A ‘Macsimum’ reader’s experience with Psystar
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
May 2, 2008 at 12:20pm
A Macsimum reader George Giftos has emailed Psystar—the controversial company that says it will sell an Open Computing “Mac clone”— and specifically asked about loading his own copy of OS X onto one of their clones.
They advised against it and are telling all prospective Mac customers to pay the US$150 extra and purchase the Mac OS X pre-installed. Psystar did tell Giftos that they were making an effort to come up with a FAQ instruction advising customers on how to do the OS install, but so far, there’s nothing on their site. The company also told Giftos, via email, that future upgrades could be a problem.
“That really doesn’t sound like a Mac clone to me,” Giftos told Macsimum. “I use a Mac because it’s intuitive and mostly trouble free. It doesn’t sound to me like the Open Computer from Psystar will fit that bill.”
Following are his email exchanges with the Psystar support team
On Mon, 2008-04-21 at 12:26 -0400, George Giftos wrote:
Do either the Open Computer or the Open Pro Computer come equipped with wifi and bluetooth? If not, how much to add those options?
Since I already own Mac OSX Leopard, will it install on your Open Computer models the same way it installs on a Mac? What differences will I notice when running Mac system/programs on your computer vs. a Mac?
I would be willing to try the Open Computer, but I would think I would need the optional Firewire. Would I need to upgrade the graphics card for normal computer use (no gaming)?
After trying the Open Computer and if it works out well, I would also be getting an Open Pro.
George Giftos
From: PSYSTAR Support Team
Date: April 21, 2008 1:24:06 PM GMT-04:00
To: George Giftos
Subject: Re: Open Computer
Reply-To: support@psystar.com
Dear Mr. Giftos,
Thank you for expressing interest in our PSYSTAR Open Computer and Open Pro. We regret to inform you that we are currently not supporting Bluetooth or Wireless in our Open Computers. We are working diligently to better our technology and offer as many choices and options as the
public can desire.
We do not recommend installing Leopard on your own, it is a much more complex system than installing in on an average Mac Computer. We do not support customers attempting to install Leopard on an open computer, and instead refer them to add a preinstalled version of Leopard in their order.
The only difference you may find in the performance of an Open Computer with Leopard and an Apple computer, is that the Open Computer is likely to run it much more smoothly, as the technology in most cases is superior. You will most likely not need to upgrade your video card for every day use. If you have any more questions do not hesitate on asking. Thank you for your concern!
PSYSTAR Support Team,
http://www.psystar.com (305)-356-6666
On Mon, 2008-04-21 at 14:33 -0400, George Giftos wrote:
If the system is so difficult to install, how would I install future upgrades to the Mac system?
George Giftos
PSYSTAR Support Team
Date: April 21, 2008 2:58:12 PM GMT-04:00
To: George Giftos
Subject: Re: Open Computer
Reply-To: support@psystar.com
Dear Mr. Giftos,
We are working hard to provide a section on our website pertaining to updating the Open Computer. In this section will be included a guide and a list of supported updates.
Thank you for your support,
PSYSTAR Support Team,
http://www.psystar.com (305)356-6666
“Macsimum News” is a proud supporter of Planet Gumbo, which feeds the hungry. We urge you to help them in their efforts.
Uncle Mac Says:
If this was a copy of the entire exchange they never actually answered all of the questions: FireWire, BlueTooth, WiFi etc.
I wouldn’t buy one for sure since I still believe you’re better off with a real Mac and a Mac Mini isn’t that expensive or a weakling as some folks think they are. At least with a “base” Mini you get FireWire, BT, WiFi b/g/n, iLife and oh yeah, you can update it and it’s got a legit warranty! LOL
Posted on May 02, 2008
gagravaar Says:
What about security updates?
If software update is disabled, how can we be certain that Psystar can offer these updates to buyers?
Apple updates are only available via software update, or via their website.
How do we know if a particular update is safe to download from Apple’s site? (i.e. it won’t brick the OpenMac), and will they have on their support section of their website, up-to-date updates?
People will just not update the OpenMac, just to be safe, and this leaves a big security hole in the Mac community.
I can see a future where if enough of these cheap trashMacs are sold, they will be a target for virus and malware writers.
I think it’s very irresponsible of Psystar to potentially make the Mac-platform a target for virus-writers, simply just to chase a cheap buck.
Posted on May 03, 2008
elroth Says:
“The only difference you may find in the performance of an Open Computer with Leopard and an Apple computer, is that the Open Computer is likely to run it much more smoothly, as the technology in most cases is superior.”
It seems obviuos this guy’s a liar and his company is a fraud.
You can’t install the OS yourself because it’s too complicated for a normal person to do it right, but the system will run it much more smoothly than a real Mac? Come on now.
Posted on May 03, 2008
Couch Pundit Says:
Dude(s). Let me see if I have this right:
The Psystar machine isn’t upgradeable software-wise, it’s noisy, it requires a complete hack to install the OS, lacks core functionalities such as BlueTooth, WiFi, and Firewire, and is sold from a company, who on the tech business map is nearest to “here be dragons.”
So, what, exactly, is the bargain here? It seems you’re paying bottom dollar for a broken Mac you could otherwise build for yourself.
The money you saved for not buying an Apple Macintosh will end up in your swear jar.
Posted on May 05, 2008
Article Information
Comment on this Article Print this Article Email this Article Digg This
Contributor
Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
Recent Articles
Andrew T Says:
I honestly hope that nobody is suprised by these responses - it’s a Hackintosh with OSX installed by a company that is not authorized to install and sell Apple products.
Posted on May 02, 2008