Psystar launched Open Computer as an alternative to Apple Mac.
The Open Computer is a PC that works just like a Mac with Apple’s latest operating system OS X 10.5 a.k.a. Leopard. With the Open Computer you can run OS X natively as if you had purchased an expensive Apple computer except that, while paying less, you receive more. Apple’s entry-level computer, the Mac Mini, is a small and not very powerful machine. When comparing base configurations, the Mac Mini costs 150% of the price of the Open Computer while offering poorer performance, smaller storage space, and RAM. Not only that but the Mac Mini doesn’t have the option for an nVidia GeForce 8600 video card like the Open Computer does so playing games on it is a lost cause.
Features
Processor
The base processor of the Open Computer is faster than any processor available for the Mac Mini.
Memory
The Open Computer comes with 2 GB of memory by default–twice as much as the Mac Mini.
Storage
The Open Computer brings, by default, a 250GB 7200RPM SATA hard drive which means better drive performance and three times as much space as the base Mac Mini and the drive on the Open Computer can be upgraded to a 400GB model for file sharing and media editors.
Video Card
The Open Computer can be configured with an optional nVidia GeForce 8600 video card for improved performance in image and movie editing and drastically improved performance in gaming. The Mac Mini does not have this capability.
SuperDrive
The Open Computer comes equipped by default with a Dual Layer DVD+/-R burner that is equal to the Apple SuperDrive without you having to pay extra for it like you would when buying a Mac Mini
Open Computer Specifications
Processor
Intel Core2Duo 2.2GHz
upgrade to an Intel Core2Duo 2.6GHz
Memory
2 GB of DDR2 RAM
Hard Drive
250GB 7200RPM SATA drive
upgrade to a 400GB 7200RPM SATA drive
Video Card
Intel integrated video
upgrade to an nVidia GeForce 8600GT 512MB PCI-Express card
DVD +/- RW
Dual-Layer SATA DVD +/ RW drive
The Open will have two free SATA ports available as it has 4 in total
Add-in Ports
Two hide-away front USB ports
Four rear USB ports
optional Firewire add-in PCI card
The Open has a PCI-Express 16x slot that can be taken up by the optional GeForce 8600GT
one PCI-Express 1x slot
and 2 standard PCI slots
Miscellaneous
Height: 14″
Length: 15.6″
Width: 6.7″
Integrated Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 port
Power Supply: 350W PSU rated at 300W
does not include any operating system by default
OS X Leopard available
Microsoft Windows XP available
Microsoft Windows Vista available
Ubuntu linux available
no monitor, mouse, or keyboard
