Psystar says its goal in selling its Open Computer, a non-Apple-made computer with the Leopard operating system as an option, is to give consumers more choice and better bang for the buck then we currently have from Apple. At least today, and with our $740 review configuration, it appears to be on to something. Let's be clear from the start, this is not an Apple system, and it lacks some of the polish and the features we're used to seeing in an OS X-based computer. And as iPhone (
http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/...-32309245.html) early adopters can tell you, you're often just a software update away (
http://www.news.com/8301-13579_3-9786644-37.html) from crippled hardware if Apple decides it doesn't like what you're doing with its products. Still, after spending some time with this system we remain cautiously optimistic. Its raw performance is very strong for the price, and most of the core OS X functionality is there. As long as you understand the risks and the limitations going in, if you're looking for a basic, OS X-based desktop, the Open Computer will let you do most of the things you can do with a Mac Mini (
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/app...-32564376.html) faster, and for less money.
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*Review: C|Net (
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/psy...2978558.html)*
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