" Java 1.4.2 update (29.4MB )
In addition to providing support for Sun's Java 1.4.2 APIs, this release includes enhancements to drawing performance and stability for both Java applications and Java applets.
Note : This installer will replace your current installation of Java 1.4.1.
For more details on this update, please visit: http://www.apple.com/java/

Safari 1.2 Update (7.7MB)
Safari 1.2 improves compatibility with websites and web applications by providing increased support for standards, adds support for personal certificate authentication, and works with Java 1.4.2 to enable websites that rely on LiveConnect for communication between JavaScript and Java applets.
This update also provides improved application stability, full keyboard access for navigating web pages, and the ability to resume interrupted downloads. "

I've applied these on one system so far. I've posted a page of reader reports on these updates.

" After i heard the (tradein) news from your site, i have read similar rebate program in Hong Kong. From a Hong Kong Mac site, someone posted the following apple rebate program. (noted that HK$1600 rebate is about US$205) it is believed that another speed bump/product line update should be on or after 3/26/2004
regards, ronny
(a portion of the complete offer text)

"We are pleased to inform you the following special promotions with our PowerMac G5 effective immediately. Effective from Jan 27 - Mar 26, 2004 (both dates inclusive), customers who trade-in their working G3 or G4 Macs towards purchase of a new qualified PowerMac G5 1.6GHz or 1.8GHz single processor (at normal suggested retail price) , will be entitled for a rebate of HK$ 1600.... "

See http://appletalk.rhapsody.com.hk:443/appletalk/viewtopic.php?t=3430 for a complete copy of the promo post.

" New Neptune FireWire CDRW and DVDRW Models
(Online at bottom of above linked page.)
Neptune 52x32x52 CDRW FireWire Solution $99.95
Neptune DVR-106 Pioneer 4x DVD+/-R&RW,CD-R/RW FireWire Solution $199.95
Neptune DVR-107 Pioneer 8x DVD+/-R&RW,CD-R/RW FireWire Solution $239.95
All three include Dantz Retrospect Backup Utilities, 25 Pieces of CD-R Media, FireWire Cable, and 1yr OWC Warranty. DVR-106 and DVR-107 models also include 5 pieces of 4X DVD Media in Jewel Case.

New Mercury Extreme pricing
G4/700MHZ with Guaranteed operation up to 800MHZ now $199.99
No change on G4/800 and G4/800-900; G4/1GHz, G4/1.25GHz-1.467GHz Models
G4/1.3GHz to 1.33GHz 2MB DDR L3 is reduced to $419.99 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
G4/1.4GHz 2MB DDR L3 Now $499.99
G4/1.467GHz to 1.5GHz Guaranteed w/2MB DDR L3 - $549.99
Best Regards,
Lawrence R. O'Connor
Other World Computing "

" Mike, The recent Apple security update (2003-01-26) seems to have the unfortunate side effect of deleting all the Safari history for all users. Most folks probably won't find this to be a big problem, but for me at least, it a big headache. My wife and I had been doing a lot of house hunting online, and we had neglected to create bookmarks for many of the listings we found worth considering. Instead, we were simply revisiting listings by referring to the history file in Safari. Now we have to restart our search and hope to come across the same homes again.

In retrospect, we realize this was a foolish approach, but we hadn't wanted to create a ton of unwanted temporary bookmarks when the history file worked so well for capturing our browsing. Plus, we had no reason to think that a security update would wipe out months worth of history data. I wish Apple had at least given folks a heads up about the effect this update would have in Safari.
Maybe this is a small matter, but it really stinks for us. Maybe this information will help someone else, if it's not too late.
Steve "

• Apple B&W G3/400 OC report (at 450Mhz)
• Other World Computing G4/1.25 in (QS) G4/AGP (rated 5)
• Other World Computing G4/1.25GHz in (DA) G4/AGP (rated 1)
• Updated previous report from Sonnet G4/1GHz in B&W G3 (more info on L3 cache not being enabled in OS X and patching firmware)
• Powerlogix G3/900 in B&W G3 (rated 8)
  (My reviews of G4 and G3 upgrades w/apps/game tests, install info, etc. are linked here. OC/CPU module articles are on the Systems page.)

(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.)

CDRW Drives:
• SCSI Yamaha 4260 (4x2x6x I assume) used w/G4 AGP (OS X 10.3)
  (said Patchburn II for Panther didn't work.)
• Firewire Liteon LTR-24103S 24x10x40x used w/G4 AGP (OS X 10.3)
  (using patchburn II for burn support)
• Firewire Plextor Premium 52x32x52x used w/G5 Tower (OS X 10.3)
  (using patchburn II for burn support)
• Firewire Yamaha CRW8824 FXZ 8x8x24x used w/iMac slot-loading (OS 9.1) (no native burn support - so using Toast)
• IDE Khypermedia CW099D (52x24x52x) in G4/AGP (OS X 10.3)
  (listed under "other" brands, said patchburn II didn't help with finder burn support but did w/itunes)
• IDE Samsung SW-252B (52x24x52x) in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (problems noted - using modified burn support file)
• IDE Sony CRX225E 52x24x52x in Beige G3 (OS 9.1)
  (didn't note if bootable from CD or comment on itunes burn support)
• IDE Utmost Technology 52x24x52x in G4/AGP (OS X 10.3)
  (listed under 'other' brands, using patchburn II for burn suppport)
• IDE Yamaha F1 (44x24x44x) in G4/AGP (OS 9.2)
  (problems noted - no native burn support in OS 9.x)
  
  DVD-ROM Drives:
• IDE XJ-HD166S 16x/48x in B&W G3 (OS X 10.3)
  (noted performance problems after 10.3.x update)
  
  Combo DVD-CDR Drives:
• Exp. bay Liteon LSC-24082K (didn't note drive speed rating) in Powerbook G3 2000 (OS X) (said patchburn didn't work for burn support but not sure what version he used. Didn't note if bootable from CD)
• IDE Plextor PX-320A (20x10x40x + 16x DVD-ROM) in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (using modified burn support plugin from FAQ for 10.2.x)
• IDE Samsung SM-352BRNS (52x24x52x + 16x DVD-ROM) in B&W G3 (OS 9.1) (no native burn support)
• SM-352 (52x16x52x + 16x DVD-ROM) in Beige G3 (OS X)
  (using patchburn 1.1 for 10.2.8, enabled itunes burn support but problems burning in finder he said)
  
  DVD+R/RW + DVD-R/RW Drives:
• Firewire (cased) LG GSA-4081B used w/G4 AGP (OS X 10.3)
  (using Patchburn II for Panther.)
• Firewire cased (QPS case) Pioneer DVR-106D used w/Powerbook G3 2000 (OS X 10.3) (noted problems after recent security update applied along with itunes 4.2 update)
• IDE Hi-val hdvdrw4d in eMac (OS X 10.3)
  (listed under "other" brands - noted error when trying to use Patchburn II)
• IDE HP dvd300i in B&W G3 (OS X 10.3)
  (using patchburn II for burn support. didn't note if bootable from CD)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-106D in G4/AGP (OS 9.2)
  (no os 9.x native iapps burn support - see FAQ's DVD section for modified OS 9 burn support file)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-106D in eMac (OS X)
  (native burn support in 10.2.8 and later)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-106D (sold as DVR-A06) in G5 Tower (OS X 10.3)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-106D (unsupported DVD RW model, missing dash in ID) in G4/AGP (OS X 10.3) (includes notes on flashing via pc to supported firmware ID)
  (Illustrated CD drive install guide here covers G4 towers up to the Digital Audio Model, Beige G3 MT and B&W G3 Macs)
  
  Hard Drives:
• Firewire (QPS case) Western Digital 160GB used w/Powerbook G4 (OS X 10.3) (problems noted w/old QPS case)
• IDE Maxtor DiamondMax Plus (7200 rpm) 40GB in iMac slot-loading (OS 9.1)
• IDE Maxtor DiamondMax Plus9 200GB in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (No big drive support with 2001 QS and older models, so drive capacity limited to 128GB.
  Illustrated guide to adding a 2nd HD here in B&W G3 rev2 and G4 towers up to the QuickSilver models.
  IDE articles page RAID section has an illustrated guide for adding 2 more drives in the side bays.)
• IDE Seagate ST3160023A 160GB in Single G4 DDR (OS X)
• IDE Western Digital 120GB in 85/8600 using IDE PCI card (OS 9.1)
  
  Smartmedia card readers:
• USB PNY Smartmedia Reader/Writer used w/6400 (OS 8.6)
• USB PNY Smartmedia Reader/Writer used w/Beige G3 (OS 8.6)

You can find full owner reports (latest shown first) by searching the database by drive/brand/interface/mac models (the latest reports are shown first in searches). For guides to installing CD/CDRW/DVD drives or Hard drives in many mac models, see the IDE Articles page. The Firewire articles page also has guides on case kits, installing drives, etc.
If you've added a IDE, SCSI, Firewire or USB hard drive, CDRW, tape drive, etc. make sure you add a report to the database. (If you post an updated entry - make sure you use the same name, etc. as you did before so I can find your past entry. Thanks.)
(Incomplete entries are deleted. Do not post questions in the database, it's for drive reports not questions on what drive to buy - for that try searching the database for reports from owners of your mac model on the drive type/brand/interface, etc. you're interested in.)