Also note that as in the past if you have an OEM ATI card or ATI onboard Video chip (as in the Beige G3s) you'll have to do a 'forced' manual install (see this ATI page for info) and indicate which chip/card you have (Beige G3 rev 1s have the RageII, Beige G3 rev 2s and later have the RagePro, B&W G3s have a Rage128 that is closest to the Orion card, Powerbook G3 Wallstreet 1s have RageLT (rageII), PB G3 Wallstreet2 and Lombard owners have the RageProLT (ragePro). See http://support.atitech.ca/drivers/xclaim.html for installation notes and links for onboard/OEM video chip information.

$99 Rage128 PRO AGP Kits: Among Apple's latest PR news was a note that early next year they will offer a Rage128 Pro AGP kit (up to 40% faster 3D they say with a digital LCD port) for $99:

" The Rage 128 Pro card kit will be available early next year for a suggested retail price of US$99 for customers with existing AGP-based Power Mac G4 systems. "

[Note - for tests in 2d/3d/games of the Rage128 Pro AGP vs the original Rage128 AGP card, see my comparison article. The Video articles page has reviews of later/faster cards like the Radeon AGP and Nvidia GeForce3 also.]
Apple has a new press release today about the Enhanced G4 line noted here earlier this morning.

New Apple 15" Digital LCD: A reader mentioned that another new product at the Apple store is a 15 inch LCD digital display for $1299 (available late December). This must mean that a) the new Rage128 Pro AGP cards have a digital output, or b) the display comes with a digital output card or module for the Rage128 graphics card. See today's 9AM update for news on the Sawtooth AGP/Rage128 Pro AGP/DVD ROM drive based system replacing the Yikes as the new G4 low end. [Update: For reviews of the Apple 22" Cinema LCD display and 2001 17" LCD display, see the Video articles page.]

My ISP's server was down again for awhile this morning. Sorry for the lack of access to the site. I'm working to move my site to a 2nd co-located mac server in the next 30 days if possible. Current my forums.xlr8yourmac.com server runs the databases (FAQ/CPU Review/Game Review/Game Performance,etc.) and with Filemaker Pro's lack of multithreading plus the traffic on the main site, I can't move everything on that server. It would be far too slow considering all the database searches and the site traffic here. I'm working to try to improve things soon however so bear with me.

Price Protection: Today's early morning post about the Sawtooth/Rage128 Pro AGP replacing the Yikes as the low end G4 system now, as well as a reader mail on buying a CPU upgrade just before a price drop make me want to say a little something about price protection. No mail order company I know of provides price protection (with rapidly changing product pricing, it's not usually possible to do this and stay in business, esp. with low margin dealers). Checking their return policy is always highly recommended (sometimes there is a limited satisfaction guarantee return period).

For system buyers, Apple has (to my knowledge) never provided price protection or a 30 day Money Back Guarantee on Mac systems so these configuration changes are great for new buyers (and a welcome boost for mac sales), but can be a bitter pill to those that bought just before the change (iMac 333MHz owners that bought just before the iMac DVs were released also know the feeling.) This is one reason to buy systems from a retail store - as they often do have a limited return policy. Since Apple systems are practically fixed in price, you're not really paying more for this benefit. However on upgrades or components, often retail stores either don't offer the same product, have more limited selections or most often have higher prices than many Mac mail order dealers.

Although the PC big 3 manufacturers normally offer a 30 day MBG which is basically price protection (you could return the system within 30 days), most mail order dealers can't offer price protection, since prices can drop from suppliers at any time and their margins may be slim on stock previously bought at the higher price. Although there is no way to predict when prices will drop or when configurations will change, always check the return policies and any money-back guarantee policy/duration when ordering anything. One consolation for Mac system buyers is that unlike a PC, your Mac holds its value far longer. A PC often loses half of its resale value within several months.

It's critically important Apple frequently improve and change configurations (especially when it offers more for the money). This attracts more Mac buyers, increases sales and market share. That is important to us all as far as future software and hardware support for the Mac. The downside is that the timing of product/pricing changes can't help but result in some buyers getting less for more in some cases.

IDE Raid Feedback: In response to yesterday's request for reader feedback on Turbomax/Softraid use I received several replies. I've posted a separate page with them since many were very long. See my IDE Raid Feedback page for the details. The page includes reports from Softraid, FWB Raid and Remus Raid users. See the IDE articles page for the latest info on drives, controllers, etc.

For SCSI drive owners interested in RAID, see my 1998 RAID test comparisons (5 RAID software packages tested with one scsi card and dual scsi card configurations, see also the graphs of comparisons. [Note - those 1998 tests used far slower drives than available later, so consider the results were from 1998 with drives far far slower than current models - see the SCSI articles page for reviews of later drives and controllers, which have many times the performance of the 1998 test hardware.]
More SCSI vs IDE articles are linked on my Storage Topics page (8600/9600 owners may want to read my illustrated 4-Drive Interal RAID Array article).

TurboMax/OS 9 Compatibility: Included in the IDE Raid Feedback was a report that after updating to OS 9 his system would not boot at all (from CD or HD) with the Turbomax IDE card installed (even after a beta 1.7.1 firmware update on the card). I have only used the Turbomax in one OS 9 system here (9600/350) with only a CDROM drive attached. It works (with some issues however) but does not allow booting from the CDrom drive in that system as noted in my Turbomax review.

iBook 6.4GB HD Upgrades: Site sponsor Transintl.com wrote to say they have 8.5 mm Toshiba 6.4GB hard drives for the iBook for $249. For a guide to replacing the iBook hard drive, see my iBook/iMac section of the FAQ. [Note: as of summer 2001, there are up to 40GB 9.5mm high hard drives, which will fit iBooks. OWC sells a 40GB 9.5mm high drive for instance.]

OpenGL - Don't Panic: I received about a dozen or more mails on the Macweek OpenGL support slipping article. [Link expired.] First realize that most all 3D applications support OpenGL now regardless of platform and it's the preferred API by most companies for this simple fact. Microsoft may be trying to force DirectX/Direct3D on developers but this article in my opinion is crying 'wolf' for Mac users. I am not in the least bit worried that OpenGL will suddenly go away or that there will be less Mac OpenGL support in the future. It's a Cross-Platform standard and therefore makes a lot of sense for developers. I've also ran OpenGL 3D applications and games fine on a Windows 2000 RC2 system (until recently I worked at a company with 99.9999% PCs and was part of MS's Win2K Corp. beta test program). Note that by far the most popular 3D application API in Windows is OpenGL (3D Studio Max supports it, as does Lightwave and most every other professional 3D package.) As far as the games comment, even PC Unreal has OpenGL mode support, as does QuakeII, QuakeIII, Half-Life, etc.. Granted DirectX has more title support, but OpenGL is far from dead.

Adobe Altivec Extensions Due Soon: Sources say that Adobe has submitted their Altivec Photoshop extensions for web posting. It may be awhile before they are available at their web site but it's great to hear the process has been started (like any large company there are procedures to follow for web site updates that may take some time). The new update should have the distortion filter bug fixed as well.

ATI's Reply on VR128 Resource Manager Extension: Although I and many other VR128 owners have not had any problems there are many that have (video player or extensions issues). A reader sent a copy of the reply he received from ATI on the ATI Resource Manager extension not being recognized:

" PROBLEM DETAILS:
This issue affects the Xclaim VR 128 with CD release 420.

STEPS:
1. Install an Xclaim VR 128 with CD 420 under OS 8.5.1 or 9.0
2. Under the Apple menu, open the Control Panels and open the ATI Displays control panel
3. Select the Xclaim VR 128, if more than one adapter is installed
4. Click the Details button
5. Ensure that ATI Extensions Software is selected
6. Locate and click the ATI Resource Manager

! In the pane on the right appears:
"ATI Resource Manager
The file is currently not in the Extensions folder."

! The file is however present in the Extensions folder.

EXPLANATION:
ATI Software Engineering has been advised of the above issue and is investigating.

ATI Technical Support is currently tracking customers experiencing this issue. Please provide the following information for our records:

- your name, address and phone number
- e-mail address
- a completed ATI Problem Report

SOLUTION: NONE AT THIS TIME. "

I see this same thing here but have no real problems with the card (it runs RAVE Unreal and Quake fine on my G4/450 system). My ATI Resouce Manager Extension is from the OpenGL 1.1.2 update. For other owner commments including those that are working fine, see my VR128 Feedback page.

No More Yikes - All New G4s are Sawtooth AGP: Another web rumor comes true (sooner than I expected) - it seems the Apple Store has dropped the Yikes G4/PCI only configuration now as even the low end G4 has an AGP slot. This means the Sawtooth motherboard design will be in all systems which makes the low end model a real bargain (you get AGP, internal firewire, Airport slot, etc. for $1599). Also note that a DVD ROM drive is now standard.

Faster Rage128 *Pro* AGP Standard in new G4s: [Update - for tests of the Rage128 Pro AGP vs Rage128 AGP, as well as other graphics cards, see the Video articles page.] Also note that the 'learn more' page on the Graphics cards option for the G4 systems says it's a Rage128 Pro (AGP slot version only), which means the new video cards will use the faster clock speed ATI Rage128 Pro chip (ATI claimed up to 50% faster 3D in their original press release back in the spring on the Pro version). Several months back I had posted a note from ATI that the Rage128 Pro (and their dual Pro Maxx card) required a 66MHz PCI slot or AGP slot (3.3 volt only) which is why the PCI version is not a Pro chip I assume (since the 33MHz PCI slots are 5 volt).

Note this makes way for the rumored 'Sharktooth' G4 design to become the high end early in the year (perhaps Macworld S.F.). I expected the sawtooth to become the low end at that time but it looks like Apple gave new buyers a Christmas present (better motherboard/system and video card for the same price).

For a blast from the past see what was on the front page news here one year ago.

Wednesday's News Summary

• Reader Request: Turbomax/Softraid Feedback
• Quesa Update (Rave under Opengl/OS X possible)
• Sawtooth CPU Module Speed Settings Info
• ZIF Socketed CPU Cards Feature Comparison
• More Kenwood 72X IDE CDROM reports
• More Airport Networking Feedback
• MP Libraries - Not Just for Dual CPUs
• Tennmax Coolers price reduction
• Lightwave 3D Benchmarks site
• Homeworld Petition
• OS X Client DP2 - Motherboard Support List
• Comments on OS X and software support
• OWC CPU upgrades sale
• Sonnet lowers prices
• iMac Game Wizard/3Dfx Drivers Tips updated at www.mac3dfx.com

Tuesday's News Summary

• www.MAC3dfx.com updated with IMac GameWizard/3Dfx driver tips
• 21" Display iMac Hack
• Review of Unity DS-1 (Mac Audio)
• XLR8 USB hub with Loadmeter
• MacOS X DP2 on G3 Upgraded 7300
• More on Promise ATA/66 Mac IDE Cards
• OS 9/Coolpix PCMCIA Card Tips
• Kenwood 72X IDE CDROM Comments
• Newer Tech ZIF Socketed Cards Discontinued/Not G4 compatible
• Formac ZIF Socketed CPU Upgrades
• Other Net News

Monday's News Summary

• OWC lowers Upgrade prices
• Z-Force bus speed tests in genesis/powercenter pro/9600 350
• Voodoo3 and Lightwave 3D Tip
• RC5 Altivec Core
• Help Save Opcode's OMS (Open Music System)
• More Mac Audio/CPU Upgrade Feedback
• Voodoo3 AGP Card Reminder
• Voodoo3 2000 for $62
• OS 9/RealPC Compatibility
• Apple 250/300/350MHz 604e CPU Cards
• More PC IDE CDROM Recorder in Macs Feedback:
• More on OS 9/PCMCIA Card Compatibility
• More Voodoo3 Dual Monitor Setup Feedback
• More OS X client DP2 screenshots

Weekend's News Summary

• Bargain TR5 SCSI Internal Tape Drives
• Voodoo3 and Strata StudioPro
• Voodoo3 and Lightwave 3D 5.6
• G3 Upgrades and Audio Feedback
• Rate Your CPU Upgrade Database Reaches 2,700 Entries
• Mac Game/Video Card Performance Database Updated

For links to older news pages see the Archives page.

The recent features page has a lists reviews/articles you may have missed.

For a guide to finding answers to questions - see my Site Guide page.

Considering a CPU Upgrade? Check the CPU Upgrade Owner's Survey results and search for owner reports by Mac model and/or card brand. Readers post new entries daily and the database is updated several times a week. I urge any owners that have had problems to report this via the Survey Form. Always give the most weight to recent owner reports (dated in the listing) as in many cases problems are later found to be due to settings errors, slow L2 cache, etc.

-Freq Asked Questions