There’s been plenty of coverage about the mysterious vendor known as Psystar, that’s been offering to sell “Open Computers” that can run Leopard while selling for much less than a Mac. Controversy ensued as people noted that running a Mac OS on a non-Mac violates Apple’s licensing terms. Then there were the calls of “Hoax!” when no one could locate Psystar’s physical presence or contact anyone from the company.
Well Forbes has finally been able to contact the man behind Psystar, company president Rudy Pedraza, and he insists that the company is for real. According to Pedraza, the reason behind the apparent disappearance of the company’s website and lack of a physical address is simply the overwhelming demand for their products, which caused their credit card processor, PowerPay, to lock down their account for processing too many credit cards, and forced them to move to a larger location so they could produce their machines faster.
“It’s not that we can’t provide the product or [that] Apple can stop us from providing the product,” Pedraza says, adding he’ll be able to start taking orders again soon. “The truth is, we can’t process your credit card.”
Construe this how you will, but I still think this story reeks of sketchiness and foul play. Pedraza refused to give Forbes basic details that most startups are quick to share, like his educational background, professional history or previous ventures, which strikes me as odd, to say the least. What is it you’re hiding, Mr. Pedraza? Anyway, the Psystar website is back up, so check it out and let me know if you feel this is as sketchy as I think it is.
I frankly find it hard to believe that there is a legion of people who are fanatics about using Macintoshes, don't want to buy Apple hardware, and are more than willing to send their money to a startup whose machines have yet to be reviewed by any major site.
If you want a white box computer go to Fry's and buy the components. Buying an off-the-shelf white box computer is just goofy. If you don't have the skills to build a white box computer then you will not have the skills to upgrade or repair the white box computer.
Well, according to their site, they have started shipping today, 21st, so presumably there will be feedback available within the next day or so.
The best part about their website is the link to Google in its footer....
They must love the search giant!
Educational background? Steve Jobs didn't have one, he dropped out of Reed. Pretty much the same for Bill Gates (although he said he 'went on leave').
@Andre: Yeah, but I don't recall Steve or Bill ever just evading the question; they were, to my memory, very upfront about the choices they've made. Also, comparing some guy operating what amounts to a shady knockoff operation to two of the tech giants of our times is a bit disproportionate in my opinion. Put him up against guys selling "real" Rolexes on the streets of NYC; that's more his league.