"Our friends at Scansoft (creators of the award winning TextBridge Pro OCR ) recently acquired the Kai line and they decided to combine PhotoSoap2, SuperGoo, and PowerShow into a new product called PhotoFactory and they've agreed to let us offer it to our customers for just $29.95. That translates to a savings of almost $50!
http://www.digitalriver.com/aladdin/scansoft/22617/ "

Apple TIL/SW Updates: Barney Buoy sent a note that Apple has released a Automatic Software Update 1.1.1 for OS 9 but the Bin version link doesn't work (file not found as of 6:45PM EST). The HQX link returned extended info, indicating the server could be too busy perhaps. I suspected they'll have the links fixed later today.

Apple also posted TIL on a QuickTime 4: Known Issues covering problems with v4.1 including a note on developer workarounds for hotspot issues with QT VR.

OWC Bonus Carrier/ZIF Bundle: This just in from site sponsor Other World Computing:

"We are now including 450mhz 8X processors with all of our XLR8 XGZM400 G3/400 and PowerLogix PLGZM400 G3/400 Carrier/Mercury Bundles.

While it is true that machines that max at 50mhz won't be able to take advantage, those machines that do have the higher bus speeds will be able to, as well as people who are doing a double upgrade... Buying a bundle take the bundle processor for a Beige or BW and then using the ZIF from the Apple on the carrier.

[ See my first look at the CarrierZIF from last summer that lists some of the advantages of a ZIF socketed card. I also *highly* encourage owners of CarrierZIF bundles with a separate ZIF CPU module to read my Illustrated CarrierZIF Setup Guide. (The XLR8 MAChCarrier models come pre-assembled but bundles require adding the ZIF and setting switches. My article has info that will help you avoid common mistakes and includes important assembly tips.-Mike]

In any event, they are have 400+ for the speed mark in our description and this is why. Due to Bus Speed, not everyone will be able to take advantage, however the extra room is there and our current prices of $349 for the PowerLogix bundle and $359 for the XLR8 Bundle are better than any 400mhz card/bundle I know of.
Best Regards,
Larry O'Connor
Other World Computing, Inc. "

Speaking of OWC, I noticed today that there are several new OWC/Beige G3 reports added to the database in the last 24 hours. One OS X server user reported the copper G3/450 worked fine even under blue-box. Not sure why some beige G3 owners reported problems, but the current Motorola (aluminum) 450's may be better choices.

8500 Mac to PC ATX Case Transplant: I'm creating a page now for a reader's 8500/PC ATX Case conversion. He made a custom ATX rear panel template to accomodate the 8500's motherboard (he's a machinist) and the article includes info on an ATX inverter and wiring diagram to adapt a PC ATX supply to the 8500's non-ATX motherboard supply connector. This is ** not ** something the average owner should even attempt of course, but is very interesting. I'll have the page posted either tonight or tomorrow. [The article was posted on 1/28/2000 - and is for *entertainment purposes only*]

Griffin USB/ADB Adapter/Studio Display Notes: I verified the latest Griffin iMac USB/ADB adapter driver v1.8b3 works perfectly with the LCD Studio Display's software adjustment/controls on my G4/450 system. (Driver v1.77 non-beta should also work fine.) I have the iMate connected directly to USB port 2 so there are no keyboard power button issues as a reader noted earlier today with the device connected to the keyboard's USB port. See Griffin's iMate driver page for drivers/utilties and compatibility information on specific devices.

Note: If you're running OS 9 don't install the Apple Display software (v1.6) supplied with the ADB LCD Studio Displays noted earlier today. It will delete your existing (newer) Monitors and (separate) Sound control panels and install an older 'Monitors and Sound' version. (I really wish software updates would always move items to the disabled folder rather than deleting them, and record a log, which is often not done.)

More on Que USB CDR/Toast 4: Rather than fill the main news page, I've added 3 owner replies from today's earlier post on the subject to the FAQ's CDR/CDRom topic area. (I've also listed it under the USB topic there, as well as the iMac/iBook area). Some owners reported 4x burns ok, but no success with audio CDs. One reader report is especially detailed, with several systems and OS versions tested.

Apple ADB LCD Displays and Griffin USB/ADB Adapter: In reply to my question in yesterday's news post of the CDW $788 Apple 15" LCD display sale, a reader says that the Griffin USB/ADB adapter does work to allow G4 system owners (with no ADB port) to use the software display adjustments. He later mentioned a keyboard power key problem if the adapter was plugged into the keyboard's USB port so I asked for more details:

"I have the keyboard in port 2 of the G4. I have a superdisk drive in port 1. I have the mouse on the right hand side of the keyboard USB port and I have the Griffin adapter on the left hand side. With the Griffin plugged in, what happens is that after a shut down, I can't start the computer with the Power key on the keyboard.

I haven't tried different configurations. I haven't had the time to sit with it, I've got too many other pressing jobs on my table.
Ken "

I've got an identical display here (open-box special from CDW last year) and the Griffin adapter so I'll try to check if there is any issue with the adapter connected to USB port 2, not from the keyboard (I doubt it, but will check).

Acer 10X DVD Drive Report/Tip: A reader notes yesterday's iMac DV/CVGS reports contained a tip that helped with his Acer DVD drive:

"Mike,
I've solved one of the problems with the ACER DVD-ROM drive:

I've just read on your site that a guy solved his problem with iMac DV and CVGS using Apple cd/dvd driver 1.01

I tried it on My G3 and the Acer drive is now able to mount mixed-mode session CDs! Great!

Now I hope the next versions of apple driver will bring back compatibility.
Best regards.
MC "

Here's his original report on using the drive in a B&W G3 which notes it's CVGS compatible:

"Mike,
I've recently replaced the Matsushita DVD-ROM drive from my B&W G3 (rev.1 ) by the new Acer DVP-1040A, which seems to be a TRAY version of the Pioneer 10x40x DVD-ROM drive.

My configuration details:
B&W G3 350 (oc'ed to 420), RAM:192 MB, HD 6.4 GB, Voodoo 3 3000 card, French MacOS 8.6.

Here is my compatibility list:
Bootable: Maybe*
CVGS compatible: yes!
SoundJam equalizer compatible: yes
SoundJam MP3 encoding: yes [speed is between 3.5x and 4.5x]
DVD video with Apple DVD Player 1.2: yes
DVD video with Apple DVD Player 2.0 patched: yes (some glitches otugh)
Audio extraction is much faster than before

* [this is the first issue]
When I try to boot from the MacOS 8.5 CDs, all I got is a frozen cursor with the [frozen too] disk icon. I attempted to boot for hours when I decided to try the HARD way:
1) I unplugged the HD flat cable [I know, I'm crazy]
2) I started the Mac
3) It booted from the CD! [now the only booting drive available]
4) I re-plugged the HD cable just after the Happy Mac icon
5) The finder appeared, including my HD

So there's probably in incompatibility with my [stock] 6.4 GB IBM HD...

( and here comes the second issue:)
Sadly, the drive NEVER recognize mixed-mode session CDs! An example: Rainbow six CD, which includes HFS + audio tracks. I'm using [unmodified] version 1.3.2 of the Apple CD/DVD driver. I tried with version 1.2.2. but the problem remains. How bizarre... [Note - his later mail as listed above notes the Apple cd/dvd driver 1.01 seems to have solved this problem-Mike]

...I'm still happy with this new drive, because it's much better than the previous one :-)
Best regards.
MC
PS: Sorry for my poor English ;-) "

The FAQ's DVD topic area has other reports on PC DVD drives used with Macs, as well as links to DVD utilities, decoder/drive kits and more.

More iMac DV/CVGS Reports: More replies to the posts in yesterday's news:

"I am successfully running CVGS on my iMac DV 400 / 128mb upgrade. I have only tried a couple of games, but they seem to work pretty well. I have logged 20 hours playing "Driver" with out much of a problem. I have OS 8.6 and purchased CVGS from outpost.com at Christmas time. I am not at home know, so I can't give you version specs offhand, but wanted you to know that there is some hope.

BTW, the Macally iShock controller works great with CVGS, and the iMac in general...
Regards,
Chuck Marquardt "

I might have to install CVGS on the iMac DV, as Driver looked to be an addicting game (saw it on a PC some time back).

Toast 4 and USB CDRs: A reader and recent PC convert says he's having problems with a Sony Spressa USB CDR Burner with Toast 4.0 (retail):

"I have recently purchased an iMac DV SE and a Sony Spressa USB CD Burner. After long deliberation I was able to get the Charismac (Sony Discribe Software) to work but it does not have the features of Toast 4.0 so I bought Toast 4.0 and I am getting no help from Adaptec regarding these issues all of the readme files say they are compatible but I have had little success. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as I am one of those individuals that is trying to convert over from a PC based system and the lack of info and response is not giving me a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Thank You
"

I checked Adaptec's Mac CDR Software Updates page and saw there were only updates to OEM Toast 4, not the retail (deluxe) version. However there was a note on a Que! update:

"Patch for QPS Que! Recorder
If you have Toast 4 and a QPS Que! recorder (Mitsumi 4802), you can download a patch to add support for this recorder.  To download, connect to the Internet, and choose Web CheckUp from Toast 4's Internet menu.

This patch ONLY adds support for this recorder. If you do not have this recorder and Toast 4, you do NOT need this patch. "

I didn't see the Que! patch at their FTP site so apparently it's only available via the Toast auto update. As noted in my iMac DV SE review last fall, I've used an Adaptec USB/SCSI adapter and Yamaha 4416S SCSI drive with Toast 3.5.7 successfully (burning at 2x rates, I didn't try 4x yet due to some reports of problems burning at that speed with USB CDRs).

If any iMac/USB QUE! CDR owners can verify that Toast 4 works with the Que! update, please contact me. (I'd also like to know how reliable 4X USB CDR burns are.)

Rainbow Six Column Issue 5: The latest issue of our Mac Rainbow Six column features an illustrated strategy guide for the Blue Sky mission. The current issue and links to back issues are always at http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/games/R6/.

XLR8 on Interex Chapter 11 Filing: I asked Gary Dailey of XLR8 for more info on the parent company's filing:

"Mike,
Thanks for your note today. Interex, our parent company has been a player the cable and surge business for 17 years. With any distribution company, the edge is always close. I can't comment on any legal issues though.

XLR8 is, and has been for over two years, a profitable division. Over the past year XLR8 has become an award-winning leader introducing new technologies to Mac upgrade community, and leading the standards in compatibility and performance. In fact, XLR8 is still growing.

As you may be aware, we set up R&D with Marketing out of Atlanta, early January 1999, and have been working the past two months moving all Manufacturing, and Packaging to our modern Atlanta facility. Currently we are working to improve on a shining track record.

I hope to have more exciting news in the near future.
Regards,
Gary Dailey "

PowerForce G3/500 ZIF 10X Setting: Two readers that got the ZIF/ZForce card substitution noted previously sent a note that the 10X ratio setting on the PF G3/500 ZIF is 'C' on the rotary switch. This setting is not documented in the ZIF manual since it was originally designed for a Beige/B&W G3 where that ratio is never used. One reader reported he's running 500MHz CPU speed but has some problems running the cache at rated speeds. The other reader with a 9500 reported no startup. I suggested the usual troubleshooting tips for soldered in cache system owners - reducing bus speed, making sure the card was fully seated, and ensuring that switch 8 on the Z-Force was off (Powerbase compat. switch).

Sawtooth G4 CPU Module Details Page Correction: A reader spotted a reversed VID table in the Sawtooth CPU Module Design page which has been corrected.

Reminder: Web Page Language Translator Since this site is read world-wide, a reader's mail asking if I'd considered translating the news, FAQ, etc. reminded me of a great resource at AltaVista that has been mentioned here in the past several times. http://babelfish.altavista.com/ can translate web pages from one language to another.

Software Updates:

• List Pad 1.3.2 fixes four bugs found in the 1.3.1 release, including several bugs in the preferences dialogs and the saving of user preferences. It is a recommended upgrade for all users. Free update to registered users. List Pad is similar to a to do list manager but far more flexible.

• Apple USB SDK v1.4f3

Thanks to readers that send notes of software updates.

(Off-Topic) Nikon 990 Digital Camera: In reply to a link in yesterday's news on the new Canon 3.3 megapixel digital camera, a reader suggested I check out the impressive new Nikon 990 that was just introduced. With 3.3 megapixel resolution, 2 frames per second full resolution capture, and optional 320 x 240 images at 30 fps for up to 80 frames. It also supports a movie mode with up to 40 seconds of Motion-JPEG at 15 fps. See Steve's Digicams preview of the Nikon 990 for photos and more details.

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

Wednesday's News Summary

• TIL on Apple G3/G4 RAM and Powered USB Devices Issue
• $699 iMac 333's/ $113 Maxtor 17GB drive sales
• More on iMac DV/CGVS Issues
• iMac DV/CVGS Problems
• Turbomax/OS 9/Maxtor 27GB
• More OWC/Beige G3/450 Reports
• BF Arsenal Mod Download File Fixed
• Grim Fandango on VPC
• Raves for Lightwave 3D v6 (Beta):
• List of Software Updates
• Canon 3.3 MegaPixel Digital Camera
• Download links for G4 optimized Peak 2.10 update
• 3dfx updates Voodoo2 and Voodoo3 Drivers
• New topics in G4 Forum and 3Dfx Forums.

Tuesday's News Summary

• Audio Update 1.2 Pulled
• Powerforce card substitutions/reasons for low speeds
• PF G4/350 review updated to note Unreal test res.
• BitBoys 3D News
• Another Slower Win OS?
• Maxtor 40GB IDE Drive Feedback
• Latest ACard ATA/66 News
• TurboMax Support Feedback
• iMac DV Questions - see the review
• More B&W G3 Rev 1 Slave Drive Feedback
• $139 Sony 4X SCSI CDR
• Bias Peak Software Update Adds Altivec Support
• CarrierZIF 1.0 and G4 Upgrades
• Notes on OWC G3/450s
• Ratings Databases Updated
• Rate Your CPU Upgrade, Mac Game Reviews, and Mac Game/Video Card Performance searchable databases updated
• Misc Net news
• Forum Topics in G4 Forum and 3Dfx Forums.

Monday's News Summary

• Rush Limbaugh's 500MHz G4?
• Toast 4.1 Update Soon
• Video Capture Tip
• Mexico Retailer Buying CompUSA?
• PowerForce G4/350 CPU Upgrade Review
• Game News page updated (game doctor+)
• 2 Rainbow Six Mods Reviewed
• Networkable Postscript Laser/Copiers (reader recommendations)
• TrueX 72X IDE CDROM Drive Report
• PB 2400/G3 Upgrades and OS 9
• MP3 Encoders Compared
• XLR8 Support Message Board
• Rate Your CPU Upgrade, Mac Game Reviews, and Mac Game/Video Card Performance searchable databases updated
• Samsung profits up 90% (wise investment by Apple)
• Forum Topics in G4 Forum and 3Dfx Forums.

Saturday's News Summary

• Review of N64 Emulators
• Game News page updated
• Promax Responds On TurboMax Pricing/ACard ATA66 Cards
• List of products to be reviewed
• Audio Tip for VR128 Owners Running OS 8.1
• QT 4.1 Streaming Audio Problem
• Sawtooth G4 Rev 1 vs Rev 2 Differences
• G4Strip Control Strip Module
• Reader Request: Networkable Printer/Copier
• GeForce Drivers - Just Rumor?
• Ratings Databases Updated
• Apple investment in Samsung pays off - profits up 90%
• Rate Your CPU Upgrade, Mac Game Reviews, and Mac Game/Video Card Performance searchable databases updated
• Forum Topics in G4 Forum and 3Dfx Forums.

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. The current database has more than 2,800 reports and growing.

-Freq Asked Questions