Apple sues clone maker Psystar

Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:10PM EDT

See Comments (7)

File under: Inevitable.

Apple has (finally) filed a lawsuit against Psystar, the maker of ultra-cheap Mac-compatible clones which made a big blog splash when it launched this spring. Many initially accused the operation of being a scam or a hoax (a Mac for $399!?), but Psystar's OpenMac line turned out to be legitimate, and while, once reviewers got their hands on the products, they were considered buggy at best, Psystar's machines really did what they promised to do.

ZDNet has ongoing coverage of the lawsuit, which accuses Psystar of using Apple's trademark, diluting its brand, and illegally violating its EULA by modifying Leopard so it would work on Psystar's hardware.

In other words: Exactly what everyone was expecting.

The company has offered no response on the lawsuit and continues to sell its Apple clone machines via its website. The case itself isn't due for even preliminary filings until October, so unless Apple obtains an emergency injunction against Psystar to cause it to shut its doors, things are likely to continue as is for the foreseeable future.

And maybe that was Psystar's idea all along: Grab a lot of attention at launch, attract a lawsuit to get even more attention, and make a quick buck selling cheap machines that stand out in a market of boring, white-box Windows clones and pricey, genuine Macs. If Psystar can sell a few hundred thousand machines, each earning $50 to $100 in profit, before closing up shop and disappearing from the scene after the legal heat gets too intense, well, you do the math.

Comments on 4th of July fireworks photography tips

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  • 1 Posted by pb_enial on Wed Jun 24, 2009 5:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    Thanks for the tip. Just bought a Canon A480.

  • 2 Posted by alexgannis on Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    You're 100% correct thanks, I made some great shot last year on my Canon 40D ISO 100 bulb setting. bulb is not a fla----- s a setting in pro camera manuel mode.

  • 3 Posted by lubbcraig on Thu Jun 25, 2009 7:17AM EDT Report Abuse

    i guess this is a yearly post for you eh? XD

  • 4 Posted by rogueist on Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:20AM EDT Report Abuse

    You forgot the most important tip - dont stand over the fireworks expecting to catch a firecracker (or M80) exploding on the ground, or a bottle rocket or roman candle as they launch.

  • 5 Posted by gullwingdoors on Thu Jun 25, 2009 10:13AM EDT Report Abuse

    Good article. I think I'll try some of this stuff with my A590IS. Another tip for those whose camera does not have those settings, if it is a Cannon, try the CHDK firmware. http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK It adds a ton of extra features including the ones mentioned in this article (rapid fire, long exposures, etc).

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