" Hi Mike,
I wanted to let you and your readers know that ATI has posted a new set of Mac drivers to correct the problems introduced in the January 4 release. The release can be found at the link below.
support.ati.com/drivers/mac/macos9_jan_14_2002_update.html
This release includes one new file with the following changes:"

ATI ROM Xtender v1.0.9

• Fixed Applevision controls missing from Monitors control panel
• Fixed boot delay/blank screen with RADEON MAC EDITION
• Fixed scrambled TV Out on RADEON MAC EDITION
• Fixed blank screen launching Quake III Arena in full screen using RADEON MAC EDITION

After downloading and installing the update - it appears (on my system) that the update also has a later version of the Mac2TV Monitor extension (2.8.3). A quick test shows that Quake III now runs with the update and the Sony FW900 monitor here; with the previous Jan 7th update, the ROM Xtender file (v1.08) would not (setting the monitor to a 29Hz refresh rate as I noted last week.)

• Fixed an application crash if "config.cfg" and "autoexec.cfg" files of Classic Quake II were used.
• Fixed the keyboard repeat issue after application quit.
• Fixed an issue with mouse pointer visibilty.
• Mouse wheel support finally works.
• Changed mouse acceleration handling [uses now IOKit].
• Changed paste from "ctrl-v" to "cmd-v" [as it should be]. The "Edit/Paste" menu works now, too.
• Added support for up to 5 mouse buttons.
• Added "Connect To Server" service.
• Added application switching [via "cmd-tab"] in fullscreen mode.
• Added application hide [via "cmd-h"] in fullscreen and windowed mode.
• Added keyboard short cuts for minimize in windowed mode ["cmd-m"] and quit ["cmd-q"].
• Added support for the numeric keypad.

See the readme and 'important' files for more info, performance tips and compatibility info. Thanks to the author (Awe) for the frequent updates/improvements and for doing this as freeware.

"Hi Mike,
Just an FYI. I contacted Apple this morning and it looks like the PBG4 combo drive upgrade scheduled to start the 14th (today) has been pushed off until the 28th of January. No specific reason was given, except perhaps that demand for the new PB (with the new drive) was sapping off spare drive inventory.
Regards,
Marshall."

Checking the Dec. 19th news page link to the Apple Combo drive upgrade FAQ shows it has been revised to note January 28th also.

"'Mike,
Just wanted to let you know that a mod team for Quake3 just released their Beta 1.10 of Reaction Quake 3. It's a port of the original Action Quake 2, and they've done quite a good job. They're still working on the teamplay aspect of it, which should be released in a couple months at most, but offer Deathmatch, Capture the Briefcase (Capture the Flag essentially), and Team Deathmatch. Anyone who's played either Action Quake2 or Quake 3 should check it out..It's definitely worth a look.
http://www.reactionquake3.com is their homepage.
[I asked about his experience with it on a Mac and if it was compatible with the latest Q3 1.31beta4 update.-Mike]

Yes, it's completely playable on the Mac ...Even having a P4 sitting next to my Mac, I still refuse to do anything but serve games from that...I downloaded both the [Q3] Beta 1.31b4 and their patch yesterday and it worked without a hitch. My suggestion would be for readers to grab the zip files (the Beta 1 weighing in at 67.41MB and the Beta 1.10 at 6.39) as the one Mac installer of the original had a problem regarding the expiration of the installer. The url to the downloads page itself (with a few mirrors) is:
www.telefragged.com/reaction/downloads.shtml" Scott DeLeury"

"FWB Hard Disk ToolKit Updater 4.5.2 from FWB Software optimizes the performance of SCSI, IDE, and FireWire devices, including most removables and virtually every disk drive available. Additionally, its intelligent drivers operate with S.M.A.R.T. support to automatically detect drive defects before they cause system downtime. This updater addresses a number of problems, adds features, and supports many additional devices. http://www.fwb.com/dc/hdt/main.html""

Although I prefer using Apple's drivers, owners of drives that support SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) such as the IBM 75GXP series might find this info helpful. (Last week there was another news item on the topic of problems some 75GXP owners have reported with this series of drives.)

" Hi, Mike- I was tearing my hair out trying to get an Apple OEM ATTO ExpressPCI UL2D card (reflashed to retail 1.6.4 firmware) working in a PowerTower Pro 225. Basically, the system would crash with an empty white dialog box freeze whenever the Foreign File Access extension was enabled. I did some looking around on Google and found an old news item on your site explaining another user's similar experience:
http://www.focal.co.jp/1_PRODUCT/ATTO/

Anyhow, flashing the card to the 1.5 firmware solves the problem I was seeing which was driving me nuts. Please spread the word that updating this card to the 1.6.4 firmware is a BAD IDEA. Stick with whatever works in your machine.

Saved again by your site. -John"

I've updated that old news archive page with John's comments.

They also sent a press release about an OS X version of RealMyst® (due March 2002) which I've also included on the details page.

(from MacPlay's press release email)

" MacPlay to Publish Aliens versus Predator 2

Dallas, TX - January 14, 2002 - MacPlay confirmed today that it has reached agreement with Fox Interactive to bring Aliens versus Predator 2 to the Macintosh. The release of the product is slated for Summer 2002.

Aliens versus Predator 2, the sequel to one of the most frightening games ever made, takes place on Planet LV1201 where three interlocking story lines entangle three distinct and bloodthirsty species as they battle for survival. Gamers can choose to play as an Alien, Predator or Colonial Marine, each armed with special abilities and unique new weapons. The story-driven plot is based on the blockbuster films from Twentieth Century Fox and combines the fates of all three races in fast paced and heart-stopping action.

Aliens versus Predator 2 includes 21 intense single player missions and 12 multiplayer levels which include Survivor, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Hunt. Fans of the original Aliens versus Predator will marvel at the highly detailed landscapes and environments as they discover new and powerful abilities for each species.

"We've had tremendous success with the original Aliens versus Predator," said Mark Cottam, President of MacPlay. "We believe that the state of the art graphics and advanced LithTech Development System game engine will provide our loyal customers with an incredible gaming experience - this is truly a win for MacPlay and the Macintosh gaming community."

MacPlay is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Developers, LLC. The company is a publisher of award-winning entertainment software for Apple's next-generation operating system, Mac OS X. More information about MacPlay is available at www.macplay.com."

(RealMyst press release)

" realMYST® Announced for Mac OS X!
San Francisco January 11, 2002 - MacPlay announced today during the Macworld Conference and Expo(tm) that it has reached an agreement with Ubi Soft Entertainment® to bring realMYST® to the Macintosh. The product is expected to ship in March 2002 with a suggested retail price of $29.99.

realMYST is the Myst® the Macintosh community has been waiting for. This final, director's cut of Myst is what the original creators always wanted to make, free from technological constraint.

realMYST uses a state-of-the-art real-time 3D graphics engine to present Myst as it was originally intended: a tale of mystery and intrigue, set in an immersive, dynamic world. Wide-open game play allows players to walk and look anywhere they choose in real-time with 360 degrees of freedom. Witness extraordinary 3D effects as day changes into night and weather changes from brilliant sun to dreary rain, creating an entirely new game experience.

"We are excited to finally bring realMYST® to Mac OS X," said Mark Cottam, President of MacPlay. "Myst debuted on the Macintosh in 1993 and Macintosh gamers were the first to experience the wonderful world of D'ni. RealMYST will continue that tradition."

"Ubi Soft is dedicated to continuing the legacy of the Myst franchise for the Macintosh audience," said Jason Cohen, Vice President of Publishing for Ubi Soft Entertainment. "The recent release of Myst III and now realMyst on the Mac completes that library."

Smartmedia Card Readers
• USB SanDisk SDDR-55-07 used w/G4 AGP (OS X)
  (using recent SanDisk driver update noted here last week.)
  
  IDE CDRW Drive Reports
• LG GCE-8240B 24x10x40 in Beige G3 (OS X)
  (LG listed under "other" brands. using modified iTunes support file)
• Lite-On LTR-24102B 24x10x40x in B&W G3 (OS X)
• Lite-On LTR-24102B 24x10x40x in Beige G3 (OS 9.1)
• Lite-On (Cendyne) 16X10X40 in Beige G3 (OS X)
• Plextor PX-W8432T (8x/4x/32x) in B&W G3 (OS 9.2)
• Sony CRX175A1-C1 24x/10x/40x in G4/AGP (OS 9.1)
• Sony CRX175E 24x10x40x in G4/AGP (OS 9.1)
• Sony CRX1611 16x10x40 in Beige G3 (OS 8.6)
  (2 reports, one with notes on moving ZIP drive, etc. to solve problems)
• TDK Velocd 24/10/40B (24x10x40x) in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (some quirks noted)
• Teac CD-W58E 8x8x24 in Beige G3 (OS X)
• Teac CDW524E (24x10x40x) in B&W G3 (OS 9.2)
  
  Firewire CDRW Drive Reports
• Acer CRW2010A 20x/10x/40X in FW case used w/iBook 2001 (OS X)
• Lite-On (Formac FireWire retail) LTR-16102B 16x/10x/40x used w/G4 Cube (OS X)
  (some problems noted burning in OS X)
• Que (WS24E Teac mechanism?) 24x10x40 used w/B&W G3 (OS X)
  (no iTunes support)
• Ricoh rw7200 20x/10x/40x in FW case used w/Dual G4 (OS X)
  
  SCSI CDRW Drive Reports
• Plextor PX-W1210TS (12x/10x/32x) in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (using El Gato drivers)
• Ricoh 7060S 6x/4x/24x in 73/75/7600 (OS X)
  (using El Gato drivers - still no success. didn't note specific mac model)
• Yamaha 8424S 8x4x24x in PowerTower Pro (OS X)
  (using El Gato drivers - includes tips for getting burner to work)
• Yamaha 8824S 8x8x24 in 6500 (OS 8.6)
• Yamaha CRW4416S 4x/4x/16x used w/PB G3 lombard (OS X)
  (using El Gato drivers - problems noted)
• Yamaha CRW4416S 4x/4x/16x in Beige G3 (OS X)
  (using El Gato drivers - problems noted)
  
  Firewire Hard Drive Reports
• ONE Highfly 40GB used w/8600 (OS 9.1)
  (listed under "other" brands - some problems noted)
  
  IDE Hard Drive Reports
• IBM 75 GXP 45GB in Dual G4 (OS X)
  (noted drive failure after several months of use)
• IBM 75 GXP 75GB in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (noted drive noises, drive being replaced)
• IBM Travelstar 48GB in PowerBook G3 2000 (OS X)
• IBM Travelstar 40GN 40GB in PowerBook G3 2000 (OS X)
  (used installation guide here)
• IBM Travelstar 60GB in PowerBook G4 (OS X) [2 reports]
  (see install guide here)
• Toshiba 30GB in iBook (OS X)
• Western Digital WD1200JB 120GB in G4/AGP 2001 (OS X)
• Western Digital WD1000BBRTL 100GB in G4/AGP (OS X)
  
  SCSI Hard Drive Reports
• Quantum Viking 4.5GB in B&W G3 (OS X)
  
  Removable Media Drive Reports
• Castlewood SCSI Orb using USB/SCSI adapter w/iMac slot loading (OS 9.1)

You can find full owner reports 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.]

• Metabox G4/500 in B&W G3 (rated 9)
• Newer Tech G3/400 in 6500/250 (rated 9)
• Other World Computing G3/500 in B&W G3 (rated 10)
  (assuming G3, didn't note if G3 or G4.)
• Other World Computing G4/400 in Beige G3 (rated 9)
• Powerlogix Z-Force w/G3 400 ZIF in 8500 (rated 9)
• Sonnet G4/500 in B&W G3 (rated 10)
• Sonnet G3/450 in 8500 (rated 9)
• Sonnet G3/260 in 8100/80AV (rated 7)
• B&W G3/400 OC report (updated after several months)

(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.)

Software Updates:
• Skyline 11Mb Wireless USB Adapter (474) Mac OS Installer
• Outlook Expresss 2 Text
  
  OS X Specific Software
• Full Screen Player 1.0
• Classic Toggler 1.1
• File Buddy 7 Beta
• Lock Burn
• Podmaster
• DMG Tool 2.2
• XPostFacto 2.1
• FontChecker
• iPhoto Librarian
• QuickMail 3.0b
• Load Monitor.092
• VPC 5.01 Update AppleScript [Fix permissions - posted 1/10/2002]

Apple TIL/Kbase Doc Updates: OS 9
• Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver): Takes Several Minutes to Sleep or Wake From Sleep
• AirPort 1.3: Using Computer-to-Computer Mode (IBSS)
• AirPort Base Station: Optimizing AirPort Reception
• AirPort: Turning On Access Control
• iPod: How to Find Software Version
• iPod: Not Recognized in iTunes and/or Finder
  
  OS X Specific Docs
• Unable to Move, Delete, Modify, or Copy an Item
• Double-Clicking a File Opens the Wrong Application
• Flashing Question Mark Appears; Computer Starts up From Wrong Operating System

Mac/PowerPC Related News:
(Note: Rehashing of press releases, repeated news, etc. not listed)

• Apple Q1 2002 Conference Call (apple)
• The shape of things to come (independent uk)
• A Cover for Steve Jobs, a Faux Pas for Time (NYTimes)
• Apple's New Magic Bullet? (eweek)
• Automation Seminars (scriptingmatters)
• Scripting Matters Hosts Macintosh Automation Seminars in 28 Cities (yahoo)
• Mac Deadhead Camps in Style (wired)
• Mac OS X: The Missing Manual, 1st Edition (macease)
• PowerBook G4 Combo Upgrade Program [slipped to Jan 28th] (apple)
• Apple thinks different (bcentral)
• Poll: Which computer system do you prefer Mac or PC? (netscape)
• With a Little Bit of Luxo (MSNBC)
• The new iMac internals (cubezone)
• Signs of a Rebound Appear in the High-Tech Heartland [Note iMAC comment towards bottom] (NYTimes)
• Feedback about the new iMac (SFgate)
• New iMac friendlier, but Apple falls short
• Palm ships wireless developer kit (macworld uk)

Gaming Related:
• Star Trek: Voyager - Elite Force 1.2 update (aspyr)
  [not sure if final 1.2 version is different than update noted last week here]
• Quake II v1.0.2
  [list of changes in 1.02 noted above]

• 1 year ago today
• 2 years ago today
• 3 years ago today