$400 OS X Desktop?

A company named Psystar has released what is called the Open Computer.

What the computer is is a PC composed of hardware capable of running ‘vanilla’ OS X Leopard kernels.

What this means is that you can buy this PC, and buy a disc of Leopard, and be able to pop that CD into this computer and install and run OS X Leopard in it’s entirety.

No hacks, no modified kernels.

What does this mean? 

This means that people who think Macs are too expensive can finally get one…sorta.

The machine is faster than a Mac Mini, which is Apple’s cheapest OS X-running machine, but then again, it doesn’t come in a cute little package. 

The base configuration is as follows:

  • 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 Processor
  • 2GB of DDR2 667 memory
  • 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
  • Integrated Intel GMA 950 Graphics
  • 20x DVD+/-R SATA drive that is Lightscribe-capable
  • 4 rear USB Ports

And it can be upgraded to:
  • 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
  • 4GB of DDR2 667 memory
  • 400GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
  • nVidia 8600GT 512MB
  • 3 FireWire ports
  • 20x DVD+/-R SATA drive that is Lightscribe-capable
  • 4 rear USB Ports

 You can order your Open Computer pre-installed with Leopard so it can run right out of the box. I don’t know how legal this is, considering that Apple’s EULA for OS X is that it can only run on Apple-certified hardware, but I guess if you want to snag a OS X desktop (I know I do), then grab it quick before it gets taken down! 

Comes in white or black. 

For more info see: 

Psystar Corporation - Open Computer