Apple, Psystar agree to sit down and talk

The Apple vs. Psystar story takes yet another turn, with the maker of the Mac OS X-compatible Open Computer and Apple's legal team set to settle (or try to settle, at least) their spat out of court.

The Mac Observer reports that both sides in the Apple-Psystar dispute have agreed to a process known as Alternative Dispute Resolution—that is, non-binding arbitration, "early neutral evaluation," and mediation. Talks will be held by January 31, 2009, and all negotiations—including any eventual settlement—will be kept private, the Observer notes.

There's no word on what prompted the settlement talks, and no telling whether the two sides will reach an agreement. If they don't, the case could still go to trial.

Psystar first made headlines back in April, when it began selling a $399 PC capable of running Mac OS X. Since then, Apple filed suit against Psystar for violating the Mac OS EULA, Psystar countersued citing antitrust laws, and … well, here we are.

In the meantime, Psystar has continued selling its Open Computers; its current lineup includes a basic $555 "Open with Mac OS X" and the $1,155 OpenPro, which comes with more storage, bumped-up specs, and more reliable Mac OS updates. Both got decent (if not stellar) reviews from CNET, which called the OpenPro a "a better deal than any PC currently offered by Apple," although "you can get a faster PC overall from traditional Windows vendors."

So, anyone out there got an Open Computer or an OpenPro? Would you consider getting one, even with the legal cloud over Psystar's head?

Related:
Apple vs. Psystar Case Takes a Detour [The Mac Observer]