News Archive for: Thursday, August 17th, 2006 (later posted items first)
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Mac Pro Memory reports/tests page updated
I've updated the previous page on Mac Pro Memory reports/tests to include a (long) mail from OWC on temperature tests with 3rd party (std heatsink) FB-Dimms vs Apple spec (large heatsink) FB-Dimms (up to 8 at a time) and an update from a reader on replacements for a pair of WinTec PC2-5300 1GB FB-Dimms that ran at 533MHz. (Replacements running at 667MHz he said.)
Also added a reader's note/link tonight showing Kingston's search engine no longer lists anything for the Mac Pro, although it did previously. I wrote Kingston to ask if the listing was pulled as a result of their own tests with a Mac Pro.
(Page updated again at 9AM Friday with more reader notes on 3rd party FB-Dimms.)
If you've tested 3rd party RAM in your Mac Pro, let me know. Remember to Check Apple System Profiler to verify 667MHz speeds and any ECC error corrections after extensive use/stress tests. Thanks. (Especially interested if anyone else is running six or eight 3rd party/standard heatsink FB-Dimms, as I was surprised at OWC's comments on seeing ECC errors so quickly with that config. in their Mac Pro 3GHz. A reader previously sent a report on using a 6 Kingston dimms (4 1GB, 2 512MB) with the 2 OEM/Apple shipped dimms and wrote again about them.)
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MacBook SMC Firmware Update
Apple's downloads page has a new MacBook SMC Firmware Update, saying "The SMC Firmware Update adjusts fan behavior in the MacBook.".
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Apple Logic Express and Pro 7.2.2 Updates (Mac Pro compatible, optimized for quad cores)
Apple has released Logic Express Update 7.2.2 and Logic Pro Update 7.2.2 today. Both had similar change notes:

Logic Express (and Pro) 7.2.2 improves compatibility with the Mac Pro and delivers increased performance through full use of the Mac Pro Quad-core architecture as well as optimized support for the built-in audio ports."
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Apple Xsan 1.4 Updates
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ElGato EyeTV Hybrid
ElGato has expanded their EyeTV line to include EyeTV Hybrid ($149.95 list):

" EyeTV Hybrid is powered by award-winning EyeTV 2 software:
  • Watch analog as well as digital TV on your Mac.
  • Browse EyeTV menus in Full Screen mode.
  • Rewind, fast forward, and pause digital TV.
  • Record hours of your favorite TV shows directly on your hard drive and edit out unwanted content.
  • Find TV shows using the built-in program guide (USA only).
  • Export clips and entire episodes to your video-capable iPod.
  • Connect game consoles and enjoy zero latency game play.
  • And much more...

    It's the ideal solution for someone who wants both an analog and digital TV solution for the Mac in one small USB stick."

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    Notes on Buying/Checking Old vs New Spec AL Cinema Displays
    (updated with comments on new spec S/Ns)

    "Hi Mike, since Apple has bumped specifications of their Cinema Display and lowered price I decided to go and buy a new 23" as replacement of my current 20" ACD.

    Seconds after seeing this screen working, I immediately noticed the "pink screen" problem. (I asked if he had checked this after a "1 hour warm-up" and he said no, although that may not change this.-Mike) Also I checked the serial with Coconut Identity card and it looked like the screen was manufactured in early June.

    After talking with AppleCare regarding this issue, they do confirm me that this screen is from a previous generation because it was "late 2005" model and not mid 2006 one... incredible! They recommended to return the unit, so I did and asked for a refund as well.

    I'm now waiting a few weeks to get my money back and see if Apple delivers what is advertised on his page instead selling old stock to their loyal customers. For the record, this screen was purchased at the Apple Store Online, Spain.

    (I asked him if he had the S/N of the display just as a FYI, but not sure what S/N range the newer specs displays started at. -Mike)
    2A62026XXXX (last 4 digits masked)
    (he later wrote)
    I have been informed new specification panels (Mid 2006) start from 2A6281 and up. Any model with lower serial number is within later 2005 specifications (like mine).
    -George R. "

    There's always a chance of getting some older stock from any dealer after a specs change like that and the usual "specifications subject to change without notice" disclaimer applies. Not everyone with an "old spec" Display mentioned the "pink" issue although for those with complaints, it was one of the most common ones. (Some tried recalibrations/custom colorsync profiles, etc.) I've added George's notes to the Alum Cinema Display reports page.

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    Extensive review of Mac Pro
    PC site Anandtech has posted a very detailed review of the Mac Pro, including notes on FB-Dimm Memory performance and tests (real world) of Dual vs Quad channel configuration that showed in their tests "for the most part, there's no benefit to having all four channels populated, but in some rare cases the performance boost can be tremendous".
    Macworld also recently posted their review of the Mac Pro which noted some tasks like QT Pro encoding/conversion only used a Single core. (Not multithreaded)
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    Price Cuts on OWC Portable FW/USB Hard Drives
    (from site sponsor OWC)

    " OWC Mercury Express Solutions are compatible for Mac or PCs. Bus Power with either FireWire or USB, also fully bootable via FireWire or USB on computers with such boot support. Intech HD Speedtools utility suite, FireWire Cable, USB Cable, Carrying Case, and a 1yr OWC Warranty are included.

    40GB 5400RPM 8MB Cache FireWire 400 + USB 2.0/1.1 now $99.95
    80GB 5400RPM 8MB Cache FireWire 400 + USB 2.0/1.1, now $119.95
    100GB 5400RPM 8MB Cache FireWire 400 + USB 2.0/1.1, new for $139.95
    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/mercxpress
    Ground Delivery available for $4.50 or less, 2nd Day Air special $7.95 or less. "

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    Halo Universal Binary Available (for a fee)
    MacSoft Games' Halo support page has a note there's a Universal Binary version of Halo available (for a fee)

    " Universal Binary Release:
    IMPORTANT: Halo owners who have not upgraded to an Intel-based Mac do not need to upgrade their version of Halo. They will still be able to play network games against owners of the Universal and PC versions.

    Creating the Universal Application required extensive rewriting of the Halo code. As a result, MacSoft cannot release the Universal Application as a small, downloadable update. Owners of the original Mac version of Halo have 2 options for acquiring the Universal Application.

    1) MacSoft will send out a new Halo disc to owners of the original version of Halo. To receive a new disc, you can send MacSoft a photocopy of your Halo registration code number, along with your return address and $9.95(US) for shipping and handling. A new disc will be mailed to you.

    Also, for anyone who purchased the non-Universal version of Halo for Mac after January 1, 2006, MacSoft will waive the shipping charges. Just send your request along with your registration code, your return address, and your original, dated sales receipt.

    Send your request to:
    MacSoft
    13755 1st Ave N, Suite 500
    Plymouth, MN 55441
    ATTN: Halo UB

    2) For users who would prefer to download the new version, it will be available at the MacGameStore. Again, owners of the original version will have to supply their registration number. Charge for the download is $5.00(US).

    NOTE: This is a very large download and is not recommended for those with dialup Internet access.
    To purchase the downloadable Halo Universal Binary, go to:
    http://www.macgamestore.com/detail.php?ProductID=616 "

    A reader posted a short comment on Halo UB on his MacBook Pro:

    " Wow it plays well on a 2.16GHz MacBook Pro. Much faster than a 2GHZ G5 iMac.
    However, I cannot seem to "Command-Tab" to switch applications while I am in Halo. This worked on the PowerPC build. Any suggestions?
    -LC"
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    Boot Camp Reports/Tips page updated
    The Boot Camp feedback/tips page has been updated with some Partitioning (for Vista) notes and a report on problems with the Boot Camp 1.1 drivers (most other BC 1.1 users didn't mention this).
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    Alum Cinema Display reports page updated
    The Alum Cinema Display owner feedback page have been updated again. (23in AL display owner's (positive) comments.) Updated again later today for notes/checks on old vs new spec AL displays.
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    Recent Reviews and Articles:
    Listing/links to recent articles and reviews you may have missed.
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    MacBook Upgrades


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