“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,” Nilay Patel reports for Engadget.
“It’s LOUD. Crazy loud. OS X doesn’t seem to interface with the fan controller, so it runs at full tilt all the time. It doesn’t really come across on the video, but it’s loud enough so that it’s hard to talk on the phone when the machine is running. There’s no way we could deal with this thing on a daily basis,” Patel reports.
Much more, including the video and benchmarks vs. real Apple Macs, in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: You get what you pay for.
MacDailyNews Note: From Psystar’s online FAQ: Can I update my Open/OpenPro with the Leopard OS using the Apple web site or the Leopard Automatic Update Feature [sic]? We do not support that feature of the operating system. Supported updates will be listed under support on the Psystar website. Future operating system updates may cause severe system problems. Only install updates that have been tested and posted to the Psystar support website.
Sounds like a jet engine, can’t patch to fix security flaws, not really impressive benchmarks score-wow, gonna run out and buy me some of that suckage!
Not Worth It.
nekogami13,
You forgot “looks like shit.”
hell, my old dual-533 MHz G4 tower was probably just as bad. The first fan made a horrible high-pitched noise that gave everyone headaches, but it got replaced with a jet engine.
In our apartment, the TV volume would have to go up five notches whenever the G4 was on.
I’ve heard louder, but at least those were 1U servers. Right after turning them on, before the fan control software kicked in, you’d swear there was a jet engine taking off just around the corner.
I’m speaking specifically of the fan noise. And no, the speed couldn’t be controlled, so it ran at full blast all the time, just like this Psystar monster.
Also, no real list of specs on their site. Firewire is not included. What about 802.11n? Bluetooth? After adding Leopard and Firewire, I’m pushing the price of a Mac Mini. I’m sure after adding 802.11n and Bluetooth I’d be over the price of a Mini. Yeah I’d have slots and drive bays the Mini doesn’t, but I never use them anyway.
Part of me likes the idea of a Mac clone. But when the biggest drive for this is cost, and they can’t beat the mini on cost , why bother?
I’v you bought some stock 3 months ago, you had a better system from apple by now for the same money.
@kirkgray
remember iLife
If some people managed to build this lousy computer, it just means there’s a need. Now Apple should really understand this:
Lots of people are ready to dump Windows because of Vista but have no alternative because the most affordable Mac cost more than a $1000. Some people are even ready to come up with a Prystar.
Apple should release a decent Mac Mini, with keyboard and a 15 or 17in screen, all for $799. It doesn’t mean it’ll be as cheap as Dell. In another industry, Volkswagen, Mercedes or even BMW all have decent entry level models. And about Apple, this would be an instant hit!!! In a period of 2 or 3 years, Apple would triple its market share worldwide, hitting a double digit share.
NOW can we put the ‘Apple should license OSX’ BS to rest??
Mac Mini in its current form is an absolute joke. Even more a joke than the Prystar. That S___ is totally underpowered!!!!!!!
I’m talking of a Ghz boosted Mac Mini, with 15 or 17in screen and keyboard, all for $799.
Agreed. Apple needs to make an Affordable Macintosh designed for people who cannot afford an iMac.
They should, its about time they did.
Apple. Use this as an incentive.
Mac a robust affordable Mac and you will expand into a stronger market while switching Misroshaft Winblows Fista users to the Mac OS.
Sounds like my mom’s Dell. Except hers only does that while booting, and using the disk drive. That’s pretty sad when a Dell has a leg-up on you.
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Apple does not need more growth than it can handle, so no dirt cheap machines are required right now.
yes agreed, a $799.00 complete Mac mini system, would be a go
Buying a Mac mini, then adding the screen and other components, is over the head for many consumers, they want a box, one price , with everything to get going
Even if they brought back the 17″ iMac at $899.00
“Agreed. Apple needs to make an Affordable Macintosh designed for people who cannot afford an iMac… Mac a robust affordable Mac and you will expand into a stronger market…”
The Freeman, you’re the man of the hour. What people need to understand is that with today technology, you really can deliver very good quality for $799, if your name is Apple!!!
And also, it is the RIGHT moment to eat Microsoft lunch since LOOOOOOTS of people are very unhappy with Vista. And those have aboslutely nowhere else to go. To this you got to add that Dell is going down too!!!! Apple should really react.
In 2 or 3 years, when Microsoft release Windows 7, It’ll just be too late. Apple fanboy will be whining as usual that MS Windows 7 is a pale copy of OSX. But if Apple doesn’t react, it’ll be its fault. Believe me.
Never fear there bound to some PC fools out there ready to spend hard earned dollars for want-to-be solutions in order to get a OS X solutions!
So what next… the same fools will be bitching abpout just how bad OS X real is on there new want-to-be Mac!
Either buy the real thing but don’t give this crap the time of day!
HotinPlaya, you’re the man too.
Though probably not possible anyway, I’m sure they Psystar wouldn’t want downloads from Apple that might break their POS…
The people who run Psystar must be in their 20s and must be total retards who know nothing about what it’s like to be sued. Apple will make these guys HATE LIFE for the next few years.
I bought a mac mini.
I did not spend a dime on a monitor, key board, etc.
I already had them-from a PC.
The mini’s target market is switchers-people coming from the PC world to greener pastures.
Apple should never go the route of Dell-making no money on bargain basement hardware, hoping to make some money off of selling warranties they pray you never use, then laying thousands off because they make no profit.
As for the mini being a joke-you are an idiot if you think that.
My mini plays back over the air HD TV, transcodes video, surfs the net and whatever else I need it to do without a hiccup.
If I need to do gene sequencing or something requiring heavy lifting by the CPU-that is what Mac Pros are for.
“Buying a Mac mini, then adding…components, is over the head for many consumers…”
I’M NOT BUYING THAT.
Just save your pennies; brownbag your lunch for a couple of months; have a garage sale, save up for a few extra weeks. Invest in a piggy bank. Go shop on Apple’s Special Deals section for a refurb, they’re $949. right now. Then buy it, you freakin’ cheapass!
@nekogami13
I agree to point, but many potential switchers have old PC’s with CRT monitors, and would want a total new system, flat screen ect., and do not have the confidence to put together a system.
I am not saying getting rid of the “by itself” mini, but I think a nice addition would be a complete Mac Mini package around $799.00/899.00
The entire experience is what the Mac is all about…this really weakens the experience and is another reason Apple just ain’t gonna license OS X.