Ever since the Mac OS was ported to Intel, a people have tried to get OS X to run on any x86 based computer. Well, they were successful. The blog Lifehacker even published a post about how to make a Hackintosh under $800 in November of 2007. It's even easier now to turn a PC into a "Mac."
Psystar Corporation has introduced its own commercial version, dubbed the Open Computer, which purports to be able to run Mac OS X Leopard. The Open Computer comes standard with a 250 GB Hard Drive, an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, and a stylish White or Black case. Psystar even goes so far to preinstall the OS for you, removing any sort of technical fumbling around inside the computer's preferences in order to get it to work.
For those who find the Open Computer too basic, the OpenPro Computer comes with the option to upgrade to a quad-core processor, and standard firewire ports with a shiny stainless steel case similar to the old Power Macs, or the more recent Mac Pros.
I fear, however, that once Apple's legal department gets a hold of this new gadget, the Open Computer is not long for this world, especially since the EULA for Leopard says that it must be run on Apple's proprietary hardware. It'll be interesting to see how sales of the Open Computer do, and whether it may be worth it for Apple to consider an even cheaper version of the Mac mini and the Mac Pro.
The bottom line: let's wait and see.
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