News Archive for: 2/23/2005 Wednesday's News
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Mac Mini Memory/Hard Drive/Optical Drive Installation Movies
Jamie of OWC wrote they've updated their page of upgrade installation videos to include guides for installing Mac Mini Memory, Hard Drive and Optical Drive. Various size movie downloads are available there from Small (for 56k modem users) to High Quality (for broadband users).
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OpenGL Extensions Viewer 2.16
Available at this MU page. OpenGL Extensions Viewer displays the vendor name, the version implemented, the renderer name and the extensions of the current OpenGL 3D accelerator and includes a benchmark.

"Version 2.16: Automated software update and database retrieval. Added missing extensions features (aliased line/point size, ARB imaging convolution). Revised Core revision checking. Now using the current GL_VERSION if an extension is not found."

For more information, see the GLView home page.

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iPod Updater 2005-02-22
MU lists the Apple iPod Updater 2005-02-22 with these changes listed:

iPod Updater 2005-02-22:

iPod shuffle Software 1.1 for iPod shuffle

  • Support for iPod shuffle Battery Pack
  • Increased software stability

    iPod mini Software 1.3 for iPod mini
  • Support for second-generation iPod mini
  • Support for charging and syncing over USB with Mac OS X v10.2.8 or 10.3.4 or later

    iPod Software 2.3 for iPod with dock connector
  • Shuffle Songs selection in Main Menu
  • Music menu item in Main Menu
  • Support for iTunes 4.7 and later

    iPod Software 1.5 for iPod with touch wheel or scroll wheel
  • Shuffle Songs selection in Main Menu
  • Music menu item in Main Menu
  • Support for iTunes 4.7 and later
  • iPod Updater 2005-02-22 contains the same software versions as iPod Updater 2005-01-11 for all other iPod models. (Note - a reader with a U2 iPod wrote this updater doesn't have anything newer than the 3.0.2 software he installed previously.)

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    New iPod Mini and Photo Models
    (from apple's news page - Apple store updated this AM for the new models)

    " New iPod mini Unveiled
    The second generation iPod mini lineup features a new 4GB model priced at just $199 and a new 6GB model priced at $249. Both iPod mini models feature increased battery life of up to 18 hours, USB charging and an ultra-portable, lightweight design available in four vibrant colors.

    iPod photo Lineup Updated
    Updating the iPod photo lineup, Apple introduced a new slim 30GB model, holding up to 7,500 songs, for just $349 and a new 60GB model, holding up to 15,000 songs, for $449....
    Both models hold up to 25,000 digital photos and can import photos from your digital camera via the new iPod Camera Connector for instant viewing and slide show playback on iPod photo. "

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    Reader Notes on Motorola 802.11g PCI Card Adapter versions (Version 2 vs Version 3)
    (From a reader mail yesterday - I mentioned last fall I had bought one of the Motorola 802.11g cards at Wallmart and it used the Broadcom chipset which worked with Airport 3.x in both 10.2.8 and 10.3.x I use it in a MDD system after removing the Airport card.)

    " Mike, ... bought the Motorola WPC1810G based on the reports that it was plug and play replacement for an Airport card.
    http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/tips/MS_MN-730_airportMods.html. (that link is to my comments on mods I did to the airport2 extension plist for the Microsoft card - updated with a note I replaced the card with the Motorola one which didn't require any plist mods-Mike)

    I have Qwest DSL with the Actiontec GT701-WG. Bought the wireless pci card at CompUsa after they would pricematch Walmart, $39.63. Bad news was that the new wireless pci adapter from Motorola must have changed chipsets. (as mentioned in the past here and in the FAQ - this is always a possibility. Some brands are infamous for this. See the FAQ's Networking section for notes/links to drivers for some other (non-broadcom) chipsets.-Mike)
    FCC id ACQWPC1810GV3 (version 3) would not work.
    Went to Walmart and picked up the same Motorola p/n 498467-001-00 and the same sku # but FCC id ACQWPC1810GV2 (version 2) and viola, 11 out of 15 for signal level.
    Now if I could only add the Hawking Hi-gain antenna I picked up at CompUsa to the Actiontec.....
    Thanks for the tip.
    Gene "

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    More Mac Mini owner reports on Analog Video
    I've updated the page on Mac Mini analog video with 13 more owner reports. Not everyone complained about dim or low-contrast analog (VGA) video, although most that wrote did. Thanks to those that also included their exact monitor brand/model. (Useful as some monitors seem better about this than others according to reports.)
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    Other Net News
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    CDRW/CD/DVD/Hard Drive/Cardreader Compatibility Database Update Listing
    The Drive Compatibility Database had 2 new reports added this morning. (Entries today are added the next newsday morning.) The database includes reports on CDRWs, Combo DVD-CDRW, DVD-ROM, DVD Burners, Hard Drives and Removables (tape drive, ORB, ZIP, MO drives, CF/Smartmedia readers, etc.) in all interface types (IDE, IDE RAID cards, SATA, Firewire, SCSI, USB, adapters). Current total - 14,305 reports. (searching by drive type/brand, mac model etc. listed below will show the full reports, most recent first - does not include updates to previous reports)

      DVD+R/RW + DVD-R/RW Drives:
    • Firewire (cased) LG GSA-4160B used w/iBook G4 (OS X 10.4?)
      (OS selection may have been a typo. He mentioned using the 'latest' Patchburn for iApps burn support so I'm guessing he's running 10.3.x and patchburn3. Also noted slow burns with Toast 6.)
    • IDE Pioneer DVR-109/A09 in (MDD) Dual G4 DDR (OS X 10.3)
      (Using Patchburn 3 for iApps burn support.)

    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.)

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    Rate Your CPU Upgrade Reports Database Updated
    The Rate Your CPU Upgrade database has been updated with 1 new report this morning (entries today are added the next newsday morning). Total to date: 9,805. Here's a summary of the report added (search by brand/mac model for full reports - latest reports always shown first):

    • Sonnet G4 1.4GHz in (Sawtooth) G4/AGP (rated 10)

      (Full reviews of G4 and G3 upgrades compared to stock CPUs, including real world apps/game tests, install info, etc. are linked at the CPU upgrades page. 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).

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    Mac Game Reviews Database Updated
    The Rate Your Mac Games database update this morning included reviews of Battlefield 1942 (regarding the Desert Combat mod) and SimCity 4. Total Reviews (all titles): 1208. (Looking for more reviews of new mac games.) To read game reviews use the search page.
    If you've not already done so - Enter a Game review. Please include as much detail as possible in your review comments. (If your game title is not in the long list of titles, select "other game" and note the title in the comments)
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    Recent Reviews and Articles:
    Listing/links to recent articles and reviews you may have missed.
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    CPU Upgrades


    OWC SPECIALS!
    (see full list)

    = MEMORY =
    4GB (2x2GB) Kit for Unibody MacBook/Pros $95

    4GB (2x2GB) Mac Pro RAM (800MHz) $105

    4GB (2x2GB) Mac Pro RAM (667MHz) $92.50

    4GB (2x2GB) PC2-6400 for 2008 iMacs $50

    4GB (2x2GB) PC2-5300 SODIMMs $49

    2GB PC2-5300 SODIMM $24.75

    1GB DDR400 DIMMs $29.25

    512MB PC-133 SDRAM $30.75

    = WIRELESS =
    802.11N/g/b PCI, PCMCIA or USB adapters under $50
    802.11N/G/B Router $65

    = TV TUNERS/DVR =
    EyeTV 250+ w/clear QAM $130

    = CPU UPGRADES =
    7448 2.0GHz $375

    OWC G4 1.4GHz w/2MB L3 $215

    7447A 1.6GHz $215

    G3 1GHz ZIF upgrade $99.75

    = HARD DRIVES =
    500GB 7200rpm/16MB cache $59.99

    WD 640GB 7200rpm/16MB Cache $69.50

    1TB SATA HDs from $107.75

    1.5TB Seagate HD $162.50

    EliteAL eSATA/FW800/400/USB 2.0 Case Kit w/SW $75

    1TB EliteAL FW/USB 2.0 $179

    1TB EliteAL SATA/FW800/400/USB2 $217.50

    = NOTEBOOK HDs =
    500GB WD Scorpio + USB 2.0 Case Kit $147.50

    250GB 7200rpm Notebook HD + USB 2.0 Case kit $112.75

    320GB/7200RPM/16MB cache $107.50

    200GB/7200RPM/16MB cache $67.50

    = GRAPHICS CARDS =
    ATI HD 3870 PCIe $217.99

    ATI 9800 Pro AGP $205

    ATI 9600 Mac/PC AGP $189.99

    = SOFTWARE =
    Prosoft Data Rescue II $57.50

    XLR8YourMac.com T-Shirts $14.99
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