Sorry, I think I misunderstood your position. I thought you were implying that Apple should make an open box (such as the one that Psystar supposedly makes) that the user could configure as they see fit. My post was a counterpoint to that position. If I misinterpreted your position, I apologize.

I contend that an open box would be a nightmare for Apple to support. Note that while Apple does use Nvidia and ATI video cards, they do NOT use or support all of them, only a select few. Opening the system up to any old video card would be a challenge.

Again, I was specifically referring to an open box, not a system that Apple offers in limited configurations. I agree that a lower-end and somewhat smaller Mac Pro would be a nice addition to the product lineup.

Yeah, it should be noted that while only ATI and nVidia are making architecture anymore, there are bunches and bunches of implementations of them.

But at the same time, if Apple were to make an "Open Box", I don't think it would really be completely open. They'd probably post a list of all supported hardware, and you could pick from that list. Which is pretty much what the Mac Pro does now.

Which brings me back to an earlier point, that someone else made. Apple needs to make an affordable half tower. Thus we can have upgradeability for $800 instead of $3000. I don't know if there is a huge market for it, but with how much attention Psystar got, there must be one. And, it wouldn't really hurt Apples product line up. Those who want big, bulky and upgradable would get the half tower. Those who want little, sleek, stable and locked down, buy the Mac Mini.

As close as Apple Comes are the Imac's but there fused to an Apple Monitor. Nice computer but many would like an Imac box that they could add monitors and perhaps other hardware to. Mac Mini's don't rate because your stuck with motherboard video only. Their fine but a little pricey.

This comes down to how enforceable Apple's license agreement is for Leopard. I don't think it has much legal strength. I wonder how else Apple plans to make Prystar obsolete...a firmware upgrade perhaps?

Ahh, yes, that WOULD be a nightmare. I was indeed referring to the guts of an iMac put into a half-height, expandable MacPro enclosure.

The best way to stop another upstart like Psystar from getting off the ground is to offer something to answer the apparent demand. Currently, despite user rants, Apple has not delivered. Hence, Psystar got a good dose of viral marketing buzz. Apple? Zero.

There is a part of me that is hoping that a rock was dropped on the anthill that is Apple. A bunch of scurrying about wondering why everyone is so hot for a unit like this? Perhaps we are pricing too hight? Why aren't they satisfied with the Mini? What are we missing? Personally, I wish Apple would just TALK to us. :P

Not a clone
 

This thing, whatever it is, is not a clone. As Rob remarked a clone is identical.
When I worked for IBM and the non-IBM PCs appeared there was a strict division between machines that were simply copies of the PC (clones) and machines that could run PC-DOS and maybe Flight Sim and Lotus 123 but did not infringe on our hardware IP (compatibles).
This Psystar box would qualify as a compatible in an Apple context.

But wouldn't this case be different since Apples biggest gripe is going to be the use of OSX on these boxes? I mean, I know it's not technically a clone, but I don't think it will stop Apples legal team from attacking when the first one ships.

What is more important to Apple, money or user base?

I am not sure if it is a hoax at all anymore. Seems they are back up and running and can account for their address changing...

Also, looking into it further (but I am not a lawyer) the only thing stopping them from legally putting it on the machines is the EULA, which violates some anti trust laws. It is like MS saying only Dells can run windows, or Honda saying you can only use this brand of gas in your car, etc.

However, Apple's IP and the laws that support that may be able to counter argue it.

I think that this may be something interesting to watch.

/needs popcorn

From a ZDNet article on the subject:

And now the address is 10475 NW 28th. I could understand posting the wrong address on your website once, but twice? I still think that this is a scam! The picture of the office could have been done with Photoshop quite easily. I would be interested to see if anyone has gone by there in person to confirm if the place exists as pictured!

The anti-trust violation that Psystar is supposedly citing against Apple is called "tying". It is the idea that the sale of one item is conditional upon the purchase of another - the OS and the hardware. I'll guess we'll have to wait and see if Apple can defend that. First, Psystar will have to come out of the shadows and prove that it really exists!