Surprise! Psystar’s Rebel EFI Software And Customer Service Shady

Psystar’s Rebel EFI software promises that you can install OS X on any PC with a Core 2 Duo, Quad, i7 or Xeon Nehalem processor for $US50, but we are discovering that you will probably end up getting screwed royally.

While CrunchGear was able to get Rebel EFI working, it is important to point out that we tried several times to get the software up and running with no success on the exact same computer. Then we got this email from a frustrated reader:

Two weeks ago, I purchased Psystar’s RebelEFI software. While I own several Macs, I also have a fairly new PC with a Core 2 Duo and Intel motherboard that I thought would be a perfect specimen.

Before I purchased the software, I downloaded the trial version of RebelEFI. Sure enough, I was able to boot and install OS X 10.6. I installed the RebelEFI utility in OS X and because it was a trial, the hardware compatibility feature was disabled. (Why this feature would be disabled in a trial version?) I called Psystar with several questions and asked what would happen if some of my hardware was not compatible? The sales person told me that they would be able to access the software’s hardware compatibility list and be able to supply me with drivers for the incompatible hardware.

I purchased the software and ran the hardware compatibility test. It showed me lack of compatibility for my video, audio and USB 2.0, however there was no way to send them the results of this test. When I questioned this, I sent Psystar a tech support ticket through the software’s Customer Support feature. I was told in a reply that I would have to fill out a DCR form. I asked what a DCR form is and where I could find it. (They assumed I would automatically know this information).

After not hearing anything for a week, I tried calling Customer Support and was greeted with a message that support is only handled via email. I again asked the same question via email and 3 days later I received a PDF file in response. It basically says I have to send Psystar my computer for them to make it completely compatible. WHAT???? At no point during the purchase was I told I may have to send them my computer. I am now in the process of trying to get my money back.

Mac OS X on any computer? FAIL

Send your computer to a shady hackintosh company that refuses to accept any responsibility for devices shipped to their lab? Yeah…I don’t think so. But here’s the proof (click to enlarge):

As the days have worn on, Psystar’s response to this customer’s issue has deteriorated to the point that they are no longer responding to his attempts to email for a refund. In fact, they’ve stopped taking customer-support calls entirely and have switched to a far less personal email-based help program.

In other words, a $US50 solution to run OS X on a PC sounded too good to be true, and it looks like it is. So, I’m inclined to go with a flat out DO NOT BUY on this one. However, let me put the question to you — have you purchased this software? Did you experience a similar problem? [Thanks Brian!]