John Hayes responded to today's reader request for sources of low cost PB 1400 displays:
"
I noticed in the newsgroups lat last week there was someone selling
PB1400 screens for a very low price, about $500 for active and less for
the dualscan. Sorry I don't have and address, I would suggest looking
back about 1 week in the misc.forsale.computers.mac-specific.portables
section." A great newsgroup search engine is www.dejanews.com.
[3:00 PM Update]
Tomb Raider coming to the Mac! Tikkabik 3D news has an item today
regarding word that Tomb Raider is coming to the Mac. They quote a mail to Mike Dixon (Mac Gamer's Ledge)
that it is likely they will be subcontracted out, but that demand was so high they were forced to
consider making a Mac version. Great news!
[2:00 PM Update]
Microconversions Voodoo II/Mac Update: Dan Kuraisa sent in a Q & A from MicroConversions on
their announced Voodoo 2. I'm printing the most important parts here. "
Q: What improvement can Mac users expect with Game Wizard, compared to
the Power3D ?
A: The 192-bit memory architecture and parallel processing feature of Voodoo2
provides 3 times the raw POWER over the Voodoo chipset. [The Game Wizard
utilizes three processors.] Because of this, any slow-downs users are
experiencing when in higher resolutions or texture depths/choices will be
greatly reduced or even disappear totally! More people will be able to
enjoy these games at higher quality levels. Additionally, now that the
standard has been raised and more power is made available, new games will
surely push these benefits for even greater game performances. Use of a
Game Wizard will put the Mac user in the best possible configuration for
game playing. [Note - as seen on the PC, a fast CPU may be required for best performance,
as slower CPUs will result in not much better performance than the Voodoo 1 chipset cards.-Mike]
Q: Will game Wizard work on "all-in-one" Power Mac ? If yes, how ? Or
won't it, like the Power3D, unless once plugs in an external monitor ?
Please, explain.
A: The Game Wizard will not work with these [current] internal monitors.
Because the all-in-one Macs feed the internal monitor directly, and in such
a way that it would be very messy to intercept the display internally, the
Game Wizard can't position itself between the graphics source and the
monitor. Since these models would require a graphics card to drive an
external monitor, any single PCI slot machine wouldn't have the option
available even with an external monitor. Any new model which would allow
access between the graphics source and the monitor, or have multiple PCI
slots, may be able to accommodate a Game Wizard; however, these all-in-one
models have exhibited noise problems in the past due to the proximity of
the magnetic fields associated with the monitor and installed expansion
cards, which are not exposed to these EMI threats in other configurations.
This would have to be examined on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Did get an exclusive deal with 3Dfx for Voodoo2 as Techworks did with
Voodoo1 ? If yes, will you be the only company to have a Voodoo2 card for
the Mac ? For how long ? What do you know of Techworks' plans ?
A: I can't speak for TechWorks, but we are the only Company which has
announced a Voodoo2 product for the Mac. I don't know of any other
potential offering to the Mac community. I hope this is the case for a
long, long time!
Q: You seem to be developing the Mac drivers internally. Are you also
working with Techworks and / or 3Dfx ? Please, explain.
A: We are developing Mac drivers for the Voodoo2 internally. We have been
developing Mac graphics & video drivers since 1986, longer than anyone else
still alive; therefore, we are confident that our offering will be the best
possible one available regardless of what may happen in the future. As it
stands right now, we aren't aware of any other Mac driver development for
this chipset.
Q: Do you feel like 3Dfx plans to deliver Voodoo2 chips for Mac and PC
cards manufacturers at the same time, or will Mac come second ?
A: Our production quantity of chipset deliveries from 3Dfx coming later than
deliveries to some PC card providers has more to do with normal business
concerns than any distinction between Mac and PC. 3Dfx has not
short-changed the Mac community; in fact, we are getting great support from
3Dfx! Our getting chips later is because we entered the arena later than
some of the others and our volumes are significantly lower. In this
industry, it is normal for this situation to result in later deliveries,
particularly when related to a chipset as HOT as this one. The allocations
of thischipset are a serious issue and can not be avoided. As it worked
out, there was really no harm done because we haven't finished the Mac
drivers anyway.
Q: What price do you expect to sell Game Wizard when it ships around june
Who will be your distributor in France ?
A: In the US, the Game Wizard will sell for $299. We haven't established
distribution in France yet and are anxious to find the right partner. In
May we are opening an office in the UK to support our European channel
development.
Q: How woud you introduce Micro Conversions using a few sentences ?
A: Micro Conversions, Inc. is a Mac-only developer providing award winning
solutions since 1985. For more than 10 years, we only sold through OEMs. If
you've been using a Mac for very long, chances are you've experienced some
of our products. Micro Conversions now offers its products under its own
name and is still as committed to the Mac and the Mac community as ever!
Our newest product is the Game Wizard. Incorporating 3Dfx Voodoo2
technology, the Game Wizard offers PCI Mac users the opportunity to enjoy
the best possible game performance available today at a price which is very
reasonable, especially when considering the relative volumes between it and
similar products on the PC side. Optimized for the Mac, the Game Wizard is
a must-have for Mac gamers!
Bob Archer
Marketing & Sales Manager
Micro Conversions, Inc."
Not sure if optimized refers to the hardware or not (monitor sense lines passed through
the card?) but at least it sounds like there is driver work being done now.
[2:00 PM Update]
PowerCenter Pro G3's: Chris Morris sent a note that the current MacWarehouse system list
includes two G3 powered PowerCenter Pros. Not sure what CPU card they are using. The
two models are # BND2732 and BND2731, as shown at: http://www.warehouse.com/MacWarehouse/Computers/Desktop/G3/.
Note today's reader feedback on their return policy and you might want to clarify that in advance.
[2:00 PM Update]
Installing Linux in Virtual PC: Xie Yi sent in a guide for installing Linux under Virtual PC. Although it is still beyond what most
Virtual PC owners would probably want to attempt, those that have some Linux and PC/DOS experience may find it useful. I can't provide
support on this, but posted it in the hopes it may be of benefit to more advanced readers of the site. I've added a permanent link to this page on the site contents and tips pages.
[12:00 PM Update]
I forget to mention I posted a picture of the new G-Rex 3D video card for those that are curious
as to what it looks like. Note the large heatsink over the Permedia 2 chip. Also, I received a
loaner Quad 180 CPU card (MP 720) from Tweek Digital.
It's massive and dwarfs a standard CPU card, as shown in this photo (a better image of the card is here). I plan on adding a MP
area to the site when I get caught up here on current work. [12:00 PM Update]
Tech Tool Pro2/NDD 3.5.x Feedback: A reader who uses Tech Tool Pro 2 extensively responded to
yesterday's post regarding problems with it and NDD with some
tips that might help solve the problem: "
I would suggest that the reader disable the protection option, especially
if this is on a large system (multiple drives, multiple scsi busses,
partitioned, raided, different drivers, etc), to reduce the likelyhood of
machine configuration specific file system problems.
Also, Norton Crash Guard attempts to do similar things to what the Disc
Protection option does in TTPro.
A problem may exist if both utilities are enabled and attempting to update
their databases at the same moment. Since they both work at the system
level, regular 'cooperative multi-tasking' may not prevent simultaneous
access to the disc file structures - this can be exacerbated by the caching
done by the softraid utility. Timing, you see......
Turn one or the other (or both) off"
MacWarehouse Returns Warning: Tony Aguila wrote with a warning on return policies and
a different opinion of MacWarehouse and the PowerCenter Pro than reported in yesterday's news.
"
comments: Regarding your report on MacWarehouse carrying PowerCenter Pro's,
I think it is only fair to share my experience with you regarding this item:
About three weeks ago I purchased a PCC PowerCenter Pro 180, the same deal
that you mention in the news section, and when I received the unit, I was
able to boot it up for a while, and then after a couple of hours' operation
it started going downhill, freezing and crashing.
To make a long story short, it was soon unusable, and after swapping memory
DIMMs, keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc., and then trying to boot from a floppy
with NO SCSI peripheral attached (hard drive, CD ROM) it still would not work.
Anyway, I called MacWarehouse to ask for a replacement or service, but they refused
to take the item back because, according to them, Apple has a no-return/no-replacement
policy with Power Computing computers.
They gave me a phone number to call (at Apple) and I was bounced back and forth for about
45 minutes until I ended up talking to a woman who asked me to fax her the receipt for
the purchase and that she would get back to me. Well, I faxed the information to her
three times but never got a call back. I talked to a couple of Apple-authorized service
centers, and they said that Apple does not allow service on PCC computers.
Fortunately, I bought this with a credit card, so I was able to file and complaint and
they assured me that I would not be responsible for paying for this lemon.
I have not heard yet from either MacWarehouse or Apple, and the computer is
in the original box, waiting to be returned.
My main gripe is that nowhere do they warn you about this no-return policy...
not in the catalog, nor on the web site, nor over the phone. Buyer, beware!"
I'm shocked at this story, and although it is not typical I'm sure, I felt it needed to
be published. Jim Prete seemed happy with the purchases there, as reported yesterday,
but I guess he did not need to test the return policy.
New Ultimate Rez Drivers: IXMicro has a major driver update available for the Ultimate Rez
that is said to work with both the retail box Ultimate Rez and the Apple OEM versions. Get it at: http://www.ixmicro.com/download.htm.
For those that do use it, I'd like your feedback.
A new G-Rex 3D card owner reported (in the video card forum) good 2D speed, but buggy 3d performance with the
current drivers. He wrote: " Benchmarks show very nice 2D performance, almost 3 times
faster than the stock PowerBase video (ATI Rage II). The card itself installs a Grex3D control panel which allows to edit some 3d reality functions
including ones for optional LCD shutter glasses. The software isn't exactly too generous.
Now for the bad thing, there are some major problems with 3D functions. Walker locked my
machine repeatedly...i tried viewing some 3dmf models with simpletext just to get strange
flickering and more lockups. The card is flash rom upgradeable, so i suppose a few firmware and
software fixes would fix the 3d problem. It is too early to tell, i'll investigate some more tomorrow."
I was going to give the card a quick test last night, but a simple software update (to a different brand card) resulted in a disaster,
taking a solid system and turning it into a nightmare of problems. I gave up at 4AM and went to bed.
The last thing I need to deal with at the moment.
Audio Tuneup 2.0 and Sound Control Panel: As reported yesterday, one G3 owner mentioned
a new "sound" control panel being present after the Audio Tuneup 2.0 install. I verified that my
G3 did not have any such control after the update and according to ATI, no G3 owner should.
They wrote: "
Sound control panel is an old system software component in 7.5.2, 7.5.3,
and 7.5.3 R2...
Apple decided to upgrade their system software about two years ago (mid
96?) and first introduced "Sound and Displays"
control panel on some selected AV-Mac's . Eventually Apple settled on
"Monitors and Sound"... except the Apple OS installers (7.5.3 R2 and
7.5.5 most noticeable) may install "Monitors and Sound" or "Sound" or
both, depended on the machine type and configurations. Apple is settling
on "Monitors and Sound". In 7.6, 7.6.1, and the most current Mac OS 8
and 8.1 installers, I have seen Sound control panel being installed in
the Apple Extra folder. And "Monitor and Sound" control panel seems to
be the only control panel in the Control Panels folder.
I checked with our QA group and they have installed the fix several time
on different machines and have not had any difficulty. In addition, they
mentioned that there should not be any control panels relating to SOUND
on anyone's G3, other than Monitors and Sound. If they have any, they
should be disabled, regardless of where they came from."
Reader Requests:
A reader asked if there were any 100 BaseT PCMCIA network cards for the PowerBook. I don't know of any,
but if you do please contact me.
Bruce Aronow needs sources of affordable 1400 dual-scan displays. He writes: "
Hi Mike,
Man you are awesome. You have sustained your energy more than I can
believe. And what a nice guy you are comes across so well in the voice
and tone that you get in your writing.
Anyways, I obviously need something : = }
Do you know the smartest thing to do for a Powerbook 1400CS that got sat
on and suffered a cracked and now non-functional screen? I believe it
is a 12" double scan, the local repair shop wants $1100 to replace
it.. I can get a new 1400 with active matrix for less than that.. Any
ideas, I will appreciate greatly."
I know the words affordable and Powerbook displays may be a contradiction in terms, but I told him to check www.macresq.com and the back ads in the Mac magazines. If you know of a better source of 1400 dual scan screens, please contact me.
Diamond has announced a new "Underground" website
with an updated list of game titles enhanced for 3D
graphics (Voodoo/Voodoo II), positional 3D audio (for their Monster Sound for PC), product information,
and an in-depth gaming FAQ. They will also have their own Quake Servers I hear. Visitors will be alerted to new drivers and
patches, available for instant download. Another bonus is rumored to be early early demos of the newest
(PC) games. They will also have a "Diamond Underground Store" for Underground exclusive apparel and Diamond products.
Great marketing idea...now if they only had Mac drivers.
Misc Web News:
Need Help? Before you send email for tech support, please check the Troubleshooting page or try searching the site (use quotes for exact matches! i.e. "mach 5" vs mach 5 which will match machine, 5, etc.) and to check the FAQ, Performance Basics, Links, and Forums for solutions to your problems or answers to tech support questions. They have a lot of good info and are a great source of help.
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