk with a mac fanboy, ie: docsurf. They have drunk the kool-aid and can not see any but a rainbow apple.

JMacalinao,
If you are still in school; this advice is for free, but DO NOT DISREGARD IT:
1) Learn to use a wrench
Related to this advice: Buy, AND learn to work on a older car...one that DOES use fuel injection; look for one with a carburetor.
2) At your job, NEVER say there is a problem; SAY "We have an issue with..."...it's more politically correct.
3) Technicians will respect you if you actually know how to use tools) i.e., screw drivers, wrenches, etc..).
4) KNOW what 1/4" means in reality... or 3' (three feet). If you can convey these measurements into something that a technician can relate to, then he will respect you.
5) NEVER UNDERSTIMATE the importance of a secretary. Secretaries, know what is going on, thay know more than anyone else, in your group
6) SEE # 5 !!!!!
7) Be kind to all technicians and operators; they are the ones who actually do the work.
8) You, may be an ENGINEER, but DO NOT BE A BASTARD, you rely on those under you!!.

To the weakling: PDX57
The (WTF?): cyptographix
and the respected: "Zee Mokney" (Respect!!!),
As the Texans say:
I AM a MAC fanboy based on experience, not ignorance.
If you want a conversion....you can reach me on Yahoo! messenger at dhenneke@yahoo.com

GO FOR IT!!

My first computer was an Apple IIe clone in 82's. My first Apple games are Autoduel, King Quest, Sundog, Monkey Island, Ultima, and etc.. The copies could be bought from almost all the game store in Hong Kong. Those are the good old days to play cracked game.

I am still a fan of Apple clones.

U guys are really childish. If you can not afford a Mac (premium design), go for the PC (looks-alike for every brand). If you can not afford to buy LV bag, a Braun Buffel as alternative is not too bad though.

Y argue?

Just to make the comparison valid with a Mac Mini... If you add Leopard and iLife to the Open Computer, you would pay about $630 compared to the Mac Mini at $599.

The Open Computer does not include wireless, bluetooth, infrared, or firewire. It does have a slightly faster processor, an extra gigabyte of RAM, and 170 Gb more hard drive space.

Seems like a pretty similar value comparison to me.

Just to make the comparison valid with a Mac Mini... If you add Leopard and iLife to the Open Computer, you would pay about $630 compared to the Mac Mini at $599.

The Open Computer does not include wireless, bluetooth, infrared, optical audio, or firewire. It does have a slightly faster processor, an extra gigabyte of RAM, and 170 Gb more hard drive space.

Seems like a pretty similar value comparison to me.

Sorry the specs aren't good enough to justify the premium prices for a Mac. I could get a much better machine by going with either Windows or even Ubuntu machines.

Once again Apple shoots its self in the foot.

In the first place, this article tackle about a mac clone, a little bit similar to an original product, it's doesn't tackle about who's the better product is, the original or the clone? we must respect the author of this article, if you think you are better than him, so apply for a job in this PC Magazine, prove that you are the best in the world, the best writer about this article, you must respect any comment with open mind, don't tell people they are dumbass or whatever if they said something wrong, just tell them they are wrong, and you correcting them in their mistake. People can understand that, i know you are better than us, docsurf, but respect each people if they are annoying or what, your parents teach you to respect other people, even if they good or bad.

p.s. sorry if i hurt someone ego, i know he will get more angry with this comment... i guess he need a psychologist for his anger management. peace out...respect and love...

In the first place, this article tackle about a mac clone, a little bit similar to an original product, it's doesn't tackle about who's the better product is, the original or the clone? we must respect the author of this article, if you think you are better than him, so apply for a job in this PC Magazine, prove that you are the best in the world, the best writer about this article, you must respect any comment with open mind, don't tell people they are dumbass or whatever if they said something wrong, just tell them they are wrong, and you correcting them in their mistake. People can understand that, i know you are better than us, docsurf, but respect each people if they are annoying or what, your parents teach you to respect other people, even if they good or bad.

p.s. sorry if i hurt your ego, i know he will get more angry with this comment... i guess he need a psychologist for his anger management. peace out...love and respect... anger & hate can cause war....

Apple is going to have to have more on its side than simply the complaint that the product breaches their EULA.

A EULA may look impressive and threatening, but contractually speaking may be impossible to legally defend. Simply buying a product does not necessarily imply a contractual obligation by the end user, while no signed (by both sides) contract is entered into before the purchase is complete.

Apple might better argue some sort of copyright is infringed - but then, if a manufacturer simply buys and installs a retail product (without tweaking that product, affecting the copyright) into their device, even that may be hard to argue.

Then again, Apple's best bet may be to simply dump so many lawyers onto the problem as to sink the issue under the sheer dead weight - as their argument for uninhibited greed may not be legally defensible.

Please...This troll on troll mayhem must stop.
I had used Apples since the 80s, Ive used Windows and lately I use a dual boot Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux.

Current Apple computers are running on Linux operating systems with Apple graphics. Anybody who doesn't want to pay Apple prices can go open source and use Linux without Apples graphics. I like Ubuntu which is a free download or you can pay a small fee for a disk.

The Ubuntu operating system is based on Debian Linux just as Apple is. You are free to change whatever you like without asking some corporation for permission. Ubuntu comes with Firefox browser and Open Office already installed along with many apps that do things you won't find on Windows. Linux security like Apples is better than Windows and you can run it on an older computer because it does not need the latest parts to run well.

If you wait till next week the newest version will launch April 24th and that can be installed without partitioning the hard drive.

check this blog http://www.nanojini.com/blog for some more technology news and join and write on it to earn....

check this blog http://www.nanojini.com/blog for some technology news and join and write on it to earn....