Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, Retail
Newcomer steps in to fill Mac clone "Quo"ta
Update: @JoeWilsonTV responded in the comments that Quo Computer is open (telephone number in his comment) and that they are taking orders in the store. The website is supposed to launch next Monday. Thanks Joe!It seems like it was only last week that Mac clone maker, Psystar filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Oh, that WAS last week. Surely, this would be the end of US companies trying to unauthorized Mac clones, right? Right?
Come on, this is America -- that would be too easy. In fact, it took just three days for the next would-be Mac clone retailer to appear.
As CNET reported over the weekend, Quo Computer plans to sell its Mac clone offerings both online and in a retail store in Los Angeles. The retail store was set to open yesterday, June 1, 2009, but I was unable to locate a phone number for the store (and LA's directory assistance didn't have a listing).
The website, though currently just a splash page, will apparently be ready sometime later this week. Apparently three models with OS X Leopard pre-installed will be offered, with pricing set to start below $900.
According to CNET, Quo's founder, Rashantha De Silva, expects that Apple will sue Quo, just as they sued Psystar. Well, at least he isn't completely delusional. More below...
De Silva spouted off some typical blather about how Quo is "different" from the other cloners out there, but really, this just looks like Psystar, or PearC, only with the added brashness (or stupidity, your choice) to also try a retail store.
Here's what I don't understand: how do these business owners think they can actually make any money? Ignoring all of the blatant legal problems for a second, how can this possibly be a sustainable business? Selling OEM PCs is a very, very difficult market for small businesses to compete in. For even big players like HP and Dell, there is very little margin in low to mid-range consumer hardware.
Small systems builders can't compete on price with the big guys, because they can't buy components at the same rates. In addition, the price of each Mac clone automatically increases $130, just so you can install OS X Leopard on it. Unless you then want to mark up the sticker price to try to retain some profit -- and keep in mind, that goes against a clone's biggest selling point, price -- how is this sustainable?
And that's before even adding in costs like support, labor and taxes. Add a retail operations budget and leasing space to that equation and the situation gets even less optimistic.
At this rate, Quo might be out of business before Apple even sends out its attack dogs.
Although a sadistic part of me would like to see a legal battle ensue (and in California, no less), I think the windows will be boarded up far before then.
Hey, if you live in LA and want to stop by 2401 West Main Street, Alhambra, California, let us know if these guys are actually open for business!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Thomas said 12:41PM on 6-02-2009
Needs a dose of reality.
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Ken said 1:08PM on 6-02-2009
I really don't understand this business model. Why position yourself for failure out of the gate? It seems he is looking for fame via an Apple lawsuit. I hope his pockets are as large as ideas...
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Geoff Myers said 1:13PM on 6-02-2009
Agree with Ken: why would you start a company if you were almost sure you would be sued by a large corporation???
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joewilsontv said 1:13PM on 6-02-2009
The store opened yesterday - it is located at 2401 West Main Street, Alhambra, CA telephone number - 213-747-1385 - they are taking orders at the store, which takes two days to fill orders. The web site launches Monday.
@JoeWilsonTV
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Christina Warren said 2:06PM on 6-02-2009
Thanks Joe!
shmoolie said 1:19PM on 6-02-2009
fyi...Alhambra is not "downtown LA" or even near downtown LA. Alhambra is a community a few miles east in the San Gabriel valley that is mostly middle class homes and has a large Chinese population.
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Christina Warren said 1:56PM on 6-02-2009
Thanks! I was just going off of the Google Maps, but I haven't lived in LA for a few years and my general sense of direction is off. Appreciated.
Stephen Lang said 2:32PM on 6-02-2009
So now you can get some dim sum with your Mac clone...
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Bernard Ramsey said 2:48PM on 6-02-2009
Can someone near Alhambra, CA please take some pics of the store before they shut down? Time is precious, I'll give em 30 days.
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H said 3:01PM on 6-02-2009
looks like a hot dog stand of some sort.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2401+West+Main+Street,+Alhambra,+California&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=34.094814,-118.149908&panoid=VMGMc_GkzdKKZG0TX_r8sA&cbp=12,17.19,,1,-0.03
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Bernard Ramsey said 3:07PM on 6-02-2009
H, That is a new twist on the the Apple Store's "glass wall design." Hot dog and a mac?
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oliver hart said 3:11PM on 6-02-2009
Steps to building Hackintosh store:
1. Build computer with Apple specific hardware
2. Sell said computer with Boot-132 disk and instructions
3. Include $129.99 gift card for Best Buy to purchase Leopard, and Google Maps directions to nearest Best Buy store
4. Not get sued and reap the benefits
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liquidmark said 4:45PM on 6-02-2009
for starters they could still get sued for contributing. Not just from apple but the people that made boot 132 to begin with. Nobody said that it was a good idea to try and profit from a unauthorized clone.
Here's an idea. if you want to compete, make your own operating system, then you can do with it what you want.
Seriously, Apple should just lock down the system. They make the hardware and software, so they can do it.
oliver hart said 5:25PM on 6-02-2009
Firstly-I said INCLUDE Boot-132 disk-not sell. It's already free, x86 community (like me) might complain, might not.
You don't see any hackers taking on psystar claiming "you took our idea were going to sue!!!"
It just wouldn't happen.
And last-I'm not a lawyer, but I'm almost positive you can't file a lawsuit on the claims that someone MIGHT install OS X on it AFTER they leave the store. What end users do in their own homes is they's business.
livelifenaked said 6:36PM on 6-02-2009
Quo IS definitely open in Alhambra, CA.
The google maps address is of 2403. That's the hot dog stand.
QUO Computers is next door at 2401 Main St. It's the two story building at the corner with the huge windows.
I'm telling you, walk in and you'll hopefully be able to find someone to help. Saw the high end model comparable to the $4,000 top config from apple. It's less than half the price with a second 1TB hard drive already inside.
My suggestion:
Wait for Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6) but If you do buy this week though, you'll get the 10% discount and QUO has guaranteed to support your machine through the next year.
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chris said 6:40PM on 6-02-2009
I think you'll find that chapter 11 will protect them from that guarantee of support :p
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Hoping for a South Bay store said 2:48AM on 6-03-2009
I don't understand all the feelings of ill will here. There are many that feel that EULA restrictions are onerous when they restrict on what hardware you can install your purchased software. The concept is not tested in the courts.
I wish them well and hope that both companies can thrive. There is a hole in Apple's line right above the Mac Mini (i.e., an expandable, configurable $800-1200 workstation). These guys might fill it. Apple should get the message and compete on merits.
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Peter C said 9:35AM on 6-03-2009
Who'll give a quid for a Pro Quo?
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Simpleton said 1:13PM on 6-03-2009
Peter...that was brilliant!