"Just applied the MacBook Pro EFI 1.5 firmware update to my MBP and it apparently resolves the supposed graphics 'bug' that was introduced with the graphics firmware update for the MBP that was released just about the time 10.5.2 was released. (IIRC some other MBP owners noted this issue on the OS X 10.5.2 Update/Leopard Graphics Update 1.0 feedback page.) The issue manifested itself as an apparent inability of the MBP to detect the resolution of an external monitor connected to it when it was NOT running in clamshell mode, such that the built-in LCD display AND an external monitor could not be used together (at least not in other than mirror mode) and the external monitor's resolution set to max. At least that was the case with my Dell 24" Wide Screen LCD monitor connected via DVI.
The issue seems to have disappeared with this firmware update. And just in time for me. I need to use Keynote to do a big presentation this week and was very much hoping to use the built-in LCD to look at notes while I presented using a projector.
-Tom H."

Wednesday's news has some later feedback from MacBook Air and MacBook Pro owners on the updates. See below for links/info on firmware updates today (and email links for feedback on them). I've updated the AL iMac (and alum kbd update) but too early to tell if there's any pros or cons here. (Update - see Wednesday's news.)

"About Mac Book Air EFI Firmware Update 1.0
This update fixes several issues to improve the stability of MacBook Air computers.
To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the Installer closes.
After the firmware is successfully applied to your Mac, your Boot ROM Version will be:
MBA11.00BB.B03
You can confirm the version of the BootROM installed on your computer using System Profiler.
For more information about firmware updates for Intel-based Macs, please visit: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1244 (link worked when I first posted it - doesn't 5 min later...(deja-vu lately...) - try the doc link in other intel-mac firmware updates - http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303364. Not sure what's going on at apple's web site QA lately (let alone Software QA))"

I'm not lucky enough to own a Macbook Air but if you apply this update, let me know if you see any pros or cons.

(Note: Updated link on 4/21/2008 after Apple posted the "1.5.1" version, which fixed an issue some had with the 1.5 updater not applying)
"About Mac Book Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5.1
This update fixes several issues to improve the stability of MacBook Pro computers.
After the firmware is successfully applied to your Mac, your Boot ROM Version will be:
MBP21.00A5.B08 or MBP31.0070.B07
You can confirm the version of the BootROM installed on your computer using System Profiler.
To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the Installer closes.
For more information about firmware updates for Intel-based Macs, please visit: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303364"

If you update your MacBook Pro, let me know if you see any pros or cons.

"About MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.2
This update fixes several issues to improve the stability of MacBook computers.
After the firmware is successfully applied to your Mac, your Boot ROM Version will be:
MB31.008E.B02
You can confirm the version of the BootROM installed on your computer using System Profiler.
To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/MacBook EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the Installer closes.
For more information about firmware updates for Intel-based Macs, please visit: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303364"

If you update your Macbook, let me know if you see any pros or cons.

"About iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.3
This update fixes several issues to improve the stability of iMac computers.
After the firmware is successfully applied to your Mac, your Boot ROM Version will be:
IM71.007A.B03
You can confirm the version of the BootROM installed on your computer using System Profiler.
To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/iMac EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the Installer closes.
For more information about firmware updates for Intel-based Macs, please visit: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303364"

I welcome feedback on this iMac firmware update. (Applying it on my refurb AL iMac here today...)

"About Aluminum Keyboard Firmware Update 1.0
This firmware update addresses an issue with the aluminum Apple Keyboard and the aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard where a key may repeat unexpectedly while typing.
The update also addresses other issues.
Mac OS X 10.5.2 is required before installing this update.
The update package will install an updater application into the Applications/Utilities folder and will launch it automatically.
Connect your aluminum Apple Keyboard before following the instructions in the updater application to complete the update process.
If you are installing from a MacBook or a MacBook Pro, your computer's power cord must be connected and plugged into a working power source...

I welcome feedback on this update.

"OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro RAID FireWire 800/400+USB2 storage solutions utilize the best performing Oxford 924 FireWire 800/400+USB2 chipset coupled with the the latest SATA II drive technology to provide overall superior reliability and performance. These solutions are fully backed with a 2 Year Full Solution Warranty + up to an additional 3 years warranty covering the HD mechanisms used inside. Quality, Performance, Reliability.

Currently available with up to 2TB (2000GB) of capacity, Elite-AL Pro RAID is a sleek and compact Aluminum design of only 9.0" Long x 2.8" Wide x 5.8" High. These Elites are Fully A/V Certified as well as EMC Retrospect Backup Certified for all your Audio/Video, Backup, Graphics, Music, General Data needs and more! With 2 x FW800 Ports, 1 x FW400 Port, 1 x USB 2.0/1.1 Port - solutions are fully Bootable and provide excellent data accessibility as any of the available interface ports, whichever best/desired interface is available on the system(s) it's being connected to, may be used fully interoperable with no affect on the actual data being read/written.
Current OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro FW800/400+USB2 RAID prices:

320GB with 16MB cache remains $219.99

500GB with 32MB cache now $239.99 ($20 Drop)

640GB with 32MB cache now $267.99 ($12 Drop)

800GB with 32MB cache now $299.99 ($20 Drop)

1.0TB with 32MB cache remains $349.99

1.5TB with 32MB cache now $479.99 ($70 Drop)

2.0TB with 64MB cache now $599.99 ($120 Drop)

OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro RAID FireWire 800/400+USB2 solutions are backed by an industry leading 2 Year OWC Solution Warranty + up to an additional 3 years warranty (for a total of 5 years) on the partner hard drive mechanisms inside our first rate solutions!
Solutions all include the full retail version of Prosoft DataBackup III ($59 retail value) for OS X and NovaStor NovaBackup ($49 retail value) for Windows. Also included in the complete Intech HD Speedtools performance utility suite. You don't need to use any of these applications, but they're great to have when you need them + Intech HD Speedtools Utility Suite, FireWire 800 connecting cable, FireWire 400 connecting cable, USB connecting cable, and 2 Year+ Warranty as noted above.

Ground delivery within the 48 Continental states is $2.95 for any of the above solutions. 2nd Day Air delivery also available for $7.95 or less.

Also Available - Build your Own: Elite-Pro RAID Oxford924 800/400+USB2 RAID Enclosure Kit for $119.99. Includes FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB2 Connecting cables and 1 Year OWC Warranty. User configurable for different RAID and non-RAID modes.
Best Regards,
Lawrence R. O'Connor
Other World Computing"

Now Shipping: Final Cut Server
Apple today announced that it has begun shipping Final Cut Server, a powerful software solution for media asset management and workflow automation. A scaleable server application, Final Cut Server automatically catalogs large collections of assets, allows searching across multiple disks and SAN volumes, and enables viewing, annotation and approval of content from anywhere using a PC or Mac. "With the introduction of Final Cut Server, collaboration just got a whole lot easier for millions of editors, producers and clients who work with Final Cut Studio,"...

They also have a related press release on FC Server.

• JoeSoft announces Hear (sound enhancement app)
• First Look: The Beta of Photoshop Express
• Sonic Reality Releases 15 Expansion Paks for Stylus RMX
• Blu-ray Tech Advance Integrates iPhone, iPod Touch
• Dialectic 1.0 (System-wide address book menu and scriptable dialer)
• Stairways Software releases Keyboard Maestro 3.0
• Preferential Treatment 1.1.8 (scans for corrupted prefs - freeware)
• LiquidMac 1.4 (freeware)
• Phone Wallpaper X 1.2
• Boinx FotoMagico 2.2
• FlickrExport for iPhoto 2.0.15
• Shimo 1.0.7 (freeware)
• Data Rescue II 1.2
• DiskLibrary 1.7.5
• Data Backup 3 3.0.4
• Klix 1.0 ("picture/movie recovery software that is safe on your media card")
• Drive Genius 2.0.2
• FCP Attic 3 3.0.1 (Trash, Backup and Refresh your FC Pro prefs)
• RoadMovie 1.1
• Countdown Maker 1.0.6
• HP Admits to Selling Infected Flash-Floppy Drives
• Is the worst over for AMD?
• Steal a glimpse inside 'Grand Theft Auto IV'
• Nokia Hits 'Play' On N-Gage Gaming Service
• Sprint's iPhone-killer: Hardly a killer Instinct?
• Microsoft Fixes Technical Glitch In Vista Update (FYI for bootcamp users)