Psystar Begins Shipping Apple "Open Computer"

[Rob Williams]

From our front-page news:

When a company boasts products that emulate Apple's own offerings but for a fraction of the price, people tend to listen. Such was the case with Psystar over the course of the past two weeks. The company seemed to come out of nowhere, and then offered a product no one would have ever expected.

If you've been following the story, then you are likely aware that there is a lot of skepticism surrounding the company, and for good reason. Over the past week, Psystar changed their business address no less than four times, and at one point even had to disable their checkout system. Sketchy, indeed.

The company has now updated their site announcing that all orders up to now are now shipping, and that the initial orders have now shipped. That's a good sign, but I still remain skeptical and would not recommend going through with a purchase until we see others with actual systems in hand. If this is legit, who can help but be excited to see how Apple handles this?

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To all, we challenge you, let’s see if we can max this one out. Regarding shipping, orders placed the week of April 7th are currently being shipped. We will be shipping units out of our new facility starting Monday, April 21st, including those orders placed the week of April 14th.

Source: Psystar - Via: One More Thing Blog
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[MacMan]

Bring on the Mac Clones!

Personally, I am hoping that all this will make Apple do what it should have done all along ..... LICENSE OS X!

People say that it would kill off Apple's offerings, but I say NO! Yes, it might kill off the Mini, but the high end will do just fine. If your into style and elegance and unique features, then no one can compete with Apple's design prowess... nobody!

After all, it doesn't matter how many Chevy's are sold, it doen't effect BMW's sales, since they are two different markets and I think it's the same for Apple. It is OS X that makes a Mac a Mac, and once OS X is available for all, not just the rich, then the better it will be for Apple.

There will always be a place for Apple's designed computers, but any loss in sales in Apple hardware will be more than offset in OS sales. A lot of analysts are saying that such a move would see OS X overtaking Windows overnight and I agree - why put up with Windows when you can have OS X?

As for the idiots who say that it's impossible, because Windows has too many apps, well.... their idiots... because, as soon as OS X overtakes Windows, so will all of the Window developers flock on over to the new market leader... hell.... it seems most of them are now doing their apps in OS X flavors already... licensing OS X will only hasten that overnight!

Just as BMW's, Mercedee's, etc. will never overtake Toyotta, or GM, neither will Mac clones overtake Apple's high-end "Fitfth Avenue" type customers, nor will the clones be able to give the customer the same degree of compatibility or functionality as Apple does, after all, it's the only company that makes the whole widget - not Linux or Windows can claim the same advantage!

Already, more and more, Window developers are adding OS X programs, native versions of their Window equivalents , so more market share will mean more of the same.

Let Apple keep their high-end, stylish and kool computers, but give the ordinary person the opportunity to either buy or build their own OS X machines. It will be better for both Apple and the millions of potential OS X users. Already, Apple with their high priced computers are taking significient market share from Windows... imagine if OS X were licensed? Steve already said, at last years meeting with Walt Mossberg and Bill Gates, that he considers Apple to be first and foremost a software company!

Now is the time for "His Highness" to prove that is the case.

Bye, bye Windows and hello Mac Clones.

 

[Rob Williams]

I agree with a lot of what you say, but where Apple computers themselves are concerned, I do believe that sales of those would be affected a wee bit if Apple were to license OS X. Apple computers are overpriced, if anyone wants to fight me on that, then put on the gloves.

Psystar is starting to make people clue into the fact that Apple charges a huge premium and most people are not going to put up with that if they could just as easy pick up the OS and go build their own machine. If Psystar can build a killer machine for under $1,000, then the only real reason someone would buy an actual Apple machine would be for, like you said, looks and styling, and also support.

I am a bit two-sided on this issue. On one hand, I'd like to see OS X be licensed for use on any machine (although I assume AMD would be left out since OS X is built around Intel now, correct me if I'm wrong), because it's a well designed OS and at this point in time, it's more stable and secure than Windows.

But that's also the potential downside of licensing the OS. The reason Windows is so exploited and riddled with security flaws isn't because Microsoft has crap programmers... it's because it's the most widely used OS in the world. Hackers/crackers don't care to hack OS X because for the most part, it's a much smaller market.

If OS X becomes licensable, I could see the same thing happen. On the upside, more and more developers would run out to develop for the OS, but on the other hand, crackers would also begin to focus on exploiting OS X instead of Windows. It's a two-sided issue, that's for sure.

I'm still all for seeing Apple license their OS, and it does seem unlikely. But hey, stranger things have happened.

 

[Merlin]

I think they should open the license so we could ALL share the viruses togther in a group.
Now groups are good for all reasons, we can bind together for a focused purpose. That being people could build their own systems and improve what was provided and fight off the onslaught of hardware and chip disease.
Most, and I say " most " viruses are for the PC, as we all know, they have to be created....not that all of a sudden we came down with a cold or Flu......
Seems groups focus on the PC to hamper the use.
There are a few for the Mac and maybe more to come. But look at all the good it does.
( Cut scene from " The Fith Element " )
Chaos and destruction create jobs.


:techgage::techgage: Merlin :techgage::techgage:

 

[Kougar]

That is just the problem though... the people buying Macs are not the typical PC users. I'd be willing to bet the majority simply are not very price sensitive. Even amongst the few that are, they know that they are better served with a Mac anway for what they do.

Apple iPods are almost the same way, always been much cheaper alternatives that offer many more features, but that never stopped the majority from buying another iPod to replace the first, second, or third one they'd had...

My view, is that if Apple licensed their OS, then it would eventually ruin their image. If they lose their image, then they're toast. Places like Psystar, which almost appear to be nothing more than bedroom businesses would have a field day. Just imagine a Dell, but for Macs.

 

[Merlin]

I Don't know.....
Apple has started a few ggod things and then backed out.
They came out with a Digital camera in the mid 90's...one of the first.
Then....nadda..... nothing more......it's like a multiple personality that forgets what they are doing...or something....I dont know

Seems like they want to cross the bridge but never get over the hump.

:techgage::techgage: Merlin :techgage::techgage:

I'm sure Rob was around in the 90's....lol

 

[Rob Williams]

My view, is that if Apple licensed their OS, then it would eventually ruin their image. If they lose their image, then they're toast. Places like Psystar, which almost appear to be nothing more than bedroom businesses would have a field day. Just imagine a Dell, but for Macs.

I couldn't agree more, and this is something I was thinking about also. Apple as it stands appeal (mostly) to those who have money, obviously, because their least expensive offering would get you a full-fledged PC from Dell. Similar to BMW, the Apple crowd is one with some money and don't mind paying more for quality (or to join the unique club).

Like I said earlier, if a license were to happen, OS X could very well become the next Windows. For Apple to really make a huge impact, I think they'd simply need to lower the prices of their own products. Lowering the prices would surge the sales which would in turn improve profit. Seems simple to me.

Of course, that would still rid the ability to build your own system, but I really can't see Apple allowing that anytime soon.

I'm sure Rob was around in the 90's....lol

Haha, indeed. I think it was around 1990 or 1991 when I was actually quoted as saying, "I want a Mac" to MacMan (my uncle), so I've been debating with him and myself to get one for over to 17 years now ;-)