"The application provides updated firmware for DLink modules revision B2 or later, and Apple Bluetooth internal modules on PowerBooks and PowerMacs.

Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.0.2
The Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.0.2 provides improvements in the update installation process, better performance when waking the computer from sleep, and support for additional key commands during startup.

The Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.0.2 is for D-Link USB Adapters (revision B2 or later), and Apple internal Bluetooth modules on PowerBooks and PowerMacs. This firmware update will improve connectivity between the computer and the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse. Use this updater for the modules specified above; this updater is unsupported with any other Bluetooth modules.

Important: Using this firmware update will make your Bluetooth module incompatible with Windows based systems.

System Requirements
A Macintosh computer with either:
The Apple Internal Bluetooth module or
A D-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter (DBT-120, rev. B2 or later)
Mac OS X v10.2.6 or later
Mac OS X Bluetooth 1.3 or later client software
An Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse"

Odd that the wireless keyboard/mouse is listed as a requirement (?).
Remember to turn on Bluetooth before running the updater. Matt also suggested running repair permissions after the update (a good idea after any OS X, X apps or X driver update in general).

"CINEBENCH 2003 G5 is a technology study. MAXON has optimized crucial parts of the render engine for the G5 with the support of Apple, which now reaches speed increases of approximately 20%. Further improvements are expected once an optimized compiler with G5 support is available, which shall produce efficient and reliable G5 code. We expect new compilers and tools to be released during the first quarter of 2004, allowing us to deliver production quality G5-optimization for CINEMA 4D and BodyPaint 3D."

A previous report from a reader from Germany said that CT magazine tests with an early G5 beta showed about a 25% gain in the render score compared to the original 1.0 release.
Update - I've revised my previous page of Dual G5 tests to show include the results of this beta CB2003 version (in the benchmarks section). I saw an appx 25% increase in performance of the render score compared to the previous CB2003 version, although the scene flyby FPS rates showed less gain.

" Matrix reloaded DVD has a new interactive DVD player for the Mac :)
InterActual_Player 1.1.1
it was mentioned before, i don't know if this one is newer :)
Mark R "

The previous page here from April 2003 with reader reports on the Mac Interactual DVD player didn't note a version that I remember , but this one may be newer than the one from the Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets DVD. (Readers today replied to this post to day the version on the Harry Potter DVD was 1.0.4)
Personally with a Mac that runs the standard OS X DVD player, I don't plan on installing the Interactual player. (I did once on a PC and didn't like it, although some fans of the movie related features it had may think differently.)

(I've built and used PCs since the late 80's, but in the last year I've just gotten fed up with all the repeated windows patches/flaws, etc., and now I don't really care how the performance of a Windows PC compares in those tests, I'd still rather have the G5. But the low parts costs, massive selection of options to 'build your own' PC make it attractive to millions. I understand that attraction very well.)

" Hi Mike, just wanted to keep you and your readers abreast of what seems to be a wide-sweeping issue for us "early adapers' of the new 15" AlBooks. (not every new PB G4 15in owner has mentioned this but there quite a few reports in Apple's forums) Users are finding 3-4 thumb-sized very white/bright splotches in a diamond pattern on their display. This is permanent and seems to occur/get worse over time. Its the largest thread on Apple's discussion group for the new PowerBook. Please read on...

Since Apple is not even admitting they know of any problem when I call Apple Care, we can all only speculate. But the best guess so far is that the problem is apparently a flaw in the design of the actual lid housing, not the screen. Everyone seems to be getting these white splotches in the same places. If you press ANYWHERE on the outside of the screen, you will see the "pressure points" that are causing stress to the screen. This seems to be happening over time. Every user has different habits, some more susceptible to pressure on the lid. I for one carry my laptop in my back pack and it may have accelerated the inevitable. The user who uses his laptop only on his desk will most likely never experience this problem. But most of us buy a laptop for transport. I suspect this problem will affect most users over time. Sooner than later.

People receiving replacement screens from Apple have had the recurring problem. Apple will eventually have to fix the lid housing for the next rev because once this word gets out (and it will), people are going to wait for the newer, better model. Hopefully they revise the housing to fit on the current 15" AlBooks. If Apple does the right thing, they will fix the lid housing and replace the screens once and for all. But this wont happen any time soon, unfortunately. I would take my laptop back for a refund, but Apple wont refund a machine that is "custom" built. Meaning, I pay more for a faster hardrive and I am penalized. Add to this problem a faulty latch, horrible Airport Extreme reception (30 feet max), poor battery life (>2 hours), and I would say this particular laptop qualifies for Apple's worst lemon. The EdselBook.

There is a petition online that started out on the Apple Discussions thread (there's more than one thread in their Powerbook forums on this issue), but has since been removed by Apple. (the linked thread above is still there as of 8AM ET today) The Petition has grown to 128 in less that 24 hours. (EDITOR: please post this link for others to sign, as it may not convince Apple, it is still a good measure to the depth of this problem.)
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?applelcd&1
HAn"

" Hi Mike, I don't know whether you wrote something about that : the driver for the FB630U canon scanner for OS X is available, and I just discovered that by chance yesterday. Maybe people owning this scanner and who've been waiting for that driver for two years will be as happy as I am!
Canon OS X Scanner drivers page
Marc "

The Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds 1.1.1 update includes bug fixes and a performance tweak. There's also an update to the Clone Wars expansion pack.

• Other World Computing G4/550 (at 600MHz) in B&W G3 (rated 10)
• Powerlogix G3/900 in Beige G3 (rated 1)
• Powerlogix G4 Dual 1.2GHz in (gigabit enet) G4/AGP (rated 5)
• Powerlogix G4 Dual 933MHz in (digital audio) G4/AGP (rated 9)
  (My reviews of G4 and G3 upgrades w/apps/game tests, install info, etc. are linked here.)

(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:
• IDE Liteon LTR-52246S (52x24x52x) in Beige G3 (OS 8.6)
• SCSI HP 9600 used w/Dual G4 (OS X 10.3)
  (no native burn support)
• Firewire QueFire 16x10x40x used w/PowerBook G4 (OS X 10.3)
  (native burn support in 10.2, not in 10.3 he said)
  
  Combo CDR+DVD ROM Drives:
• Exp. Bay Sony CRX-820E (24x16x24x + 8x DVD-ROM) in Powerbook G3 2000 (OS X)
  
  DVD+R/RW + DVD-R/RW Drives:
• IDE Pioneer DVR-106RD in Beige G3 (OS X)
  (Acer version, no iapps burn support w/o modified files, problems noted with burning)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-106D in (sawtooth) G4/AGP (OS X)
  (noted problems with drive sleep with disc in idle drive for long periods)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-106D in (quicksilver) G4/AGP (OS X)
  (noted problems with drive sleep with disc in idle drive for long periods)
  (Illustrated CD drive install guide here covers G4 towers up to the Digital Audio Model, Beige G3 MT, B&W G3 and 8600/9600 Macs)
  
  DVD-R + DVD RAM Drives:
• Firewire MCE Lucid-M2X (Matshita UJ-815-B) used w/Powerbook G4 (OS X) (using modified burn support plugin)
• IDE Panasonic LF-D521 in G4/AGP (OS X)
  
  Hard Drives:
• IDE (SATA) Maxtor 160GB in PowerMac G5 (OS X)

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.)

• 1 year ago today
• 2 years ago today
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