Grappler SCSI Card ROM Updates: Edmond Lai wrote that Orange Micro has posted firmware updates to their Grappler line of SCSI cards. See their updates page for a list of fixes/features added.

iMac II Tech Docs: Colin Anderson wrote that there is an Apple PDF file (544K) available now with the tech specs on the new iMacs. They also have an iBook section now as well (but no Apple G4 info yet).

More on iBook Hard Drives: In the continuining thread on iBook hard drives from the last few day's news Rob Cousins wrote he found what appears to be a (height wise) an iBook compatible larger drive - the Toshiba 6.4GB 4200RPM 8.45mm 13mS 512K cache model. He said he saw it listed at www.staktrading.com (prices in pounds there - not dollars). See yesterday's post for page that shows how to replace the iBook's Hard Drive (warning - this may void your apple warranty). That page also verified the existing drive is 8.45mm high.

BTW - the local Sear's store here in Charlottesville had the iBook on display so I assume they are in stock.

Daren Johnson wrote in reply to an earlier post on the Mac OS up to date program:

"I noticed this on Tuesday and called the Apple order center at 800-293-6617. The gentleman there told me (after an offline conference with a supervisor) that the wording on the coupon is the correct stand - if you purchase MacOS 8.5 after October 5th, you are eligible for a cheap upgrade. The rest of us pay full freight. I suggested that they contact Apple Marketing and have the webpage at apple/macos changed, but obviously that hasn't happened yet. "

I hear Apple has now updated the web page to eliminate the contradictory comments so the earlier post was removed.

My forums were down for awhile today but both the 3Dfx or G4 forums seem fine now.

ATI Rage128 VR Chip Clarification: Deanna Perkins, product manager for Mac ATI graphics cards wrote to say the Rage128 VR chip is not the same one used on the Rage128 VR card:

"Hello Mike,
There seems to be a bit of confusion about the RAGE 128 VR chip on the new iMac systems. There are two versions of the RAGE 128 chip: the RAGE 128 GL and the RAGE 128 VR.
The RAGE 128 VR has small footprint 256-pin BGA package, making it an attractive graphics solution for motherboard implementations like the iMac. There is more information on RAGE 128 available at: http://www.ati.com/ca_us/technology/hardware/rage128.html
The Xclaim VR 128 ships with a RAGE 128 GL chip not the RAGE 128 VR. I know this is very confusing but there is no relation between RAGE 128 VR and Xclaim VR 128.
As to the shipping status of Xclaim VR 128; we are in mass production now, final packaging and shipment will take place next week. I am confident on this date but I'll drop you a line to confirm when they go out the door since I'm sure the natural reaction to the proceeding statement is 'yeah right'.
Deanna "

$609 Hitachi 21" Monitor: Greg Santilli sent a note that CDW has the Hitachi SuperScan Elite 802 Plus (.22 dot pitch) monitor for $609. Not sure how long these will last. I later found the same item in their email notice on montor sales which included the Hitachi and other monitors from 17-21".

OpenGL 1.1.1 Altivec Boost: Simon Lisney sent a clip from an Apple developer mail list that indicates with a G4 system and OS 9's OpenGL version they're seeing "20 to 40% (remember, your mileage will vary) speed improvement with the Velocity Engine enabled vice disabled.".

Bottom Line sent their latest weekly specials that include everyting from Apple systems (incl. iMacs) to standalone CD duplicators. They're also including a free Apple t-shirt with each order while supplies last (carefully read their instructions on how to note this in your order).

Reminder: Apple Owner's Survey: George Cole sent a reminder on the Apple Owner Survey noted here a few weeks back. It's a great chance to voice your opinions to Apple and there are specific questions on the keyboard and mouse (both common complaint items). Your chance to 'make a difference' perhaps in future models.

Game News: the Game News page has an update with comments on Mactell Evileye game compatibility, Raven software reporting a lack of response from Apple and links to articles on ATI's (PC) Aurora (dual Rage128 Pro chips) and RageFury Pro (single Rage128 Pro chip).

Other Net News:

• iMac rebirth marred by network logjams (Arizona Central)
• Think Different? Why Jesse wants an iMac Jesse Berst says he's tired of Windows crashes and has a poll on this page asking if he should switch. When I voted the 'Yes' votes were 72%. (ZD/Net)
• Lombard Is Now Apple's Oldest Model: New PowerBooks By January? (MacOpinion)
• DVD: Cold and Hot (MacOpinion)
• MP3: The Final Showdown, Part 4 (MacOpinion)
• Sony: PlayStation2 the linchpin in new home system (News.com)
• iMac Updates Emphasize Graphics (PCworld)
• Bring DSL home in a box (PCworld)
• Microsoft files five suits for software piracy (News.com)
• Intel aims high with 64-bit chip (PCworld)
• Barnes & Noble to buy Babbage's Software (News.com)

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

If you don't check every day's daily news (updated several times a day normally) you might miss something valuable. Check the summary list below for highlights of the last few day's news and the archives page for older new page links. The recent features page has a list of recent reviews/articles posted (as does the sidebar topics links)..

Wednesday's News Summary

• Vote For Your CPU (CNN Poll)
• Developer Notes on iBook Hard Drives (may have errors)
• Web page details how to upgade iBook hard drive
• iMac VRAM not Upgradeable
• Apple TIL on Software DVD Player (G4/Sawtooth)
• Mac Unreal - 224B7 the Last Update
• Apple G4/PACE Conflict?
• Motorola to make a 2nd generation of G4 CPU
• Maxtor 27GB and Rev 1 B&W G3 Success Story
• CarrierZIF/PowerBase Compatibility Update
• Latest CarrierZIF/PowerTower Pro 250 Comments
• PB G3/250 CPU Modules for Sale
• Newer Tech ZIF Socketed CPU Upgrade
• ATI Rage128 VR Chip in new iMacs
• More G4/450 AGP Feedback on Performance
• Other Net News
• CPU reviews, Game Reviews and Game Framerates databases updated

Tuesday's News Summary

• Finally - a USB and FireWire Combo PCI Card
• MacOS Update to Date offer extended for G4/ibook owners
• More iMac News on new models, prices, features, upgradeability
• New iMac Details
• iBook Hard Drives
• Vimage Speed Boosting? reader tweaking report
• ATI 'Project Aurora' still alive
• Trade-in Your Beige G3 on a G4 System
• More WD Expert/Beige G3 Warm Start Fixes
• Upgrade dealer trying to get Newer to make more PB 1400/G3 upgrades
• Other Net News
• CPU reviews, Game Reviews and Game Framerates databases updated

Monday's News Summary

• XLR8 Updates G4 White Paper
• ATI Aurora - Dual Rage128 Pro's?
• iBook Discount - limited time/Sear's card special?
• IBM G3 Milestone
• Beige G3/WD Expert Tips (solutions for warm start problem)
• Apple Cinema Display comes with Rage128 Pro?
• Communicator 4.7 Tips
• Game News page updated with Unreal tips, Cyborg3D comments
• Fly First Impressions updated
• Other Net News

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

Considering a G3 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

Apple/G3 Related:
GV USB Modem 1.02
Firewire v2.1 drivers
ATI Video Update 1.0
Drive Setup 1.7.3
OpenGL 1.0
Int. Modem Scripts
Apple Modem Update
[File Download]
PB G3 Modem 1.0.2
G3 Modem Update (V.90/56Flex)
See VersionTracker's G3 page for others...
Plaintalk Enabler
[For B&W/iMac]

SCSI Related:
Grappler Updates
3940/3944 SCSI
2940U2B v1.2 Firmware
2940U2W v1.1
MagicScan G3
Miles Updates
ATTO SCSI
Formac PowerRaid Updates

G3 CPU Cards:
PPC Checker
XLR8 Cache Cntl 1.4
MacTell G3 Cntl
PowerLogix SW
MAXpowr G3 1.3.9

Misc/General:
USB Overdrive
Softraid v2.2
Proformance 3
MRJ 2.1.4
Rage128/Older Macs Patch
ATI Drivers 4.01
Font Mgr Update
USB Card drv 1.2
TechToolPro 2.5
GameSprockets
Retrospect Drvrs
Office98 GUID Patch
NAV 5.03
NAV Defs
Logitech MouseWare USB
GV V.90 Flex
 Preferred Script

Games Related:
MesaQuake2
Voodoo3 drvrs
Voodoo2 drvrs
MesaGL 3dfx drvrs
Joyport Update
(InputSprocket fix)
MacMame(emulator)
Descent 3Dfx

Check VersionTracker
for other updates.

Also Check Apple's Software Updates
(especially their Recent Updates)

Apple TIL Updates

Apple Forums