All of Psystar’s motions for summary judgment were denied, while all of Apple’s were granted. That means that Apple got exactly what they wanted, while Psystar got exactly what they didn’t want.

Don’t worry, there will be a trial. The court still needs to determine (*deep breath*):

Apple’s allegations of breach of contract; induced breach of contract, trademark infringement; trademark dilution; trade dress infringement; and state unfair competition under California Business and Professions Code § 17200; and common law unfair competition.

Phew! So yeah, at this point it’s looking less like a trial to determine Psystar’s legitimacy, more like a trial to decide how much they owe Apple.

Now, I’m no lawyer, but from where I’m standing this case is looking pretty grim for Psystar. I’ll leave it to you legal types to explain exactly what all this means in the comments, because all I know is that it can’t be good. [Groklaw via 9 to 5 Mac, image via walknboston]

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!]

[Thanks Matt!]

As one might expect, the packaging features a snow leopard, staring out at the user with the same white hot intensity of, say, Steve Jobs in his Apple lair as he examines the latest prototype build of an Apple Tablet that may or may not exist.

There’s also the slogan, reading: “The world’s most advanced operating system. Perfectly optimised.”

You know what else would be perfect? If, in the inevitable “I’m a Mac” ad that comes out to market this OS, Hodgman wrestles a real snow leopard. That scene, sadly, is not represented on the Portuguese Mac OS X Snow Leopard packaging. There’s still hope for the U.S. release. [MacRumors]

AU: These figures are only a rough guide—Apple Australia is yet to announce Snow Leopard pricing (other than for new Mac owners). We’ll update you with Aussie prices as soon as they are released.

You may have a few questions: Am I eligible for a cheap upgrade? How about a “free” upgrade? What’s this about family packs? Should I be shopping for a new Mac?

As you can see from this handy chart, the process of upgrading to a new OS is a little more straightforward for Mac users than it is with Windows. Again, everything starts with meeting the minimum system requirements, which in this case means bye-bye Power PC—you gotta have an Intel chipset:

• Mac with an Intel Processor
• 1GB of memory
• 5GB of disk space
• DVD drive (though MacBook Airs can “Remote Install” from another computer)

Snow Leopard Pricing
Upgrading from Leopard is the easiest: $US29. If you own multiple Macs, a Family pack is just $US20 more: $US49 for five users. Keep in mind, though, that Snow Leopard does not have any activation restrictions, so buying a Family Pack for two or three computers is kind of a waste of money (though technically illegal). Just remember, if you need tech support on any of your multiple machines during the 90 days that you are covered after buying the OS, you’ll have to have a legit software licence.

If you bought a Mac anytime after June 8, you get Snow Leopard even cheaper with the “Up-to-Date” program: $US10 (A$14.95). Sure, it’s not “free” like Windows 7, but Apple sends you the install disc, and says that this amount mostly goes to shipping and handling.

The Tiger Catch
Apple has said it themselves:

For Tiger users with an Intel-based Mac, the Mac Box Set includes Mac OS X Snow Leopard, iLife ‘09 and iWork ‘09 and will be available for a suggested price of $169 (US) and a Family Pack is available for a suggested price of $229 (US).

And retailers are doing a good job of making sure people know:

If you are an Intel Mac user running OS X 10.5 or above (Leopard), then there is no reason why you shouldn’t take advantage of such an inexpensive upgrade to Snow Leopard. However, OS X 10.4 (Tiger) users will be forced to pick up one of the much pricier boxed sets that bundle Snow Leopard, iLife and iWork if they want to make the jump. iWork ‘09 is about $US55 on Amazon, so you’re getting something for your money, but it may not be what you want.

If you fall into this latter category, I would say it might be time to start looking into a new Mac with Snow Leopard and iLife ‘09 pre-installed, rather than putting an additional $US169 into a dated machine. This is especially true if you are are still running a PowerPC, which can’t be upgraded at all.

From time to time, Apple abandons users of dated machines and OSes—the rationale is that it keeps them from having the heavily layered code that Windows is always criticised for. Still, if you’re the guy running Tiger on an old PPC machine, you’re definitely feeling like a second-rate citizen in the Apple-verse. It’s time to move up…or move on.

Of course, dropping over $US1000 on a MacBook might not be in the cards for everyone right now (although a Mac Mini is a relatively affordable way to get your foot in the door at $US600), but it is important to consider that Apple’s Up-To-Date Program offers a Snow Leopard upgrade for $US10 on purchases that include qualified refurbished systems.

[Background Image via Flickr]

This is characteristically a maintenance update, tying up a few loose ends before 10.5 finally makes ways for its imminent replacement. For perspective, this is the magnitude of the updates: CalDav has finally been fixed in iCal, BlueTooth and Wi-Fi stability has been tightened up, and RAW support has been expanded to a few more formats. So yeah, recork that champagne. Let us know how your upgrades go in the comments.

* Upgrades Safari to version 4.0.2.
* Improves the accuracy of full history search in Safari 4.
* Resolves an issue in which certain resolutions might not appear in the Display pane in System Preferences.
* Dragging an Aperture image into Automator now invokes an Aperture action instead of incorrectly invoking an iPhoto action.
* Resolves an issue that could prevent importing of large photo and movie files from digital cameras.
* Improves overall Bluetooth reliability with external devices, USB webcams and printers.
* Addresses an issue that could cause extended startup times.
* Improves iCal reliability with MobileMe Sync and CalDav.
* Addresses data reliability issues with iDisk and MobileMe.
* Improves overall reliability with AFP.
* Improves overall reliability with Managed Client.
* Improves compatibility and reliability for joining AirPort networks.
* Improves Sync Service reliability.
* Includes additional RAW image support for several third-party cameras.
* Improves compatibility with some external USB hard drives.
* Includes latest security fixes.

[Apple]

Rob’s chart, with all its scary red marks and mysterious orange ovals, has the tendency to give the impression that the outlook is fairly bleak; almost every row of “confirmed working!” ticks is broken up by at least one pesky caveat, and some netbooks on the list are not sold anymore. But your prospects really aren’t so bad. Buck up, kids! Here’s what that chart means, practically, with a real-world rundown of what these netbooks can offer, what they can’t, and how best to try your hand at Hackintosh.

The HP Mini 1000
Status: In production
Now that the Dell Mini 9 has passed on, in retail terms, this is your best option. Main components are compatible across the board.
What you get: A well-styled 10.2-inch machine with respectable guts, a notoriously great keyboard and an increasingly reasonable price. In fact, the Windows-less 16GB SSD version, a prime candidate for OS X-ification, is listed on Best Buy’s site for $US280 right now.
What you sacrifice: I think the styling works; some people get turned off by the large bezel around the screen, though it’s on par with other 10-inch netbooks. Many Hackintoshers find little gremlins after install—lack of fan speed control and temperamental Wi-Fi control, to name two—which can generally be fixed, though rarely simply. By and large, though, this is as good as OS X gets on a cheap netbook.
Resources: Install guide, with video; support forums.

Dell Mini 9
Status: Out of production
This was, and still is, a fantastic candidate for Hackintoshing. As such, they’re not that easy to find for a reasonable price. Even Dell’s been getting in on the post-Mini-9 action, rereleasing the little laptop for brief period last week.
What you get: Just like the HP, Dell’s Mini 9 lays claim to near-total hardware compatibility, including mobile broadband support. The fact that everything just kinda works is pretty wild, if you think about it.
What you sacrifice: Battery life isn’t great. And since release, the Mini 9’s hardware has aged a bit. That said, entry-level netbooks all more or less live on the verge of obsolescence by definition, so having a slightly older Atom processor than your friends shouldn’t be much of a concern.
Resources: Our definitive install guide; support forums.

Dell Mini 10v
Status: In production
For some time after release this Mini 9 replacement was held up by Mac driver difficulties. Now it works fairly well, and could serve as a replacement Mini 9 for some Hackintoshers.
What you get: In some ways, this is better than the Mini 9. It’s a newer unit, updated to address some of the general population’s broader problems with the Mini 9: The screen is slightly larger, and more importantly, the keyboard has some room to stretch. It’s cheap—often cheaper than the a coveted used Mini 9—at about $US300 new.
What you sacrifice: The Mini 10v is patchier than its predecessor across the board. The onboard microphone is difficult to get working, video drivers are still a little precarious, often causing crashes when external monitors are connected, and sleep and hibernation modes aren’t very reliable, which is crucial for a totable netbook. If you’re willing to bet on driver support improving, it’s a prudent purchase. That’s a big if, by the way.
Resources: The Anguish Install+Fixes Guide; User forums.

Lenovo S10
Status: Out of production
Like the Mini 1000, the S10 is a worthy replacement for the Mini 9. Or, it was, before it was replaced by a touchier, more erratic S10-2. (More on that below).
What you get: Another capable machine, though it was—and still is—a little too expensive for what you get. Hardware works across the line, down to the webcam and two-finger touchpad scrolling.
What you sacrifice: Ethernet doesn’t work, which could kill the S10’s usefulness as a travel device (old hotels, etc) and the 3-cell battery is a little anemic. It too suffers from age: The cheapest version and most popular spec comes with 512MB of RAM, which will suck the joy right out of your OS X experience.
Resources: Multi-boot guide (attached to linked post in PDF); User forums.

Lenovo S10-2
Status: In production
This bears the outward appearance of a minor update to the S10. As far as Hackintoshing is concerned, it’s a major step backwards.
What you get: Compared to the S10, a better touchpad, bigger keyboard, nicer case design, slimmer profile, more default RAM, and lower price. Great!
What you sacrifice: Any semblance of usability in OS X. Adding to the lack of ethernet support, everything from sleep to external video to stability is lost, to the point that the S10-2 isn’t really much of an option.
Resources: The same S10 guide, with caveats; User forums.

MSI Wind U100
Status: Out of production
A perennial Hackintosh classic, it’s still a safe choice, and fairly easy to track down used.
What you get: A Mini 9 level of compatibility, with very similar hardware. Styling is clean, but not as pleasing as the Dell, Lenovo, or HP alternatives, and the keyboard is usable.
What you sacrifice: Again, we’re dealing with old-ish hardware here, and again, the three-cell battery won’t run marathons. The touchpad is janky, and, I almost forgot, this guy really doesn’t like them.
Resources: A whole bunch of install guides and support info.

Acer Aspire One
Status: In production
A hugely popular, widely available and all-around decent netbook, the Aspire One is a cautionary tale: No matter how tempted you are to pick one up, Hackintosh development has come too slowly to justify buying one for that. This rule applies to other netbooks not shown, too.
What you get: An expensive-looking, cheap-as-chips workhorse.
What you sacrifice: Virtually everything, including the biggest dealbreaker of them all: Wi-Fi. Lots of netbooks don’t work, but I wanted to include this one as an example: Just because a netbook is wildly popular and bolstered by a huge community of support forums doesn’t mean that Hackintosh will eventually work. Some hardware and software issues are just beyond the hobbyists’ purview, so don’t buy a netbook with the hopes that issues will be resolved. They might not be, and you’ll be stuck swapping out hardware components just to get basic features working.
Resources: Install guide with some fixes, wi-fi recommendations; user forums.

Despite losing its greatest soldier (well, almost), the Hackintosh netbook movement is still alive and well, to the point that buying one of the more compatible netbooks listed above with the express purpose of turning it into an unofficial mini-MacBook is a great idea. Take your pick.