http://psystar.com/openmac_the_apple_alternative.html

The Open Computer is a PC that works just like a Mac with Apple’s latest operating system OS X 10.5 a.k.a. Leopard. With the Open Computer you can run OS X natively as if you had purchased an expensive Apple computer except that, while paying less, you receive more. Apple’s entry-level computer, the Mac Mini, is a small and not very powerful machine. When comparing base configurations, the Mac Mini costs 150% of the price of the Open Computer while offering poorer performance, smaller storage space, and RAM. Not only that but the Mac Mini doesn’t have the option for an nVidia GeForce 8600 video card like the Open Computer does so playing games on it is a lost cause. You can view the comparison and see for yourself. You can even buy one right now.

It will be interesting to see what the response for this is. It raises two key issues am I buying an Apple Mac for the Apple experience or for the design? Does this mean we’ll see the opening up of the Apple OS to non Apple hardware?  Does it not highlight the issues with the mac mini? That the Mac Mini is brilliant for some customers, but that they could be missing a sale by not offering a mid size pc unit? Not everyone likes small form factor pcs, nor is willing to pay for/live with the constraints or perceived constraints of the small form factor.