Monday, April 14,2008 @ 6:00pm
Psystar claims to offer $400 Mac clone [U]
A company called Psystar claims it will soon deliver a $400 Mac clone, based around a 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics. Stating that the machine will be compatible with Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5), the company says it will pre-install the OS and include a special restoration disc, alongside the genuine installation disc. The legality of Psystar's operation is dubious, as Apple's Mac OS X license explicitly states that the software can only be installed and used on an Apple-labeled computer, specifically stating "You agree not to install, use or run the Apple Software on any non-Apple-labeled computer, or to enable others to do so."
The alleged $400 system will purportedly also include 2GB of DDR2 667 memory, a 20x DVD+/-R SATA drive that is Lightscribe-capable, and 4 rear-mounted USB Ports.
Psystar's website is currently inaccessible.
Update: A MacNN reader has informed us that orders for the computers are still active, with a representative of the company stating that the mere influx of users wanting to see the computer crippled its servers temporarily.