Psystar Open Computer Notes, Benchmarks and Video 304
Engadget has had a chance to play around with Psystar's Open Computer and has a few things to say about the controversial machine. "Okay, so we've been playing with the Psystar Open Computer for a few hours now, and we've formed some early impressions and put together a short video of it in action. We haven't really tried to stress the system yet, but based on our other experiences with OSx86 machines, we're expecting things to generally go smoothly. That said, there are some definite rough patches and issues, all mostly having to do with the fact that OS X isn't really built for this hardware."
Re:"it just works" (Score:2, Insightful)
e.g install MacOS on non apple hardware
convert a 5 y/o box into a PVR
mount your HDD through a loop over a coat-hanger.
If I were apple I'd like this (Score:4, Insightful)
In return the mac mini has wifi and blue tooth, temperature control, software updates, you can re-install the operating system, optical audio, ilife,
oh and it doesn't sound like a supersonic jet landing. The mini has lower power bills too.
it's difficult to think of the niche where anyone could possibly want a turn like this.
SO apple should be please that no one can make a cheaper computer, since it sort of puts it to all the whiners who complain about the "apple tax".
Wrong price (Score:4, Insightful)
Conversely, the a Pystar running mac OS costs
399$ + 155$ (OS) + $50 shipping. = $604
if you want firewire add $50 , the mini comes with it. (note you need pystar to install the firewire for you).
if you want wifi, blue tooth, optical audio, etc.. you'll have to buy them. Maybe they will even work with the OS too. who knows.
then of course the annual power bill is a lot less for the mac mini since not only is it lower power, the operating system power management actually functions.
The Importance of OpenMac (Score:4, Insightful)
If they ignore it, others are likely to follow Psystar (after a long enough time to see that Apple doesn't go after them). Of course, in this case, there's still some threat, but I don't think it's outrageous to argue that if Apple ignores it for over a year that the provision looses some weight.
Personally, I hope they get sued. If they win their suit, it will be a new era for the Macintosh. If they loose their suit, they've lost, but at least we know.
Re:If I were apple I'd like this (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Psystar- cheap, but is it a deal? (Score:3, Insightful)