openfront_sm CNET published a review of the controversial Psystar Open Computer here on their website. In case you’ve been under a rock for the last few weeks and you’re not familiar with the Psystar Open Computer, it’s basically the first computer to be sold with a version of OS X that’s not from Apple.  The Open Computer has the following basic specs:

  • Intel Core 2 Duo processor
  • Up to 4GB of RAM
  • 250GB 7200 RPM HDD
  • DVD burner
  • Gigabit Ethernet

Psystar essentially installed a version of OS X that’s been modified to run on non-Apple hardware. Yes.. the legality of such a move is dubious at best but at least the company is shipping hardware (and software) to people buying the product. CNET has an unboxing video of the system which I’ve embedded here on Krunker:  

 
 
It should be noted that anyone could actually build a non-Apple built PC capable of running OS X. You just need to do a little research and know where to find the modified version of the OS (and there are several lying about on the net). What Psystar’s done is basically make it easy for the regular Joe Schmoe to get a hold of this type of system.. and also on the cheap!
Here’s the verdict from CNET:
Its hardware isn’t made by Apple’s design team, it will likely never work as a full member of the greater Apple ecosystem, and one ill-intended software update could turn it into a $750 brick. Get past all of that, and you’ll find Psystar’s OS X-based Open Computer a fast and otherwise compelling lower midrange desktop.
[Check it out]

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