An Italian computer maker is the latest company to ignore Apple's Mac OS X license agreement and launch a new series of Mac clones, according to the Italian site Macity. The startup Engineering Project recently launched a site promoting its upcoming EVO computers, which are allegedly compatible with several platforms including Mac OS X.
A company from California, Quo, has outlined plans to sell Mac clones from a Los Angeles storefront, according to CNET News. The brick-and-mortar location sets the operation apart from other clone makers that rely solely on sales from the Internet. The owners are reportedly aware of the potential legal troubles their endeavor is likely to bring.
A Russian company, RussianMac, has begun shipping a wide range of Mac clones that come with OS X pre-installed. Despite the ongoing legal battle between Apple and clone-maker Psystar, RussianMac claims it does not violate the Mac OS X end-user license agreement. Along with drawing a unique interpretation of Apple's terms, the Russian company could be confident that it will avoid legal action as long as its business does not leave the country.
An Argentinian company is the latest computer maker to defy Apple and release Mac clones. Customers can choose from two models, OpeniMac and OpeniMacPRO. The standard version features a 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, and a 320GB 7200RPM hard drive. The Pro clone integrates a 3.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, 500GB 7200RPM hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce GS 1GB GPU, and a 20-inch LG widescreen monitor.
Amidst a sea of controversy, newly announced Mac clone maker Psystar has released a video on YouTube illustrating that it does indeed have the capacity to run the Mac OS X on its Open Computer. While this does not clear Psystar of the questions surrounding the legality of the process, it proves that the company has the capacity to deliver on its promise. A note at the end of the video claims that the presentation was edited and finalized on Final Cut Studio, running on a Leopard-enabled Open Computer
After stoking massive controversy by announcing an alleged $400 Mac clone, vowing the fight Apple's Mac OS X EULA in Court then rapidly switching its address, leading some to question the authenticity of its claims, Psystar is attempting to clear up some of the confusion. Unfortunately, the company's explanation may raise more questions than it answers. Psystar initially claimed that it would soon deliver a $400 Mac clone, based around a 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics. Stating that the machine will be compatible with Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5), the company says it will pre-install the OS and include a special restoration disc, alongside the genuine installation disc. The legality of Psystar's operation is dubious, as Apple's Mac OS X license explicitly states that the software can only be installed and used on an Apple-labeled computer, specifically stating "You agree not to install, use or run the Apple Software on any non-Apple-labeled computer, or to enable others to do so."
The Miami-based Mac clone vendor Psystar says that Apple's restrictive licensing terms violate US antitrust laws and wants to fight the Cupertino-based company in xourt. Psystar's cheap Mac alternative, which hit the Web on Monday and brought down the company's Website, costs about $399, but when run with Mac OS X Leopard represents a direct violation of Apple's end-user license agreement, which forbids third-party installations of Leopard, according to InformationWeek. A Psystar employee told the publication that they believe Apple's terms violate U.S. monopoly laws. "What if Microsoft said you could only install Windows on Dell computers?" the employee said. He also claimed that the company would continue sell the OpenMac system, despite the apparent violation of Apple's EULA.
