" Warbirds III:
ftp://lists.ient.com/pub/WarBirds/WBIII/wbmfull08.01.01.sit

ATi Drivers: (Filename changed 8/2/2001)
ftp://lists.ient.com/pub/WarBirds/WBIII/ATI_July_beta.sit The ATi drivers will ONLY work with OpenGL 1.2.2. However, ATi is supposed to be releasing updated drivers that will work with OpenGL 1.2.1 tomorrow.
[Not sure if these are later than the ones floating around from OS 9.2 GM-Mike]

Also, for benchmarking, I forgot to tell the pilots that they should be on the runway of Field #1 (F1 it's called).
-Ken"

I added the runway note to Ken's comments below.

" Warbirds III is being released TODAY (around 5:30 EDT) concurrently for the Mac and PC platforms.
I've been playing it in beta form for months, and have become an addict!
(there's a page here from a few months back with reader feedback on the early beta versions-Mike)

Plus, it's FREE for the month of August!
[Free online play for August]

Check out http://www.iencentral.com/warbirds/index.shtml
- Ken
(I asked Ken for more info-Mike)

The newest version is 0801.

ALSO, even BIGGER news is the unofficial, updated ATi drivers that solve the "unflushed polygons" issue that Warbirds III found. They also give me a modest framerate increase of 10 fps or so on average... from 40fps to 50fps.

If you wanna have guys benchmark their systems, have them get on the runway [the runway of Field #1 (F1 it's called)] in a 109f with the engine off. Type ".framemode 2" and then, after a few seconds of letting the system run, take a screenshot. That will give us a good base to see how things are going.
- Ken "

The main page link above notes the 080101 update (clicking it pops up another smaller browser window with info and links to the new update.)

" Dear Test Drive participant,
On behalf of the entire Virtual PC team and all of Connectix, let me offer our sincere thanks for your help in making the Virtual PC Test Drive for Mac OS X program a success. We are pleased to say that the response and feedback in the first two weeks from users like you has been phenomenal.

In fact, we now have a revised version of the Test Drive, and we'd like to invite you to take it out for a spin. We don't anticipate any further revisions to the Test Drive before the release of the next version of Virtual PC for Mac.

You can download the revised Test Drive by following the link below:
http://preview.connectix.com/downloads/Test_Drive_406.hqx

This file is the complete installer for the Test Drive, and weighs in at around 2.2 MB. You don't need to re-register on the Test Drive Web site; your previously-issued serial number will work.

Based on user feedback, some changes were implemented in order to improve the performance and functionality of the Test Drive:

- We added a fix to increase performance with Windows 2000. This should dramatically speed up boot time and overall performance of Windows 2000, NT and XP Virtual Machines running in the Test Drive.

- We fixed an issue with PPP connections causing crashes when launching the Test Drive.

- We fixed a problem that caused the Test Drive to crash when virtual machines were set to use Unique IP under Virtual PC 4.0.2 in OS 9.1 and then booted in the Test Drive.

A complete list of the changes made can be found in the Read Me file for the Test Drive, located here:

http://preview.connectix.com/downloads/TD_Readme_406.html

If you haven't had a chance yet, please visit our discussion forum area on the Connectix Web site. You can find out how other people are using Virtual PC, exchange tips and tricks, get announcements from Connectix, and talk about your impressions of the Test Drive:

http://www.connectix.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?category=4

Please remember, the Virtual PC for OS X Test Drive is BETA software and as such, Connectix does not offer direct support. It is important to back up any data and/or drive images before installing or using this software.

In closing, thank you again for participating in the Test Drive. We've listened very closely to your feedback, which has helped make Virtual PC an even better product. Enjoy!
Rob Westergaard
Test Drive Coordinator
Connectix
...and the entire Virtual PC team at Connectix!"

" I just flashed a Visiontek GeForce 3 for use in my G4/733. I spent some time reading about how to do it in the Discussion Forums. Thank you for the site!

One thing that threw me off... The raw file size of the rom image is 65K but the nvflash.exe is smart enough not to copy the free space on the end of the file. It then reports that the image in the flash memory and the file are different. (Well duh!) I started studying the rom file and concluded that the actual data in the file ended at around 44K.

Works like a charm. I'll keep the Radeon AGP for when I have to use Lightwave. Or perhaps I can turn around and sell the GeForce on e-bay for $500. :)
Scott T. "

For tests of a OEM Mac GeForce3 in a G4/733 and a 2x AGP G4/500 DP Mac (incl. comparisons to the Radeon card in the same Macs) - see the performance tests article on the Video cards page.

" Hi- We have lower prices on quite a few XLR8 products starting today -

G3 Configurations:          Current SRP    New SRP     % Decrease
400 MHz MACh Speed G3 ZIF       $239        $229             4%
450/466 Mhz MACh Speed G3 ZIF   $289        $279             3%
500 MHz Mach Speed G3 ZIF       $379        $349             8%
400 MHz MACh Carrier G3         $299        $269            10%
450/466 MACh Carier G3          $359        $329             8%
500 MHz MACh Carrier G3         $429        $399             7%

G4 Configurations:          Current SRP    New SRP     % Decrease
400 MHz G4 ZIF                  $349        $319             9%
400 MHz MACh Carrier G4         $429        $359            16%
450/466 MACh Carier G4          $479        $449             6%
           
MPe Configurations:         Current SRP    New SRP    % Decrease
           
Dual Mach Velocity G4 Configurations:
2x400 MHz MACh Velocity G4 Mpe  $929        $879             5%
2x500 MHz MACh Velocity G4 Mpe  $1,279      $1,199           6%
           
Dual Mach Carrier G4 Configurations:
400 MHz MACh Carrier G4 Mpe     $1,029      $979             5%
450/466 Mhz MACh Carrier G4 Mpe $1,129      $1,059           6%

Thanks!
Jamie "

OWC's XLR8 Upgrades page listing is here.

• Metabox G3/300 in UMAX Aegis (rated 9)
• Powerlogix Bluechip G3/466 in PowerBook G3 wallstreet2 (rated 10)
• Powerlogix Bluechip G3/466 in PowerBook G3 wallstreet2 (rated 1)
• Sonnet G3/33 in PowerBook 1400 (rated 10)
• XLR8 CarrierZIF w/OWC G3/400 ZIF in 8500/120 (rated 9)

(Warning - Overclocking may not be reliable and could lead to hardware failure or corrupted data.) 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 entry in the database. Search the database for entries from most every upgradable Mac model *before* you buy. (Searchable by mac model/upgrade brand). For detailed reviews with performance tests and install tips, see the CPU Upgrades page.)

Software Updates:
• VideoLink pro 1.1
• Virus Barrier 08.01
• AIMgadget 2.1
• Vicomsoft Internet Gateway 7.0.1
  
  (see the news item above for info/links to Warbirds III update/ATI drivers)

Apple TIL Updates:
• Apple Menu Options: Not Creating Recent Document Aliases
• iBook: How to Record Sounds
• Troubleshooting Handbook: Solving Problems: Problems
• AirPort Base Station: Technical Specifications
• Apple Pro Speakers: No Sound From Speakers
• Open Transport: Error Codes
• Apple Studio Display 17 (LCD): Compatibility
• Apple Studio Display 17 (LCD): Install Display Software for Best Performance
• iBook: Reset Button Location and Function
• AppleWorks 6 Update: Mac OS 9.1 and Mac OS X Installation
  
  OS X Related TILs
• Font Locations and Their Purposes
  
  OS X Server Related TILs
• How to Set up Multiple IP Addresses on a Single Network Interface
• How to Add Hosts to Local NetInfo

Mac/PowerPC Related News:
(Note: Rehashing of press releases, repeated news, etc. not listed)

• Mac OS X 10.1 leaks confirm speed bump (the register)
• Tech Note TN2025 - OS X 10.0.1 to 10.0.4 (apple)
• Why I Prefer Macs in the Classroom (mathdittos)
• Basics of Final Cut Pro: Keyboard Shortcuts (LA FinalCut Pro User's Group)
• Audio apps earmarked for X (macworld uk)
• Apple RAM supplier in financial crises (macworld uk)
• Is Your Virus Protection Working? Note last line (before 'Get Online Activism' section)
• keyBORG PowerBook G3 & iBook Keyboard Keys Now Available in US: (macsonly)
• Mac support for VueScan dropped (maccentral)
• iTunes, your Home Theater & Wireless AV 'How-to' (avitunes)
• Mac OS X utilities abound (currents.net)

Gaming:
• Deep Space Nine® The Fallen
• See news item above for info/links to Warbirds III update/ATI drivers.

Misc. Hardware Related:
• LaCie SE2100 FireWire (lacie)
• FireWire 16x CD-RW Drives (macworld)