RussianMac Pro, Entertainment Center, Russian MiniMac
RussianMac Standard, RussianMac Book, RussianMac MiniBook
Posted on 05/20/2009 10:33:33 PM PDT by Swordmaker
RussianMac is the latest company to release a Mac clone and test Apple's resolve to stop companies from selling its operating system.
On its Web site, RussianMac says that a full version of Mac OS X Leopard comes pre-installed on its computers. The company also confirms that the operating system is able to receive automatic system updates from Apple once installed.
This is where Apple seems to have the clone-makers over a barrel. Apple's Mac OS X End User License Agreement (EULA) clearly forbids anyone from installing the software on hardware not sold by Apple. This effectively closes the door on companies determined to make a Mac clone.
However, RussianMac maintains that it does not violate the terms of the EULA agreement because the operating system was purchased directly from Apple. That still doesn't get around the condition of installing it on an Apple-branded machine.
Legit or not, it is a popular argument. Germany-based PearC is using that defense to sell Mac clone computers in that country.
Of course, in the U.S., Psystar is the case everyone has heard about. The company first made headlines in April 2008 when it released its first Mac clone with Mac OS X pre-installed.
Apple filed a lawsuit against Psystar in July 2008, claiming the company was violating copyright and software licensing agreements.
The legal battle is ongoing between Psystar and Apple. The two are set to meet in court on November 9. Most legal experts expect Apple to ultimately prevail in the case.
Because the laws in each country are different, it's unclear whether Apple could be successful in Russia or Germany.
I don't seem to have any problem connecting to any WIFI network available with my MacBook Pro... but I have heard of a small minority of MBP users have experienced weak WIFI. I'd suggest the white MacBook for your student.
Also, which router besides Airport Express would you use? Thanks for your help... and thanks for all the Apple updates.
Several of my clients have had problems with LinkSys wireless routers. Others have had no problems. It seems to be a mixed bag. NetGear has been recommended by several of my client's office solution software publishers as being the best. I installed a Netgear (don't remember which model) in an office for one of them after having multiple disconnects with a LinkSys... no problems after the switch.
Not only that the Russian will export their Mac-clones to Western Europe
Apples best solution (if they can do it) is to take their essential updates and weld code into it that makes clone machines only 50% usable. Such as ruins the ethernet or the sound or something more feasible. Apple has not done this so far so maybe it can’t be done or Apple figures the clone makers can issue their own updates that cancel out the sabotage....which would really be embarrassing
XP was hacked
Vista was hacked
0SX was hacked
Apple can be hacked too on any anti-clone countermeasures?
The whole Timex watch cost less than a bracelet for a good Swiss watch. Yet,Timex is essentially worthless the moment it is taken out of the store, while Swiss watch can be sold even 50 years later for good part of the original outlay. In that light, Swiss watch is better investment and therefore more reasonable purchase. That is the difference between cheap toss away consumer products and quality products and that's why cheap products are not perceived as luxury brands and no one copies them.
The '84 $1200 Sony/Pioneer system you mentioned was mid-fi at that time and if still working is worth no more than 400 in today's dollars (less than 15% of original cost, adjusted for inflation), while McIntosh sells for approx. the same amount in today's dollars it cost new back then.(40% adjusted for inflation).
My point is that McIntosh was well regarded brand known for quality products that people were willing to pay back then and are willing to pay today.
There are hundreds of apple varieties, and out of all of them, Apple Computer chose the name that sounds the same as well known luxury brand, even they were initially aware of the possible trademark infringement.
Apple' request to Gordon Gow you posted is perfect example of audacity in business. It seems Ruskies studied Apple's business practices quite well.
Apple has become one of the most valuable brand on the market and I would not be surprised if 10 years from now Apple branches out into food production/GM manipulation and forces fruit growers to sign licensing agreements with Apple if they want to grow and sell apples.
This sounds weird today, but not weirder than Apple Computers branching into music business and entertaining electronics.
Well - I know that first generation iPhones that were hacked (network unlocked) were bricked by Apple’s first big iPhone software update.
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