" Hi Mike, ... I thought you might be interested in some notes from my new Mac Pro (standard config plus one extra internal MaxLine 3 SATA 300GB hard drive).

For the most part, very impressed. It was quite cool to see Toast encode a DVD and see the CPU jump to 270% in Activity Monitor -- it was about twice as fast as my Intel Mini, which is about twice as fast toasting as my Dual G4/1.25. I haven't done any benchmarking, but all Rosetta apps are very usable, and Intel apps smoke. Multitasking is a breeze, and will be better now that I just installed a second GB of RAM.

Issues:
HARDWARE TEST: You can not access the hardware test that ships on the install DVD if you have an older keyboard. I happened to be using the Abnple keyboard that shipped with my dual G4/1.25, and holding the "D" key would not let me access the hardware test.

FREEZES: As reported by others, I am experiencing kernel panics, failure to boot, and system freezes. It appears to be a device conflict, probably due to one of my two USB2 hubs. Of interest is that all of my devices work fine with an Intel Mini and my Dual G4. When I find the culprit I will let you know.

DO NOT USE MIGRATOR IN SOME SITUATIONS: Do not use the handy migrating utility if you are migrating from PPC to Intel, or even from Intel to Intel if you use pro apps (and I suspect other apps may be affected too). I could not get Final Cut Pro to run properly, and was told by Apple that the migrating utility is the reason.
Hope this helps,
Graham J.
(Author of iEye Captain) "

Another Mac Pro user with a couple of early shipped models sent a note about memory bay standoffs that may be already corrected in later shipments. (I think you'd only need to remove the screws he mentions if you were trying to replace the CPUs for instance, not for a memory upgrades.)

" They screwed up (no pun intended) assembly of some first Mac Pro systems. Under the memory bay, there are 2 screws that have to be removed to slide the memory bay back / out of the way. Those screws go into standoff screws, which themselves screw into the chassis.

They put loctite on the screws going into the standoffs; but NOT on the standoffs where they go into the chassis. Therefore, the standoffs just spin and you can't remove the screws from them without scratching, digging, and gouging your Mac Pro! I think they will be replacing a lot of memory bays when warranty service is performed because of this foul up.
(I asked if the standoffs were hex types/if you could get a wrench/pliers on the side to hold it from turning)
No, there's not enough room really to get in there...
I got a REAL thin pair of needlenose in there, not enough bite to them to hold it unfortunately. Ended up with a straight screwdriver shoved in there to hold it and used a right angle ratchet screwdriver to turn the screw - still stripped one of the screw heads off, happened on both a 2.0 and 2.66 system. "

" This is an official update for Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. It will fully update any previous version of Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy to version 1.01 /1.03 Rev E. It is recommended for all users.
Fixes and improves a number of things

Jedi Academy is now a universal binary. Mods that use code DLLs will likely have to be rebuilt as Xcode-based universal binaries.

The multiplayer app now disconnects from servers properly, and no longer forces you to quit and relaunch.

Now uses Apple's version of OpenAL, which allows for true 3D audio.

Fixed issue where some mod DLLs created on other platforms would not load properly on the Mac. This only affects the multiplayer app.

Multiplayer app will now load .bundle DLLs from within pk3 files (see aspyr page for full notes on this)

Fixed PC bug in multiplayer app where the client would display "Sabers only" when connecting to a server that disabled some, but not all, of the weapons.

Dynamic glow is now a bit more dynamic than before. This may exact a bit more of a performance hit, so it can be disabled via the "More Video" options in the UI.

Fixed potential PC bug when setting force power settings in the UI in the MP app.

Workaround for "MAX_PATCH_PLANES" error that would occur when loading some very large 3rd party multiplayer maps.

About box now uses the OSX default version on 10.3.0 and higher.

Added support for GameRanger team voice.

Server disconnects now attempt to give a brief description of what went wrong.

Fixed issue in vjun1 where it would rain inside buildings.

Fixed visual glitches with the About box.

The game could randomly crash when switching between levels - this is now fixed.

The background of the Mac console window in the MP app was drawing improperly in Panther.

Fixed hitching/suttering framerates in the single-player app.

Performance in the MP app has been improved."

" I tried yesterday unsuccessfully online an on phone. My serial number was within the range. Tried again this morning and it worked fine. I think they must have had some kinks to iron out. (Some said the page was updated/SN ranges expanded.) Got an email saying the order was processed. Thanks for the website. I've found a lot of great information and some great deals through OWC.
Thanks, Dan "

Thanks Dan. Another reader said that if the System S/N doesn't match, the battery check fails. (For those that had web form problems previously, I'd try again in case there was an update to address the S/N problems mentioned in earlier mails. Barry also sent a reminder to pay attention to any zero vs O's in your serial numbers also. If all else fails, call Apple.)

"I too had trouble with the web interface on apples battery recall site. It told me that my computer and battery where both incorrect, I double checked my computers serial number and sure enough i left out a 7. But the battery serial number was entered properly. I hit submit again and it worked. I don't know why it would tell me that the battery serial number was wrong one time, and accept it the next.
According to the email it sent me, 4-6 weeks and I should have a new battery.
-A"

A couple earlier mails on form/serial no. problems:

" Subject: Battery Recall Update from Calling Apple this morning
I have a PB 15" 1.67Ghz with affected Battery. Here is the deal...
Users with the affected Battery will often have a problem trying to use the web interface for reporting their battery for replacement. You are kicked back to a page asking you to check your systems serial number and to try again. I called Apple this morning, and the rep was very nice, BUT... she seemed reluctant to offer the replacement battery. She asked if I had experienced any heat issues, or if it stopped working for me. I told her it was not smoking or in flames, but that it's serial and model number matched those in the recall program. She asked me to use the web interface to report the Battery, I told her of my trouble with the web submission, and told her I just wanted a clear answer. She asked me to hold for a few minutes, asked for the serial of battery and powerbook, asked for model number on battery, then told me to expect the battery in 10 days. A moment later, she changed that to 4-6 weeks for receipt of new battery.

Just wanted to let people know, the web page for opening a battery replacement case does not always properly indicate whether you are eligible or not for replacement. Please call them and speak to someone to be sure. And plan on being on hold for 45 minutes before getting an operator. Good luck all!
Dennis G.
Systems & Network Manager "

Another related mail:

" Subject: Apple Battery Exchange Woes!
I thought the readers might want to know that Apple has put us in a bind when it comes to the battery exchange process. My battery serial number falls with in the serials numbers accepted on the apple page, for a power book g4 15 inch. However when the serial number for the computer and battery are entered in to the apple site, it accepts the computer but not the battery, even know it*s with in the range listed.
Apple lists the phone number for support if you have issues, but after going through the menus to find the battery exchange support all you get is a message saying for help log on to the page I just came from. Ok, so how about another support options....so I tried another, the powerbook help option.. Then while waiting for the powerbook G4 operator support a Message comes on saying that the operator will not be able to help you with the battery exchange program and you must log on to the same web site came from. Why even have the help number listed on that web site then?
Here is the info I am getting from the apple battery exchange site, I hope others will get it to work properly. What can I do now!!!!?
-Marcus P.
(he sent images that showed)
"This Computer is Eligible for the Battery Exchange Program"

"This Serial Number is invalid or does not qualify for the exchange program" "

If you try again today and have the same problem, I'd call Apple again and ask for a supervisor (or mgr) if you get the same story again. Marcus later wrote that after nearly 45 minutes on the phone with apple, they did verify his battery qualified for the replacement even though the web site form didn't. So if your S/Ns match the listing, call Apple if the web page check fails.

"August 25th Trans International Announced the Availability of DDR2 667Mhz, 72 Bit ECC Fully-Buffered DIMM (FB-DIMM) For Apple*s New MacPro.
Trans International has specially engineered the Heat Spreader (Heat Sink) for the Fully*Buffered Dimms Installed in the MacPro Quad Xeon which exceed JEDEC standards and conform to Apple*s stringent Thermal, Mechanical and Electrical Design Specifications and guidelines. More cooling surface on these Heat spreaders allow better heat dissipation, providing efficient cooling for the components. Cooler operation Enhances Memory performance.

MacPro Memory Upgrade kits from 2GB to 16GB will be shipping from Monday, August 28th. 2GB Kit (2X1GB) is currently offered at $499.00 For all other configurations please visit
http://www.transintl.com/store/category.cfm?Category=2646 "

(I've updated the previous page on Mac Pro Memory/3rd party FB-Dimm tests to include this and also for updated reader reports/notes that Crucial now lists large heatsink FB-Dimms for Mac Pro's, but only in 512MB currently.)
I have a theory (only a theory) that I mentioned previously as to why Crucial and Kingston removed standard heatsink FB-Dimms from their Mac Pro compatible listings, why some Mac Pro tests saw errors, others not with flat heatsink dimms (at least so far, it's too early to tell about long-term use) and why Apple used large heatsinks. I think the std JEDEC heatsink may be marginal at least at higher temps in the Mac Pro (Apple does environmental tests at the system's max ambient temperature range) and like any mass-produced item, there's some variation in the standard FB-Dimm to heatsink assembly quality. A certain percentage may have a less than optimal bond/mate with the heatsink. That's my theory at least and would explain why Crucial said "We've been experiencing an inconsistency with the current heat spreaders on our Mac 1GB FB-DIMM modules after extended use." in reply to my asking why they removed their standard FB-Dimms from their Mac Pro compatible list.
What's interesting is that there are several memory sellers of standard (flat) heatsink FB-Dimms that claim they meet Apple's thermal guidelines, but if standard heatsink FB-Dimms did meet Apple's thermal guidelines, why did Apple design the risers and their OEM Dimms with heatsinks that have 2x or more the surface area? (Apple's memory note says they revised the heatsink to allow lower fan speeds and that "FB-DIMMs made by other manufacturers that do not include a sufficient heat sink may cause the fans to run faster (and louder) or the memory chips to run slower so as not to overheat.")
I don't know what the "Economy of Scale" price curve is for these custom heatsink dimms (i.e. what the price difference is per dimm for a dealer ordering say 5,000 or 10,000 of the non-standard heatsink dimms, vs. 100K or 200K that Apple or a major memory mfr may be ordering), but the price premium at retail has been steep. Apple's price is (as usual) the highest by far, but that's typical even on non-heatsinked, standard memory types. I'd love to know what the actual cost was for the 'non-standard' heatsink dimms.
And as I've said before, I wish the Mac Pro was designed to use standard Dimms (The Mac Pro DIMM risers are in the thermal shadow of the CPUs and have less airflow than typical servers/PCs.)

"Hello Mike, just wanted to let you know that version 3.8 of the Hardware Monitor and Temperature Monitor application suites have been released today.
As far as I know they are the first Mac OS X applications to support the internal sensors of the Xeon 5100 cores in the new Mac Pro. The digital thermal sensors of each core, and the current core voltage / core clock frequency readings can be displayed.

Detail information is available at
http://www.bresink.com/osx/HardwareMonitor.html
http://www.bresink.com/osx/HardwareMonitorRemote.html
http://www.bresink.com/osx/HardwareMonitorWE.html
http://www.bresink.com/osx/TemperatureMonitor.html
http://www.bresink.com/osx/TemperatureMonitorWE.html

There are still no news regarding the secrect internals of the System Management Controller (SMC), so mainboard and FB-DIMM temperatures, as well as fan speeds cannot be accessed so far.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Best regards, Marcel"

" Greetings Mike, I spent a bit of time trying out Sheepshaver (May 14, 2006 build) on my MacBookPro (2Ghz core duo, 2GB RAM), using ROM 1.6 with OS 9.0.4.

I created a 700MB disk which boots quickly. Mostly it works pretty well. Internet access, sound, viewing QT movies, and accessing shared files on the network by entering the IP directly all worked fine. I got printing to work by setting up my HP Laserjet 2300 as an IP printer. The Clipboard works transparently with OS X.

I'm not sure why, but sometimes files and folders that exist in the OSX (Unix) plane simply don't show up under Sheepshaver. The only reliable way I found to easily move files between the two was to alias my OSX user Desktop onto the OS9 Desktop. Then, I was able to copy files between them, except for the fact that Types/Creators get reversed. For example, if the Type/Creator is: MooV/TVOD once the file is copied over it becomes VooM/DOVT under Sheepshaver. The problem occurs when copying in either direction. Fixing the files with File Buddy solves the problem: icons reappear. Contrary to what one of your readers said, the resource forks are not damaged.

Applications mostly worked fine (under very limited testing). Graphing Calculator was quite snappy, 4th Dimension 6.7 was a little sluggish, but worked fine. FoxPro 2.6 (which works fine in Classic), on the other hand, worked poorly, displaying odd mathmatical errors and crashing on occasion. I would guess this is an FPU emulation problem, as there's a note about a later build than I was using:

"As of 2006/07/04, the current SheepShaver CVS branch contains a more accurate FPU emulation engine. It passes VEX tests with more precision & exception bits. All the following glibc tests pass on PPC: test-fenv, test-arith{,f}, test-{float,double}. Almost all of them pass on x86-64 too (modulo a few errors in test-float), provided that GCC >= 4.0.1 is used. The more accurate engine is enabled with PPC_ENABLE_FPU_EXCEPTIONS."

Also, the certain characters didn't keyboard correctly, there apparently are some keycode mapping issues.

Other things I tried, that seem to work: File Buddy, TomeViewer, Disk First Aid (reports that the disks are Floppies, but otherwise seems to work), Desktop Printer Utility, SimpleText, Speech, Stuffit Expander, Internet Explorer 5.1.7 and Quicktime.
All in all, it's a pretty impressive start. That's it for now.
-Dave "

I've added this to the previous page here with Info/Guides/Feedback on Sheep Shaver for Classic OS support with Intel Macs.

" Mike, AMUG has just posted a review of the WiebeTech Tera Card TCES0-2e PCIe SATA host adapter. This 2-port PCIe card works with PC and Macintosh computers with an available PCIe slot. The article discusses installation, chipset, features, the difference between the Silicon Image SiI-3132 1.04 and 1.16 Mac drivers, hot swap tests, compatibility, sleep and performance. Several PCIe SATA host adapters are compared during the performance tests. This allows users to decide which card might best fit their needs.
(Since it's a common question on SATA controllers, I asked him if the card was bootable on the Mac (I assumed not from the Mac and PC note)-Mike)
The Tera Card TCES0-2e is not bootable and requires the Silicon Image SiI-3132 Mac driver to work on a Macintosh. It supports SATA-PM enclosures as well as direct connect enclosures which is nice...
Have a great weekend,
Michael Bean
TEAM AMUG "

• Keyspan USB Adapter X 2.2
• Slow Cable Modems on Macs due to Broadcom Chipset (hoax?) (apple forums)
• Snapz Pro X 2.0.3
• Dantz Retrospect 6.1.7.101
• IWoz Logs Leap From Geek to Icon
• Logitech Control Center 2.1 (adds MX Revolution and VX Revolution mice support)
• FlickrExport for iPhoto 2.0.2
• Canon's New Digital SLR: The Dustbuster?
• PSP to get GPS receiver
• Gigabyte Announces Passively Cooled HDMI Graphics Card
• Intel re-issues wireless patch (previous one was memory hog)
• Recycling Old Cards With New Names
• Microsoft Finally Reissues Botched IE Patch