Some may recall that Apple tried to crush Psystar when the company started shipping cheaper third-party Macs priced as low as $399.  Apple cited a provision in the EULA forbidding third parties to install Snow Leopard in their products without permission.  Despite accusing the scrappy third-party vendor of violations of shrink wrap license, trademarks, and copyright infringement Apple has been unable to kill Psystar -- yet.

Now Psystar stands to become even more popular and controversial, thanks to its newly released Rebel EFI software hack.  The hack allows a user-friendly installation of Snow Leopard that makes creating a "Hackintosh" approachable for even casual users.  The software costs $89.99 and is available directly from "The Psystar Store", Psystar's retail site.  Currently the software is free to try, but the free version features limited hardware functionality and a two-hour runtime.  If you buy a full version you can currently get a $40 rebate, dropping the price to $50, effectively.

The software works with any Intel Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, i7, or Xeon Nehalem processor to install Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.  There are 38 steps in total to complete to install Snow Leopard, but many of these steps are extremely simple like "insert disc" or click on option xxx.  The full guide is provided in Wiki form here, it should be easy enough for even beginning PC users to make sense of.  The installed version of OS X will get updates from Apple, just like versions from Mac (the OS can't tell it's not on a Mac).

Psystar's site describes the product, stating, "Featuring Psystar's newest technology for allowing for the smooth interfacing between operating systems and generic Intel hardware.  Rebel EFI allows for the easy installation of multiple operating systems on a single system.  The authenticated version allows for the permanent installtion [sic] of these OS's on your system, as well as providing the [Darwin Universal Boot Loader], supported hardware profile features and related drivers, and support for the application."

The software can be used to load and switch between up to 6 operating systems on a single PC.  This ideal for Mac developers, who typically have to resort to multiple machines for older versions of OS X.  It can also be used to create a Linux, Windows 7, OS X tri-boot system.

The product is a defiant slap in the face to an already angry Apple, which typically tries to hold tight control over its software products.  Additional legal action seems very likely, as Apple is already trying to sue Psystar out of existence.  Apple is pleading with the courts to give a summary judgement before the upcoming January trial against Psystar, but thus far has not secured one.  Like with iPhone unlockers, Apple is finding that it just can't seem to keep its users from freely using the products they purchase.  It is increasingly finding that its arguments about the illegality, danger, and impropriety of unlocking its products falling on deaf ears.

For those looking to set up a good system, they might want to snag a copy of Ubuntu Linux and then pick up a student discounted Windows 7 Professional edition, priced at $30, and a $29.99 copy of Snow Leopard.  Along with Paint.net, Open Office (or Microsoft Office technical preview), Microsoft Virtual PC (for Windows XP Mode), and Microsoft Security Essentials (for security), you can create a great (legal) multifunctional system at a bargain price.