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11/6/09 Friday's News: Last Updated: midnight
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= Recent Articles and Reviews =
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| (updated earlier post on Lightscribe in SL) |
| Lightscribe burning in Snow Leopard (updated) - One of my burners supports LS but I've never bought any Lightscribe discs (or installed the software - linked for years in the FAQ)
"Lightscribe and Snow Leopard
I just wanted to let you know it's impossible to use lightscribe applications anymore under SL :(
I'm using the latest drivers from lightscribe.com and the latest LaCie Lightscribe Labeler.
I had to write my labels using an old Leopard partition...
(later sent info/comments)
At first I tried to use my brand new Samsung SH-S222L 22x ide Lightscribe writer on my macbook pro 2,5 GHz 6gb ram under latest SL and didn't succeed to write any label though it was possible to write audio and video data with it. The media was ejected just after the beginning of the writing process.
Then I moved the writer (enclosed in a firewire external box) onto my old G4 MDD Dual 1,25 GHz under latest Leopard and it worked without any problem ...
I have to say I also have an older Samsung SH-S182M Lightscribe writer installed inside the tower and it always worked fine.
Then I came back to my macbook pro except I now booted on an external usb drive under latest Leopard os .... using this os it worked perfectly ...
In both cases I installed the latest Lightscribe driver 1.18.9.1.pkg.tar found here:
http://www.lightscribe.com/downloadsection/mac/index.aspx?id=813
As labeler I'm using the latest LaCie LightScribe Labeler 1.2.2
(I definitely am not alone - www.lightscribe.com/discussionBoards/index.aspx?g=posts&t=4296)
Regards, Jo"
Here's replies from other LS/SL users tonight:
"No problem here after installing the last LaCie LightScribe Labeler...
Before nothing worked on a Mac Pro (Quad 2.93) nor an Mac Mini (1.5 CoreSolo) with 10.6.1. I tried LaCie, SimpleLabeler and Disc Cover. After the update I didn't try the Mac Pro again. But with the LightScibe Labeler the Mac Mini worked as expected with an external LG in an firewire case.
-Joachim"
"I have a LaCie Lightscribe drive (asked what actual drive mechanism brand/model) and I am using their "Simple labeler" which works perfectly under OS X 10.6.1.
Richard P."
"I have downloaded the latest drivers from Lightscribe.com (1.18.9.1) and the latest LaCie software. I can burn on 10.6.1 with no problems.
Best, Mike D."
"LaCie issued an updated Labeler app in October v 1.22, which I used in Snow Leopard yesterday. It worked fine.
Also Discus RE and DiskLabel 6.0.2 do LightScribe in SL.
http://www.smileonmymac.com/DiscLabel/dl5tips.html
-John"
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| Another GTX-285 Pro Apps (Maya 2009) user's experience - Over the last few months I've gotten replies like this from users of Pro 3D apps - still hoping that eventually an update (OS X update typically - we very rarely get graphics driver updates separately) will address these common complaints:
"I can confirm that I too am experiencing viewport issues with the GTX-285 under OS X. I have experienced identical issues (as earlier reports here) in OS X 10.5 and 10.6.I can also confirm that once I loaded Maya 2009 off the boot camp drive with windows 7 and the latest drivers installed, it ran fine.
I have also recently installed Fusion 3 with Windows 7 running Maya 2009 even though the performance in the virtual machine window is sluggish, I don't have any marquee artifact issues.
So as for me I can only confirm that I am only experiencing issues within OSX.
I wish their was another solution so that I wouldn't have to remain in Windows to handle my 3D needs but at least it works without issue. Thanks for listening...
-Scott T."
I won't repeat my comments on driver updates, etc. as I know long-time readers are already tired of hearing it. I'm still using the EVGA Mac GTX-285 in my Mac Pro but primarly for the benefits in Bootcamp/windows and I don't own/use Pro 3D apps. (And have tried to be totally up-front from day 1 about the pros and cons - unlike some others...)
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Another Leak Damaged PowerMac G5 owner hits the jackpot (new Mac Pro replacement system) - Although most readers with leak damaged G5 towers over the last couple years have reported getting repairs covered (sometimes after repeated attempts, but even years out of warranty in some cases) only a few have been fortunate enough to get a Mac Pro replacement system. I've updated the (now huge) page on PowerMac G5 Leaks/Repairs with another case of that. (I had one reader earlier this year complain about me posting updates to that (now very long) page since 2007 but my reply was that page has saved many readers/affected owners a lot of money on repairs (often repair quotes were $1000+) and I've had over 100 readers write with thanks for the info there. I know some have not been so lucky but of those that have written about leak/damage I'd say over 90% were successful.) As I've said for years however, I wish apple would post some official policy on leak repairs but I have to admit I'm impressed at the % they have covered overall. (Try calling dell or other PC mfrs on a leak/damage years out of warranty.)
For those that don't want to load that large (250KB+) page and have already seen the info/notes/repair tips, etc. there he's the latest report to save you some time:
"Hi Mike, This is an update. I am so glad that I found your site (it wasn't hard as it is at the top of a search for G5 coolant leak!). After reading your site I had decided to go to the Apple store and p/u my G5 turn it on its side and then bring it to the university Apple store and show them the leak since they seemed more responsive to one person on here. Instead I decided to cut to the chase and call tech support and tell them I have an unresolved issue with a repair and that I wanted to talk to Customer Relations. I was connected and spoke with someone there. I told him my problem nicely and asked him what should I do after 3 Geniuses looked at the G5 and found no leak.
I mentioned the safety issue and said that I felt like asking the geniuses if I brought it home and plugged it in I can be sure that I wouldn't get electrocuted because they are sure there is no coolant in there. I told him I also asked if they checked the power supply and they said no it is sealed. I asked if they ran the coolant system or checked the levels -no. Asked what they checked and they couldn't say. He put me on hold and then came back and told me they would extend my warranty and cover any repairs needed.
Shortly after I got a call and was told that the leak and damage was so bad that they decided to give me a quad-core Mac Pro. Wow! Unbelievable. I have no problem obviously with how they handled this in the end, but it was a foggy course. I hope this helps someone else. And again thanks Mike.
-Dave"
Glad it turned out so well. (Wish it did for everyone.)
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UB MacBook Pro eSATA Expresscards/Windows problems revisited (Windows 7 notes) - This subject/problem came up in the past a couple times on the MBP/Expresscards page here since late 2008. (2 reports from Unibody MacBook Pro owners that tried 5 and 6 different eSATA cards w/o success in Windows (32bit and 64bit).) Since I now have a Unibody MBP (thanks to someone ripping off my PB G4 and DSLR) to try with a recently installed Windows 7/Bootcamp, I decided to see if the problems reported in the past with this combo (using earlier windows versions) were still a problem with Windows 7.
I'd posted earlier that I was very happy with the $19.99 single port Jmicron 360 chip eSATA Expresscard in the early 2009 MBP 17in here - native support in 32bit and 64bit Snow Leopard, good performance with my eSATA HD Dock, etc., but so far I've had no luck getting it to work in Windows 7. (64-bit Home Prem. installed, but I don't think that matters.)
I inserted card with connected eSATA HD Dock (w/SATA HD inserted) - no response. Checked Device mgr - not shown. Selected Computer in Device Mgr, then properties and 'scan for changes' - card then detected. Auto-installed driver, said restart reqd. Rebooted - opened 'Computer' - Dock HD not shown/mounted. Opened Device Manager - selected (under IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers) Standard AHCI 1.0 Serial ATA controller - General tab shows (deja-vu) the same error as previous Unibody (Vista/XP, 32bit or 64bit) owners have reported here since late 2008:
"This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use (Code 12).
If you want to use this device, you will need to disable one of the other devices on this system."
I tried the 'update driver' option (as info showed it's using MS drivers, not Jmicron specific) and searched online for drivers but windows reported existing driver is up to date, etc..
So I searched the web and found the Jmicron Driver FTP site which had an XP/Vista/Win7 Directory (as well as OS X) and downloaded the latest (Oct 14, 2009 IIRC) 1.17.51 WHQL eSATA drivers (ZIP) and installed them. (Restart required after install.) Rebooted and the connected eSATA Dock HD wasn't shown/mounted. Opened Device Mgr - card no longer in IDE/ATA section, now appearing in the "Storage Controller" listing as "jMicron JMB36x Controller" but (sigh) with the infamous yellow "!" icon and the same error message (code 12/resources).
So I tried again with a low-cost 2-port Sil3132 eSATA expresscard I had tested with SL back in late August (after removing the JMB36x driver and rebooting.) Same dance, same result (exact same error) - windows installed a Silicon Image 3132 driver v1.0.15.3 (dated 8/22/2008) - update checks didn't find a later one but I'll do some manual checking at the SI drivers page later tonight or over the weekend and report back if I have better luck.)
Regardless of the windows problems, I'd still not trade the natively OS X supported card eSATA expresscard for any other model I know of currently. The lack of windows support isn't a big deal for me - the native OS X support is far more important, as it will be used in OS X much more often. (I've been using it for TM backups to an HD in the dock - fast and flawless so far...)
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| Bought the Magic Mouse (and now understand why some used the faster tracking tip) - I finally bought a Magic Mouse a couple days ago but didn't get a chance to use it until yesterday. (I was hoping to be able to try one at a local store before buying but the local BB had only one left and no store demo unit.) I installed the wireless mouse update for 10.5.8 on the main work mac here (2007 AL iMac 24in/2.4GHz C2D) and immediately saw why several readers had used the Tip for faster tracking that Pete posted here on Oct. 30th. (Some owners were happy with tracking as-is but many wanted faster tracking - see Magic Mouse feedback page.)
So I downloaded/installed the (free) MouseZoom pref pane and eventually set it to max before I was able to get close to my preferred cursor tracking speed/response feel (without forcefully swiping the MM). A big thanks to Pete for sending that tip.
After seeing comments in some earlier reviews about the Magic Mouse ergonomics (feel/fit in the hand, etc.) I had been concerned about that compared to the std shape/profile mice I'd used for years. (I guess I'm like an 'old dog' that doesn't easily learn new tricks and a creature of habit for things like this.) But I'm glad to say that hasn't been an issue for me - the 'feel' of the Magic Mouse (to me) is fine and I could easily get used to the touch interface (vs buttons and scroll wheels).
However despite MouseZoom and (prefs) adjustments I still feel like it's not quite as responsive as my wired USB mice or an RF wireless mouse. (Hard to describe but it's almost like some micro-lag that I've not noticed/felt with RF wireless mice or wired mice. I know that sounds strange, but that's how it feels to me. Maybe with more time using it that feeling will fade.)
I've not been a fan of Bluetooth mice or keyboards in the past after a bad experience years ago (but I know they're much improved now) however I still prefer the response/feel (and simplicity) of a wired or RF mouse. And the Magic Mouse was the wake-up call I needed to at least start looking again at wireless mice as the cord has been a pain at times.
I'm going to try the Magic Mouse with a Snow Leopard Mac and spend more time using it but if I had to do it over, I think I'd have bought a Logitech or other brand RF wireless mouse. (I liked the Microsoft Arc that I tried recently, but for the same price or less you can get a standard profile (shape) RF mouse from Logitech or others that feels better in the hand IMHO.)
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| Other News/Articles/Reviews, Misc. Software updates - (Light today, sorry)
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= Thursday's News Follows =
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BioShock Mac Demo download (for intel-based Macs) - If you want to try out a demo before picking up the full version, Feral's released a Bioshock Demo for Mac OS X. Requirements listed are OS X 10.5.8 or later, 1.8GHz Intel CPU (or better), 1.5GB RAM (min), 128MB VRAM or better (Nvidia 9400 supported but not Intel GMA 950 or X3100) and 8GB hard disk space.
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| More reader feedback on Parallels Desktop v5 - Yesterday's news had info on Parallels Desktop v5 for Mac as well as a Fix for the BSOD problem many upgrading from v4 had. Here's other v5 reports from readers (later added first):
"Just upgraded to Parallels 5 and my Windows XP VM fails to boot. I'm getting a message "WORKER THREAD RETURNED A BAD IRQ". Messages disappears and tries to boot again with same results.
(I asked if he'd tried yesterday's Tip for v5 upgrade problems.-Mike)
It did the trick. Thanks. Seems strange I could not get this from Parallels Support page.
-John K."
"I also "upgraded" from the last iteration of Parallels 4 via the discounted email offer I received today (yesterday) and I had the same problems you've reported (I have two VM's, Windows 2000 and XP--both latest iterations as well). Did the 'tech support workaround" you listed and have gotten both VM's up and running, though after several restarts.
A bit frustrating but bottom line, Parallels 5 is now working in both VM's.
My setup: iMac 3.06GHz w/nVidia 8800, 4gb ram, OS X 10.6.1. Haven't run any benchmark tests yet, so I can't comment on the claims made for Parallels 5.
-Jay"
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I had the BSOD problem (with Windows XP), and tried the one processor workaround. It worked for me.
-Ralph"
"I was invited to be a Beta tester for Parallels 5 back in July, and have mostly good things to say about it. Initial install went belly up after upgrading to snow leopard ( the snow leopard installer told me it was incompatible) but a double reboot sorted it. Windows 7 installed fine ( both as a beta and finished product). Submitted some feedback to the Parallels team ( mac pro didnt like sharing network connections, and macbookpro BSOD'ed a few times. )
Still on Beta 5.0.8898, which was issued in September 15, and it seems pretty solid. I'm using a MAcbook Pro late 07, with 4gb ram and a 500gb Seagate - desktop is a MacPro with 12gb ram, and a couple of 1tb drives raid0. Hope this doesnt sound too much like an ad for parallels!
-Pat"
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I have Snow Leopard, Parallels v5 and Win 7 Ultimate on a Mac Pro (early 2008). It runs great so far, except for apparent incompatibility with my Logitech wireless (RF) S530 laser desktop (the mouse settings don't work. (Any Logitech software updates/later version that you don't have installed?-Mike) They don't work with Fusion 3 either and I _think_ they did with Boot Camp, which does not support Windows 7, yet. (It does - see notes below.-Mike) I will keep you posted, I am going to get in touch with Parallels later today.
(he later wrote)
I figured out the Logitech problem, by just going intu their Control Center (System preference pane) and setting up application specific controls for the Parallels app. Works like a charm. Now to figure out if I need Windows at all.
Regards, Fred"
Bootcamp does work with Windows 7 except for some feature issues with later Macs I think. (Ref: Apple doc I posted in the Oct. 22nd news on a future BC update for Windows 7.) As I mentioned yesterday, I'm running Windows 7 HP (via bootcamp) on an early 2009 17in MacBook Pro (zero issues so far) and also running Windows 7 Pro on a separate hard drive in a Mac Pro. (I didn't upgrade over the Bootcamp/Vista 64 Ult. HD install also in the Mac Pro.) The only issue I see is a bootloader error if I select the Win 7 HD as startup from OS X - but selecting the Vista 64 HD is a workaround as Windows shows boot menu in DOS that lists Win 7 boot option. (Initially I had a problem booting back to OS X HD's in the Mac Pro (regardless if 10.5.8 HD or 10.6.1 HD selected in windows BC prefs), but that resolved itself apparently - works fine now. Never had that issue with the MacBook Pro.)
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FireFox 3.5.5 update (stability fixes) - Appears in the Firefox 3.5.x in-app update check. The Firefox 3.5.5 release notes page says it fixed several stability issues and links to a page with list of 5 bug fixes.
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| Panorama Problems w/iPhoto 09 - (not tried this personally but posting as a FYI - comments/suggestions welcome.)
"Panorama Problem in iPhoto
Here's my problem which I have posted in the Adobe forums, the Apple iPhoto forums and as a bug report to Apple for iPhoto '09. I now make my panorama in Adobe Photosho Elements 8 and import it into iPhoto.
A. When I would make a panorama, here's the steps I took:
1. Take pictures with my camera.
2. Import into iPhoto'09.
3. Assign titles to pictures and export into folder on desktop.
4. Open Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 and import photos from desktop folder.
5. Let APE 6 create panorama and then save it back to the desktop folder.
6. Import it using iPhoto'09. Edit it using enhance, crop, straighten, and adjust if necessary. It worked perfectly.
B. I updated to Snow Leopard. When I imported it into iPhoto'09 and did the normal edit's everything slightly changed. As you can see in the attached movie (NOTE: I cannot add a movie file, but I did add it to the same question in the Adobe forums (http://forums.adobe.com/message/2364338).) The finished panorama would change sizes. I assumed that it was an interacting between iPhoto'09, Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 and Snow Leopard. So, I ordered Adobe Photoshop Elements 8.
C. I installed Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 and it's still doing the same thing. Note it only changes size when I click on a panorama picture. The 3rd picture was a normal size single picture.
I have an Early 2009 24 inch iMac (2.93 GHz, Intel Core 2 Duo) running OSX 10.6.1.
Anyone have any suggestions or did you have the same problem and what corrections did you do?
-WB" |
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Another report on Snow Leopard/Extended Attributes copy issues - (Reply to a Blu-Ray user's post on problems copying files from Finder burned BL Data discs after 10.6 update in yesterday's news)
"Re: extended attributes copy issue
This isn't exactly the same thing as the blu-ray copy-extended attritributes problem, but might be related.
I recently started getting an error message when I copied downloaded .dmg files to my Netgear ReadyNAS raid array from my Mac. The finder error message was not too informative:
"The operation canĂt be completed because you donĂt have permission to access some of the items."
If I try, sudo cp xxx /Volumes/nas-volume, from terminal, I get something a little more informative:
"cp: could not copy extended attributes to /Volumes/nas_volume/xxx.dmg: Operation not permitted."
So it is an extended attributes problem again. My workaround: zip the file first. Then it copies fine in finder or terminal.
If I create a test.dmg with HDUTIL, no problem. The problem is with .dmg files I have downloaded. This never used to happen a few weeks ago (10.5.7). Now it does (10.6.1).
I'd be interested in a solution if one ever pops up. I suspect this problem is due to my recent snow leopard install/upgrade. But I swapped out the drives in my NAS at about the same time (hot upgrade to larger capacity allowed by ReadyNAS) so I can't be 100% sure.
- Paul"
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Cocktail v4.6 (Snow Leopard Edition) - (from their PR today)
"Cocktail v4.6 (Snow Leopard Edition) is the latest maintenance update of Cocktail for users running Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.
Changes in Cocktail 4.6 (Snow Leopard Edition):
- Added ability to clear data detectors caches
- Added ability to clear QuickLook caches
- Added "Prevent name to be included when copying email address" setting (Interface - Mail)
- Added "Enable autoplay" setting (Interface - QuickTime X)
- Added "Show subtitles when available" setting (Interface - QuickTime X)
- Added "Remain in full screen when QuickTime Player is inactive" setting (Interface - QuickTime X)
- Added "Allow simultaneous recordings" setting (Interface - QuickTime X)
- Added "Hide titlebar" setting (Interface - QuickTime X)
- Added "Show movie controls" setting (Interface - QuickTime X)
The update is highly recommended for all users of Cocktail (Snow Leopard Edition). This version of Cocktail (Snow Leopard Edition) requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later and is tested for compatibility with Mac OS X / Mac OS X Server 10.6.1."
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| Apple Support/How-To/Troubleshooting Doc Updates - (later added first)
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| Other News/Articles/Reviews, Misc. Software updates -
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Recent Articles and Reviews - Listing/links to recent articles and reviews you may have missed.
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| Previous 4 Days News Summaries: |
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| In Case you missed it:
Thursday November 5, 2009
Wednesday November 4, 2009
Tuesday November 3, 2009
Monday November 2, 2009
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