" With 10.4.6 on my PowerBook, there's now native Apple support for the Pioneer DVR-K06 slot-in superdrive. I replaced the original Matshita UJ-846 with the better drive from Pioneer.

(OS X tiger has basic burn support for most drives including the K06 so I asked if he meant it's now reported by ASP as "Apple Shipped/Supported"-Mike)
that's right! It is now listed as "Apple Shipped/Supported"...
Best Regards, Gordon"

I think the K06 has been used as an OEM drive in some Macs. One benefit of this is that iDVD 5.0x will show the 8GB Project option for dual layer drives that are "Apple Supported" without needing any hacks. (iDVD 6 reportedly has DL support for most drives, not just "Apple Supported" ones.) I asked if anyone with a DVR-110D updated to 10.4.6, to let me know if ASP lists it the same (the 110D was shipped in some Dual core G5s in the past) - within seconds literally several readers replied it did. Here's the first reply:

" Mike, I just got through looking at ASP, and yes... my Pioneer DVR-110D (cross-flashed to a regular 110) is listed as Apple Shipped/ Supported.
- ctj "

Although several other 110D owners have written they also saw this change, one reader didn't but he noted using a Patchburn 4 drive profile. (I suggested he remove it and he replied back that worked.)
If anyone sees any other drive support changes, let me know. Thanks.

" The 10.4.6 Update is recommended for all users and includes general operating system fixes, as well as specific fixes for the following applications and technologies:

- login and authentication in a variety of network environments
- file access and byte range locking with AFP file sharing
- network access when using proxy server automatic configuration files
- connecting to Cisco VPN servers using IP/Sec
- using Bluetooth wireless devices
- searching iWork '06 and Microsoft Office documents with Spotlight
- saving Word documents automatically when using a network home directory
- creating Automator workflows for iPhoto 6
- synchronizing contacts and calendars to .Mac and mobile phones
- mounting and unmounting iDisk volumes
- compatibility with third party applications and devices
- previous standalone security updates

For detailed information on this Update, please visit this website:
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n303411.
For detailed information on Security Updates, please visit this website:
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n61798."

Note: Although I think it should be in the Software Update text, the Linked 303411 doc includes a note (underlined for emphasis) for iSync users that some may miss (Matthew did - I don't use iSync personally):

" If you use iSync, you should perform a full sync with your devices before installing this update. Mac OS X 10.4.6 Update includes a later version of iSync with several improvements. For more information and before-you-install steps, see iSync 2.2: Read before updating to Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later, or before first sync. "

Download pages:
• Mac OS X 10.4.6 for PPC
• Mac OS X 10.4.6 Combo for PPC
• Mac OS X 10.4.6 for Intel
• Mac OS X 10.4.6 Combo for Intel
• Mac OS X Server 10.4.6
• Mac OS X Server 10.4.6 Combo

I'm applying this now on the one system here with Tiger, but if any readers find this fixes or breaks anything, let me know. Thanks.
(BTW - Matthew called to say on his two (PowerPC) updated systems after applying the update and restarting at the prompt, they did a sort of double restart (startup tone, then a few seconds later another startup tone/restart before loading the OS) and that Disk Utility shows a clean slate for repair permissions afterwards. I saw the same thing on a 2003 G5 here after applying the update. This is mentioned in the Apple kbase doc with more info on 10.4.6:
"With the Mac OS X 10.4.6 system software update, PowerPC-based Macs will restart twice, instead of once, after the initial installation.")

" rEFIt is a boot menu and maintenance toolkit for EFI-based machines like the Intel Macs. It gives you easy access to the EFI environment and serves as a hook for pre-boot applications. Beyond that, the project aims to become a common platform for extensions to the built-in boot capabilities, like legacy BIOS booting on Apple's legacy-free Intel computers."

The page has links to more info on EFI and support/resources. (The April 1st revised date gave me pause for a minute but sourceforge isn't in the habit of april fools jokes.) I don't yet own an Intel CPU Mac but if any readers that do play around with this let me know.

" If you have a Mac Mini (Early 2006), the Final Cut Studio (Universal) crossgrade Installer does not prohibit you from installing the pro applications, but this configuration does not meet the minimum system requirements for Final Cut Studio.
See the Final Cut Studio system requirements for complete requirements."

The requirements on that linked page have been updated now (last week it didn't list Intel CPU Mac specifics).

• Aperture can't import iPhoto 5 Library that contains altered folder names
• Logic Pro/Express: Unexpected insert bypassed by automation on instrument tracks
• iLife '06: Don't move iLife support files from installed locations
• iMovie HD: About limiting clip length when importing
• iPhoto 6: Adjust panel appears to have no effect on RAW images
• iPhoto: Unexpected quit when exporting to Kodak EasyShare
• Final Cut Studio is not supported on Mac Mini (Early 2006)
• Identifying different iPod models
• iPod "stuck" on the artwork or rating screen
• Setting the maximum volume limit on iPod
• iPod: FireWire and USB Cards
• iTunes Music Store: Finding lost music and video downloads
• Mac OS X 10.4: Where does Spotlight search?
• MacBook Pro: External ports and connectors

• WinSwitch 3.2 release (Universal Binary)
• Synergy 2.7 released
• AppZapper 1.3 Released (Uninstaller)
• Lost an IPod or Wallet? Look for It Online (ABC news)
• Prisoner of Redmond (PBS/Cringley)
• Nvidia unveils mobile Quadro FX trio

DVD+R/RW + DVD-R/RW Drives:
• IDE Mad Dog MD-16X3DVD-8X in (MDD) Single G4 DDR (OS X 10.4)
  (listed under "other" brand)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-K06 in PowerBook G4 (OS X 10.4)
  (FAQ's Powerbook section has links to take-apart guides)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-111D in G5 Tower (OS X 10.4)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-110D in iMac G4 (OS X 10.4)
  (although Tiger has basic iApps burn support for most drives without it, he noted using Patchburn 4. - iMac G4 15in take-apart article here)
  
  Hard Drives:
• IDE Western Digital WD2500JB 250GB in iMac G4 (OS X 10.4)
  (iMac G4 15in take-apart article here)
• IDE Western Digital WD1600BB 160GB in iMac Slot-Loading (OS X 10.4)
  (Note - iMac slot loading onboard IDE does not have 48bit addressing/big drive support so capacity limited to appx 128GB. Speedtools FAQ's iMac section has links to drive install guides/take-aparts.)
• Firewire Lacie Porche 160GB used w/Intel CPU iMac (OS X 10.4)

You can find full owner reports (latest shown first) by searching the database by drive/brand/interface/mac models (the latest reports are shown first in searches). If you've added a IDE, SCSI, Firewire or USB hard drive, CDRW, tape drive, etc. make sure you add a report to the database. (If you post an updated entry - make sure you use the same name, etc. as you did before so I can find your past entry. Thanks.)

• FastMac G4 1.5GHz in (Sawtooth) G4/AGP (rated 10)
  (listed under "Other brand")
• Powerlogix G3 1GHz (750GX) in Beige G3 (rated 1)
• Sonnet G4 1.8GHz (7447A) in (Digital Audio) G4/AGP (rated 9)
• Sonnet G4 500MHz in B&W G3 (rated 10)
  
  (Full reviews of G4 and G3 upgrades compared to stock CPUs, including real world apps/game tests, install info, etc. are linked at the CPU upgrades page. OC/CPU module articles are on the Systems page.)

You can find the full reports by searching the database selecting the indicated Mac model and upgrade card brand/type. If you've upgraded the CPU on your Mac, please post an report in the database. Search the database for entries from most every upgradable Mac model *before* you buy. (Searchable by mac model/upgrade brand).