Should I Buy a Psystar Macintosh Clone?
- Comments: 69
- Written on: January 24th, 2009
I am seriously thinking about buying a Psystar Mac clone. I am a little nervous about what might happen if they lose their case with Apple, but its still hard to justify spending $5,048 on a true Power Mac when I can get the same thing from PsyStar for $1,903.
The hardware is nearly identical, the software IS identical, so my experience should be almost the same as well, right? Here are some of the PsyStar positives and negatives that are weighing on my decision.
Positives
- Price, Price, Price. Take a look at these two similarly equipped systems. This is a comparison of a nicely equipped Power Macintosh Running OSX Leopard and a Psystar OpenPro.
Psystar System: – $1,902.99- Mac OS X Leopard v10.5
- 2.83GHz Core2Quad Q9550 Processor
- Fast! 300GB 10,000RPM SATA2 Hard Drive
- 20x DVD±RW DL Burner
- GeForce 9500GT 512MB Graphics Card
- Multimedia Keyboard and Optical Mouse
- 3 Port Firewire 400 (Onboard)
- 19″ Widescreen Monitor (DVI)
Apple Macintosh System – $5,048.00
- Mac OS X Leopard v10.5
- One 2.8GHZ Quad-Core Intel Xeon
- 8GB (4×2GB)
- 300GB 15,000-rpm SAS
- NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
- One 16x SuperDrive
- Apple Mighty Mouse
- Apple Keyboard + User’s Guide
- Apple Cinema Display (20″ flat panel)
As you can see, the components are nearly identical. Apple has a slight edge on the hard drive speed and the monitor size, and Psystar has an edge in the graphics card. No matter how you slice this one, I don’t see $3,000 difference between these computers.
- I believe in What PsyStar is Doing. I think it is hypocritical to cheer for the Department of Justice busting up a Microsoft monopoly while decrying PsyStar for doing the same thing to apple.Think about it for a second.I am no lawyer, but Microsoft was basically telling hardware manufacturers if they want to sell Windows they would do certain things that created barriers for their competition. How is Apple not doing the same thing now that they are on an Intel platform?
- Psystar has shown constant improvement. When Psystar started shipping clones they were using cases that were far cheaper than the ones they are using now (the Asus TA-210 versus the Antec P182).In addition, they have enabled the software update feature to pull software updates through their servers rather than directly through Apple’s servers. This means you get important security updates without the famous Apple brick that iPhone users have become very familiar with.Psystar systems now also ship with OSX Leopard restore media. When Psystar started they did not ship the Leopard disks with the system, and required users to return ship their computers in the event of a hard drive crash or other problem that would require a complete reinstall. Those days are now over.
The improvements over time have all but invalidated Gizmodo’s 7 Reasons Not to Buy a Psystar OSX Clone.
It is interesting to note that I can’t find a review or an “unboxing” online of a Psystar system that is not in a TA-210 Asus case. No one has reviewed the newer models???
Negatives
- No matter what you believe, Psystar is in an uphill battle. They have scored great representation against Apple (a firm that has beaten Apple before) but there is the possibility that this company may not be in business in a few years.
Court cases move VERY slowly, and I have no doubt that if I bought a Psystar OpenPro system with OSX today, my warranty would be expired before they were shut down.
Honestly, if I only used the Psystar for a couple years that would justify the purchase, but that is something you have to think about.
- Psystar is relatively untested. While the company has been showing continuous improvement, they are a regional firm trying to migrate to a national company.
Given the resources they are going to have to put toward legal defense, you have to wonder if they are going to be able to maintain quality support in the long term.
- No Apple Flair. You have to hand it to Apple. They design awesome looking computers and devices. Psystar is using PC hardware to replicate the functionality of an Apple Macintosh. It doesn’t look bad, but it doesn’t look as smooth either.
I wouldn’t expect that to change until Psystar can shift some of its revenue from the legal department to the R&D department.
So Should I buy One?
I have to admit I am leaning toward buying the Psystar OpenPro Macintosh clone. Its a great value, it is a functional equivalent, and I think I would get my money’s worth.
With the new Schrock Innovations service center going up in Lincoln in the next few weeks it seems like I am signing one $7,000 check after another right now. Once that pace slows a bit, I could use some additional video editing power under my hood 
- If you liked this post, subscribe to my feed!
- Comments: 69
Wow Thor, that sounds like a winner to me! Any chance Schrock will start selling these psy star systems? If I could get one of these computers along with your local support I don’t think I could go wrong!
If you want a Mac, just buy a Mac. there are no worries and no problems. how long has this company been around anyway?
@Ronald
I hear you! I don’t think we will be selling these anytime in the near future, otherwise I would build one myself
@ James
Macs are pretty, Macs are cool, and Macs are EXPENSIVE. Seriously, is $3,000 for style really worth it? I don’t think so. In a sports car definitely. But not in a computer.
I say GO for it. You can’t beat the price and like you said, even if Psystar goes belly up in a few years, you’ll still have put your investment to good use. After writing so many checks for 7 grand, it might be nice to write a check for less 2 grand
If you happen to go with Apple I highly recommend not buying the cinema screen. That right there saves a good amount of money since you can get a perfectly nice LCD monitor somewhere else for a lot cheaper. Same thing with components you can upgrade yourself – memory tends to be cheaper elsewhere, etc.
Holy smokes. You make me want to get one. I’m not a Mac guy but I have to use one at work everyday.
I can’t believe how similar they are. Why can’t there be another company like this, look at the PC’s There are MANY companies building the exact same computer.
Are you kidding me, are you really questioning this?! BUY IT….you are like the midwest king of blogging, video editing, computer repair, and website design!!! YOU NEED IT!
Hey Thor – don’t companies give out review copies to folks like you who could give them humungous amounts of business? Would be great if they’d do that for you.
Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady
Here’s the thing Thor.
Does Apple have an incredible product? Yes!
The Apple Store is like walking into Geek Heaven! But as you look around – you HAVE to think to yourself, “Wow! There’s A LOT of money going into this marketing!!!” And where do you think it gets made back? Yep!
So the question here is – do you want the Mac or do you want what the Mac will do?
If you’re answer is what the Mac will do – I think this is a No Brainer!
@Browie
Thanks for stopping by. Mac clones existed in the past, but Apple changed their OS licensing to crush them when Jobs came back. I wrote a post dealing with the higher level meaning of Psystar vs. Apple here.
http://www.thorschrock.com/2009/01/07/doomsday-approaching-for-apples-mac/
@Ronda
Hey, I did notice that Molly had her own Twitter all of a sudden! Would be cool to get a demo machine to film, take pictures and otherwise process into online media. There are a ton of people out there telling Psystar to suck an egg, but I think what they are doing could be revolutionary.
@Polly
Thanks
Isn’t that kind of like saying I am the biggest guppie in the goldfish bowl? LOL
@ Wes
I love going to the Apple store. I ask them questions like.. My PC can do this, can a Mac do it too? It really ticks them off
I’d buy the Mac. No question. Why? Just because I see it as worth the difference to have the authentic product with all the solidarity that the Apple name brings.
Right now, I’m pricing a similar system and — as I watched my own reaction to reading this comparison — I still found that I’d prefer the Apple name and support. In the long run, saving the money for a “clone” system wouldn’t be as appealing as knowing that my computer is made by a company that will most definitely be around in 3 years.
Just my perspective!
@ Angela
Great tip. I included it in the quote so the two systems would be identical. I would probably buy a bigger monitor than a 19″ anyway, but Apple does seem to want a massive premium for theirs.
@Tim
Thanks for the support. Anyone out there who needs a WordPress theme codes, call this guy. He ROCKS!
If the Psystar would last as long as a Mac, I definitely would consider it! If you’re going to spend 2000 on a computer, might as well make sure it will last!
If it performs just as well, I mean viruses on macs are basically nonexistent! So why not save three grand?
Honestly, if Psystar is selling a computer that is identical to a Mac…what is the point in spending an extra couple thousand dollars to get the Mac? Nobody’s name is worth that much. I’m a very conservative person when it comes to money. Some people say I spend too much, but when they realize prices I pay for things, they realize that I really don’t. But I’m all about saving money, and if I can save money and still get the same quality…wouldn’t it be common sense to go with the cheaper one? In the end names are just a way to drive the price up. Mac is still pretty proprietary so replacement parts is going to be expensive outside of warranty anyways
Looks like a pretty good deal to me. How’s there customer service? For me, that has a lot of value. I only do business with companies and people who provide me with stellar customer service. I know that Apple makes me fell like a million bucks after speaking with them. So I’d say that if the clone company provided me with equal (maybe better) customer service, I’d buy.
Build it yourself! More fun, but only if you have the time, which you probably don’t.
The mac is more of a server grade computer with a SAS 15K HDs and top end XEON processors, which is alot more expensive than what Psystar is offering. However, you probably don’t even need these features if you’re using it as a personal computer.
I think you’d be fine with Psystar if you’re doing any super serious things like running small business of networked MACs because upgrades in the future will be a pain with Psystar since Apple will try their best to at least make the process painful, so people opt for the real thing.
Anyway, I’d say go for it. The machine will be a killer OS X/XP dual boot machine, and you didn’t have to go through any pain to get Mac OS X installed and running 100 percent smoothy.
Carl
Correct on my previous comment, “if you are NOT doing any super serious things…”
I say just goto MacMall.com and get a real Mac Pro. Here’s the cheapest one they have. You can always upgrade it if you like. The price is just about the same as Psystar and yyou don’t have to worry aobut a thing. http://www.macmall.com/macmall/families/new~dp~7371990~family~macpro.asp
I really agree with what you’ve stated in one of your comments that an extra $3,000 for the design isn’t worth it when you’re buying a computer. Even if you CAN shell out that kind of money for just sweet looks, it isn’t worth it IMO. So if the clone and the Mac are almost the same, this is one awesome deal, especially for 2 grand! If I were you, I would definitely get one of the Psystars.
@Tony
Thanks for the input. I have to admit the loss of the Apple backing (and the gain of Apple resistance) is the ONLY thing holding me back at this point.
@Lilly 1
Thanks for stopping by.For the kind of things I do, I rarely get away with less than $2,000. My last notebook cost me $4,000 and it was a PC.
@Lily 2
I know! That is what is killing me. I could outfit my whole office with Macs for that price!
@Garry
I am all but certain that I would receive less support than I would with Apple. But am a pretty technical user (we fix Macs at Schrock) so I am not too certain I would need a lot of support.
@ Carl
I would be using it for some “serious” things, but nothing I couldn’t do with a PC if I had to.
@Chris
Even after the comments here (which I really expected to be more pro-Apple) I think I am going to do it. Its just too good of a deal to pass up.
If you like it Thor why all of the gibberish. Just go for it !!
The rate you’re moving you’ll be in the White House and we’ll only be able to see you be appointment only.
You have come a long ways.
I certainly hope the best for you in whatever the new adventure maybe.
@Lanny
I love it! So true. Too much talk and not enough ACTION. I am going to have to wait until late February at the lest though. The bills on this new Service Center just keep coming. Lots of cool things there, but they all cost a lot of money
If the Psystar is just like an Apple and you can save thousands, I say go for it. If something goes wrong with it; I’m sure you would know how to fix it anyway!
If you sell these, we might get some for the office. I hope you will get one and demo it! If you do, we’ll pull together our Tech committee for the demo!
I say go for it! For essentially the same system, as cool as Macs look, I agree – it’s not like a sports car!
@Coby
I am 100% with you. It seems strange to me that they have not sent any of their newer models out for demo testing. I can’t find anything online that is newer than June of 08. Granted most of the first reviews were bad, so maybe that’s why they stopped. But now that they have the kinks worked out you would think its time for some reputation management.
@Cara
LOL! Thanks for the vote of confidence!
@Alissa
I know if I get one you will be one of the first people in line to have a look at it
Its no secret or it shouldn’t be that todays mac is using the same or close to the same hardware as any standard PC. It boils down to the operating system. I think it is a shame that Apple will not join the 21st century and start marketing the sales of just their OS like Windows, Redhat and the few others out there. They are selling everything else from phones to mp3 players. Why do you have to buy their hardware just to have their OS. I think this a great idea and if works just fine like I suspect it will it could be a win win for the consumer and Apple. Who knows, you just might see a “non Apple hardware OS” distribution after this. Doubtful…..
When you finish your review and start selling these, contact our company for purchases as well. I’m not out there on the edge enough to try this new equipment out, but if someone I trust liked it, I will give it a serious look.
Thor, if you buy one and you like it I will want to buy one too. Apple stuff id the end-all be-all for video editing and I could buy three of these psystar systems for what I would pay for one Mac for my operation.
That kind of investment would make my office so much more productive. Definitely post a followup!
I have never bought a mac because they are just too expensive. If I could get one at a reasonable price I would switch tomorrow.
if you’re looking for video editing power, you could build your own system to your exact specs and put your os of choice on it.
given that you would have no problem figuring that out i’d say it’s your best option. recycle an old mac case and build it in there.
The power of a Mac at the price of the PC? IS that even possible? As a web and graphic designer’s the Macintosh has the power to edit video and render graphics in an outstanding way. I would love to find out if the Psystar can match the Mac. With
today’s economy every designer and vidoegrapher needs an edge and cost effective equipment. Technology is always a safe investment if you understand what you’re needs are and what you’re buying.
I would find real people who have tested this machine before buying one. To much marketing hype does not make a good investment so for me Psystar would have to show stability and power before I buy.
You should totally go for it. I love MAC for the software alone. These guys should do more marketing…Let me know how you like it.
Wow! I’ve been waiting for Mac’s to get cloned, and drive a little competition into their market! If they’re truely Mac Clones, I’d get a few of these. But, are they really the same? or are there differences that would put me out of business after buying 20 of them?
If PC clones came along and worked fine (as well as kept prices in line) why not with a Mac? You might even say, “It’s about time” eh?
If you get one that I can see, I might have to budget for a few for our offices as well. The pricetag on a Mac certainly makes them tough to justify for a mostly PC and Linux operation, but these systems start to make it seem like something we could get for our designers just for doing graphical stuff without the huge pricetag.
It seems that a demo system for you could certainly influence a lot of people around here. I’ve been trying to watch for some info on their new systems, but you’re right — it’s been quiet. Someone needs to get a review of their new stuff out there.
Support the underdog. They are in a huge uphill battle against apple but without challenge no innovation is made. It is about time that someone comes up with a mac clone that is affordable for the average joe.
@Ty
Its starting to sound like I could become a regional reseller for them. LOL
@Brian
You know you would be the first guy on the web unpacking a pallet of Psystar systems for the Barn. Stop laughing. You know you would!
@Charity
Do you know you can’t comment about Psystar at all – even mention their name – on most Mac forums. That’s how fanatical hard core Mac user are. Go Sons of Steve!
Thor I would say go for it just as long as the price is right. Do your homework and make sure you are comparing Apple to Apple…
Up until a few months ago, I would have said go with Apple. However, after watching my 18 month 24″ iMac fry a logic board, and having the wonderful experience at the Apple store ($1000 to fix), I am seriously considering going with a Psystar myself. Sure, Apple is great with the touchy feely, but it comes with a HUGE price. And, with the number of logic boards going out on these iMacs, my extra cash going towards Apple is NOT buying me better parts or quality control. So my vote (again, which I am seriously considering myself) is with Psystar.
Apple has become “The Man”. And that’s sad.
Tom
I think the product sounds great! I am thinking about buying one as well.
Isn’t Psystar being sued by Apple Macintosh?
It’s look great. Very good product.
I have owned a computer business since 1984, and have worked on computers since 1968. I have also purchased several Psystart systems as a reseller, and every one of my customers liked their system so well that they’ve recommended others. Apple is, in my humble opinion, a great company, but also more guilty of illegal actions in business than MIcrosoft ever thought of being. Psystar has recently changed counsel and are making serious headway in their efforts against Apple. They’ll win, and they’ll improve even more than they have – and very soon. Buy one…. now…. you won’t regret it.
Thanks for the post, Cowboy Tech. I had more than 50 people approach me locally after I published this article. They just wanted to see a demo. I couldn’t get Psystar to even send me a loaner unit to demo.
I love the idea of Psystar, and I know they have an uphill battle, but if they want to make inroads they are going to have to make more of an effort.
They actually said they would send me a unit to demo, but if I returned it I would have the usual 25% restocking fee. They have no VAR program in place and no channel program in place. They need some help.
Apple has always killed clone makers, even in the days of the Apple II. I wonder what its market share would be today if it hadn’t?The prices on the Psystar Web site are extremely low compared to Apple, and if they win the legal case with Apple I’d be very tempted to buy one.
Holy smokes. You make me want to get one. I’m not a Mac guy but I have to use one at work everyday.
Thanks for the information you give with this post! Really very useful for me. Thanks
I’ve been wondering one thing now that I haven’t read elsewhere – how will Psystar’s owners feel when their software gets hacked and passed around on the internet’s black market? If they whine about it, it’ll just seem like hypocrisy to me
Looks like a pretty good deal to me. How’s there customer service?
The Apple II and IBM PC computer lines were “cloned” by other manufacturers who had reverse-engineered the minimal amount of firmware in the computers’ ROM chips and subsequently legally produced computers that would run the same software.
f they whine about it, it’ll just seem like hypocrisy to me
…Do your homework and make sure you are comparing Apple to Apple…
[...] Of course, with all conspiracy theories there is also a simple explination that could be just as true. Perhaps Psystar underestimated Apple and over reached. Perhaps their attorneys are taking the case because they are betting that Apple woud rather cut them another $10 million check than to have their licensing agreement tested in court. Of course, that is conjecture on my part but sometimes the simplest theory is the best one. Should I buy a Psystar? [...]
[...] As the courts work to determine if Psystar is legitimately selling Apple’s software, many Nebraskans are wondering, Should I buy a Psystar Macintosh Clone? [...]