Ron Schenone

Apple Suing Psystar – What Took So Long?

Posted by on Jul 16, 2008 | 3 Comments

In a not so surprising move, Apple has finally decided to sue Psystar, who uses a modified version of Apple’s OS X operating system software. Psystar sells what are called Open Computer and touts their systems as:

The highly extensible Open Computer is a configuration of PC hardware capable of running unmodified OS X Leopard kernels. If you purchase Leopard with your Open Computer we will not only include the actual Leopard retail package with genuine installation disc, but we also preinstall Leopard for free so you can begin to use your computer right out of the box. 

What is also surprising is that the desktop sells for only $399, which is substantially lower than many Apple systems.

According to the news article it states:

To no one’s surprise, Apple Computer has filed suit against Psystar Corp., alleging copyright infringement. What is surprising is Apple‘s proposed remedy: recalling all of the Mac clones that Psystar has already sold.

This is interesting since Apple is guessing that a recall could financially bankrupt Psystar if in fact the recall needed to be made. One could conclude that Apple used the old, tried but true, give them enough rope and they will hang themselves. :-)

Comments welcome.

Yahoo news source.

Psystar source.

  • H Mueller

    The ugly, ugly Apple Corporation – worse than Microsoft in their darkest times. So we have to go to LINUX – rightaway. It’s better anyway. Think of Snow Leopard. No more support for the Power PC!

  • DragonRider

    I guess this whole issue confuses me… I don’t see how this company is infringing copyright. He has GENUINE OSX installation discs, which if they are in fact genuine, MUST therefore come from Apple. If they come from Apple, the company must be buying them. If he is buying them, Apple must be getting their money. He is not selling it as OSPystar or whatever, he is selling a genuine Apple product as a genuine Apple product. So HUH? Seems silly to me… if the company has a system that will run OSX with zero modifications, seems to me that would in the long run simply increase the Apple market share and market penetration. Which is good for Apple, and in theory good for users. Whereas suing the company or forcing them to bancruptcy, merely makes them bullies and louts, plus removes a distro channel for OSX…

    Seems counter intuitive, stupid and pointless to me.

  • DanDaBear

    Why is it that M$ gets sued for adding programs to their OS, which can be run on Macs now, but Apple can restrict their OS to their own expensive hardware and all is good? Don’t get me wrong! I would have gotten a Mac but for the same money I got a quad core PC with 3 GB of Ram, a 22″ widescreen HD monitor and a multi-function printer, that plays the games I want plus just about anything else I throw at it. Granted, the Macs have the COOL factor going big time, but I trade cool for power any day. When I want to switch operating systems, I can go to linux with the same hardware I have now for FREE!