Mac Clone Maker Is Back in Business

Upon learning that its credit card payment processor had terminated its account, Psystar has employed another "high volume payment processor," sources inform, thus enabling the Miami based Mac clone makers to get back on track with their orders. "Orders placed the week of April 7th are currently being shipped," Psystar confirms in a note currently posted on its site.

For those who are only now picking up on this (endless) story, Psystar has started advertising its OpenMac, now called Open Computer ('cause Apple looked in a funny way at said company) on April 14, meaning last week. The offer is indeed attractive: 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB of DDR2 667 memory, Integrated Intel GMA 950 Graphics, 20x DVD+/-R Drive, 4 USB Ports, 250GB 7200RPM Drive, all making up this cheap computer that runs Leopard an alternative to Apple's Macs.

Psystar also says it will install Leopard on it for you, free of charge. Apple's OS, of course, adds to the total price of what you've ordered. The installation service, however, is free. Psystar says it can install Leopard's kernel straight from the OS X disc, using an EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) emulator and a few drivers. That violates Apple's EULA.

And so the trouble started. First Apple told Psystar to change the name of their computer, or else; then Psystar's credit card payment processor dropped out on them for not being honest with them; then it was revealed that Psystar has listed as many as four different street addresses on its website since beginning to advertise the Open Computer, increasing its unreliability, and so on.

Now, have a look at the company's position today: "It is our pleasure to inform you that our store is up and running thanks to our new high volume payment processor," says Psystar in a note to the visitors of its website. "To all, we challenge you, let’s see if we can max this one out. Regarding shipping, orders placed the week of April 7th are currently being shipped. We will be shipping units out of our new facility starting Monday, April 21st, including those orders placed the week of April 14th. Orders are being shipped in the order that they were received, don't worry, you'll get yours soon. Upon shipment an email notification including tracking information will be sent to you automatically."

Psystar claims its Mac clones cost around one-quarter of what Apple's systems go for, also alleging that Apple increases the cost of Leopard-running hardware by as much as 80%.

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