Two of the readers that received the email listed below earlier tonight on a delayed order (with "on or before 10/14" est. ship date) later wrote they received another mail with a better ship date mentioned. (Not sure if everyone that got the 10/14 date mail will get this one, but since posting this others have written they also got the 2nd mail with 3-5 day shipping estimate - and see below this mail for a one reader noting his CTO system has shipped so check your order status online to see what it says.) Here's a clip from the "3-5 days" mail:

" To Our Valued Apple Customer:
The new PowerMac G5 is shipping! Following is an update regarding your order.

Apple has been working round the clock to fill customer orders and is very pleased to inform you that your order will ship within 3 to 5 days. Our standard, systematic notification, which was sent earlier today, may have indicated a longer lead time. Please disregard that notice and accept our apologies for any confusion it may have caused.

Before we can continue to process your order, we need to hear from you. You may change or cancel your order any time before it is shipped. If you choose to cancel your order, Apple will issue a prompt refund. If we do not hear from you or cannot ship your order within 3 to 5 days, Apple is required by federal law to cancel your order and issue a refund. We are happy to answer questions or provide further status regarding your order. You may reach us Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. central time, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. To 6:00 p.m. central time, or by email at customerconfirm@group.apple.com.

We appreciate your business and your patience. Thank you for shopping at the Apple Store.
Contact Information:
Fax # (512) 674-2226
Phone # (800) 676-2775 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm CT "

USB 2.0 PCI card/PC card Reports:

" Well, my IOGear USB 2 PCI card works after the update, but not at USB 2 high speed. Installing the latest drivers for my card over the OS X 10.2.8 update does not give me back high speed, either. Just an extra pair of USB 1.1 ports for now...
Snodman "

Here's a more positive USB 2.0 PCcard report:

" Updated during the night (European time) and I was thrilled about what was said in the Knowledge base about USB 2.0 PC card support. After the update I checked the Apple System Profiler and was hoping to see something about "USB 2.0", under devices for my USB 2.0 PC card (PCMCIA) from Double-H, that I bought on Ebay for 9 bucks - no such luck. They have have no drivers at the company site. But as I hooked up my Epson Perfection 2400 Photo scanner and did some (very unscientific) tests, I realize that the card is working for the first time! A 22 Mb image scan took around two-three minutes or more before and now takes less than 10 seconds!
I'm a very happy camper! Fredrik "

Not sure what Powerbook model he has (please include as much detail as possible in reports. Thanks)
This reader with USB 2.0 and FW800 cards noted a problem:

" Hi Mike, Mac OS X 10.2.8 crashed my drive to the ground. I have an ATA card a usb 2.0 card, and a FW800 card. Not sure the issue yet but it is apparent 10.2.8 is going to be a problem.
Michael
(I asked for more details - card brands/models, mac model, etc.)
I have a G4 500 Dual 4.5GB memory with an
ACARD AEC-6880M 133 PCI ATA
WiebeTECH Fire800 PCI
IOGEAR USB 2.0 PCI card
ATI 8500 AGP) video card

I tried removing cards but no change. Drive still just sits with apple logo on screen and goes no further after restarting with OS X 10.2.8.
I am now reformatting the drive and going back to 10.2.6. I'll wait and try the combo updater when it is available for 10.2.8. "

Ethernet and DSL/Cable Modem Problem Reports I've just tested Ethernet on my PB G4 and it's working fine after the 10.2.8 update - tested with a Router (using DHCP) connected to a Cable modem. Some were not so lucky however, at least some older G4 tower owners. (If you've disconnected/reconnected the Ethernet cable after the problem appeared, check the pins in the Ethernet jack to see if they are bent. In the past I've had several iBook/PB owners report Enet problems that were due to a bent pin - of course if the problem happened immediately after the 10.2.8 update w/o removing the cable that's not the issue. )

(Note: I don't really want to recommend it but for those with Ethernet problems in 10.2.8 that don't want to wait for a possible fix from Apple - see the Tip on the Ethernet section of the 10.2.8 reports page.)

"Hey Mike, updated my Gigabit G4 (550MHz 7410, 960MB of RAM, 3 HD's, OEM Radeon, OEM SCSI, and a Rage128) to 10.2.8 and found out something rather unfortunate. After trouble shooting, it breaks the auto cross-over somehow. If I plug it directly into my iBook it works fine. If I plug it into any hubs or routers its dead. tcpdump shows basically no activity. Hopefully they will resolve this soon.
Brandon S.
(he later wrote)
I am a system admin so I have tried most everything I can think of. Reset router, tried different ports, different cables, different hub, different router. If I plug the G4 directly into the iBook, they talk to each other just fine. I am currently working my way through network config files to see if I can root out a problem. But nothing has done it yet. I willl let you know if/when I find a fix. The kernal did receive an update, so it may be the cause."

(previous Ethernet port related posts follow)

" Hi there, this is actually the first time I am encountering strange behavior after updating my Os (to 10.2.8). After applying the software update via control panel my internet DSL connection won't work anymore. This is kind of annoying because I am not really crazy about going to dive deeper into what's going wrong here. Hardly ever had any serious problems except Microsoft office crashes on launch after applying the recent updates.
Too bad, very disappointing.
Regards from Germany
Jorg "

Not sure what Mac model Jorg has (please include details in reports). My OfficeX runs ok after all the updates (but some did note problems in the past with some officeX updates - sometimes trashing prefs helped, but not always). My cable modem (via Airport) connection is still working in 10.2.8. (I also later tested with my PB G4 connected via Ethernet to the Router - DHCP OK/Cable modem access via Router OK.)
Another problem report from a Cable Modem user:

" I would just like to tell you that as soon as I installed this update on my '00 G4 gigabit, my mac could no longer get on the internet via my cable modem. I am writing this on my iBook right now and hope that there is a fix for this soon as this really sucks having to use my iBook for the internet. I tried resetting my cable modem, unplugging and plugging it back in, its obvious that the 10.2.8 has caused this problem. I would highly recommend to anybody who has not updated yet to not update and wait as this could happen to them.
(he later wrote)
2000 400mhz Gigabit 60gig maxtor 7200rpm drive which has 10.2.8 installed on 32mb AGP 2x radeon mac edition video card, 960mb ram, Pioneer Superdrive
I am using a cable modem on DHCP, which no longer works when 10.2.8 was installed on my G4. But works fine on my iBook and Ti.
-Best regards, Josh H. "

I assume he means 10.2.8 is only a problem with the Gigabit G4, I asked if he had done the usual things (check/reset network prefs/network port configs, repair permissions, etc.). I connect to my cable modem (DHCP) via Airport card which still works, but I have to reselect the network name every time I wake from sleep it seems. (resetting the network prefs/airport prefs settings to see if that helps solve that quirk.)
Another problem report regarding Ethernet:

" After installing OS 10.2.8, I lost my network (ethernet) connectivity. I couldn't connect to my office Internet server and couldn't print to network printers (Print Monitor didn't even show them). I re-installed (Archive & Install) System 10.2 from the Install Disks, and now everything is back to normal.
Gary Z. "

I asked Gary what mac model he has but I believe it is a Dual G4/500 (Gigabit Ethernet model). I welcome other reports on 10.2.8 (pros/cons, any issues or fixes you see, etc.) - please include system details such as any installed 3rd party drivers or cards, etc. that you have. Thanks.

(original news item follows) I just wanted to post a note that as of appx 6PM ET, several readers have reported a problem with the Revolution 7.1 PCI Audio card after the 10.2.8 update. (None have reported it working - a known issue reportedly with the current drivers.)

" Damn it all.
Now my M-Audio Revolution 7.1 card will not work. M-Audio and sound control panel does not recognize the card. Now I have to ****** reinstall everything or take my card out and not use the Klipsch speakers attached to it.
(he later wrote)
just reinstalled the M-Audio drivers and after updating to 10.2.8, the card is still not recognized NO Revolution 7.1 support
Quicksilver 2002 933 Mhz with upgraded OWC Mercury Extreme 1.25 Gb Ram, 2 WD 8mb cache drives on a Siig Raid card
Jim P. "

Another reader reported the same thing. (I don't own the card personally but wanted to warn readers that do.) I'd contact M-Audio to see if they have a fix in the works. I didn't see any recent driver updates (yet) at the M-Audio drivers search page even when checking the show beta option. Another reader posted that M-Audio knows about the problem (reported during beta tests) and is working on a fix. Here's a reader's post noting info on the problem:

Here is the relevant error message from kextload:

[(username)-computer:M-Audio/Kexts/10.2] root# kextload
./MAudioRevolutionJaguar.kext/
kld(): Undefined symbols:
_ml_ppc_get_info
kextload: kld_load_from_memory() failed for module /Library/Application
Support/M-Audio/Kexts/10.2/MAudioRevolutionJaguar.kext/Contents/MacOS/MAudio
RevolutionJaguar
kextload: a link/load error occured for kernel extension
./MAudioRevolutionJaguar.kext/
load failed for extension ./MAudioRevolutionJaguar.kext/
(run kextload with -t for diagnostic output)

kernel extension ./MAudioRevolutionJaguar.kext/ has problems:
Validation failures
{
"Kext has a kernel dependency prior to version 6.0 and CFBundleVersion does
not match executable's MODULE_VERSION" = true
}

Another of the initial reports indicated a problem with TrasparentDock 2.0.2
(Update: the next day TransparentDock 2.1 was released for compatibility with 10.2.8)

" Just to let you know I installed 10.2.8 and I use TransparentDock 2.0.2 and I have now LOST my dock, witch means I can't even use the yellow button in windows. Great website by the way.
Mike C. "

Update - another reader using TransparentDoc 2.0.2 said he had the same problem but reinstalling 10.2.8 solved it (odd...)

" I use Transparent Dock and when I upgraded to 10.2.8 I lost the dock completely. But I got it back by re-installing 10.2.8. I guess I'll have to live with a non-transparent dock for a while. But heh, it's better than nothing.
Cheers, Peter B.
P.S. I'd originally had 10.2.8 installed via Software Update but when I wanted to do the re-install, it took me a while to find the right page. It wasn't (at the time) yet listed on the recent updates page. FYI, I found it here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=120245 "

The 10.2.8 kbase doc (link below) has a note about possible problems with 3rd party system mods so if possible it may be best to uninstall them before applying the update (if the addon software has an uninstaller).
If any other readers have seen problems (or fixes) with 10.2.8, let me know the details. Thanks. I updated my PB G4/800 here and so far it seems ok, but I don't have any addon OS mods other than an early beta version of ASM (which still works) and modified plugins for some DVD/CDRW burners (which got overwritten as expected.)

Running Software Updates in OS X 10.2.6 on the PB G4 at appx 5PM Eastern Time shows a 10.2.8 update available. (Thanks to Simon for the heads-up.)

" The 10.2.8 Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for the following applications, services and technologies: Audio, Bluetooth, Classic compatibility, Finder, Graphics, LDAP, Power Management, Safari, and FireWire and USB device compatibility.
The update also provides updated security services and includes the latest Security Updates.

For detailed information on this Update, please visit this website:
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n25524

(that kbase doc notes the following changes:)

Enhancements
These are some of the enhancements that are a part of the Mac OS X 10.2.8 Update:

* Windows on external displays connected to some PowerBook computers are drawn better.
* The Bluetooth menu bar item works better when a Bluetooth USB adapter is disconnected and reconnected.
* Addresses a situation in which an external FireWire storage device would not become available (mount) and this message would appear: "A disk attempting to mount as 'unknown' has failed. Please use Disk Utility to check the disk."
* Addresses an issue in which some Bluetooth devices may not be available after the computer wakes from sleep.
* Addresses an issue in which some Bluetooth keyboards may show a delayed response when you press a key after the computer wakes from sleep.
* Addresses an issue in which some iBook computers could make a clicking sound when using Mac OS X 10.2.5 or 10.2.6.
* Reduces a potential delay when removing some devices from the Bluetooth pairing list.
* Addresses a potential issue in which an audio application can unexpectedly quit when a USB- or FireWire-based audio device is disconnected.
* Bluetooth preferences correctly displays the Bluetooth menu bar item's status if the item was enabled elsewhere.
* Includes several enhancements for Safari.
* Includes support for USB 2.0 devices, including PCI and PC cards for computers that do not include USB 2.0 hardware. "

The linked Kbase doc notes it's not for the PowerMac G5 models however. (I ran SU several times also on the Dual G5, which has a 10.2.7 build for G5s and nothing shows up. Perhaps a later/different version will be released for G5s.) The kbase doc (note 1) also mentions possible problems if you've installed 3rd party system mods. I'd also run repair permissions after any OS X update.
Note: Remember if you installed a modified Device-Plugin file that the update will likely overwrite it - requiring a reinstall of the modified plugin if 10.2.8 does not add native support. (It should for the Pioneer DVR-106 for instance.) The easiest way to reapply a drive support patch is probably just to use PatchBurn (see earlier news item on English version now available.)
I welcome reader reports on 10.2.8 (pros/cons, any issues or fixes you see, etc. - please include system details such as any installed 3rd party drivers or cards, etc. you have).

"Hello, I like to inform you, that my tool PatchBurn is now available in an english version.

PatchBurn 1.1 english:
http://www.macwelt.de/magazin/0310/PatchBurn1.1en.sit

PatchBurn 1.1 german:
http://www.macwelt.de/magazin/0310/PatchBurn1.1.sit

It would be nice, if you could announce these news to the readers of xlr8yourmac.com
Many Thanks and greetings from germany
Chris Moeller"

PatchBurn automates the process of enabling burn support for Unsupported drives in OS X Jaguar without having to install modified device-plugin files manually. (Patchburn modifies the file based on your selections.)

• Giga Designs G4 1GHz (at 1.2GHz) in (sawtooth) G4/AGP (rated 10)
• Powerlogix G4 Dual 1.4GHz in (sawtooth) G4/AGP (rated 8)
  (some cooling related problems noted)
• Sonnet Crescendo/WS G4 500 in Powerbook G3 wallstreet1 (rated 8)
  (noted OS X CDs not bootable after update and some other media issues with the upgrade)
• Sonnet 500MHz (didn't note if G3 or G4) in B&W G3 (rated 10)
  (My full reviews of G4 and G3 upgrades w/apps/game tests, install info, etc. are linked here.)
• Apple B&W G3/400 OC report
• Apple G4/500 AGP OC report

(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:
• Firewire (IDE drive in FW case) Liteon LTR-52246S (52x24x52x) used w/Powercurve (OS 9.2)
• IDE Liteon LTR-52327S (52x32x52x) in B&W G3 (OS 9.2)
  (no native itunes burn support - faq here has burn support files for OS 9 and OS X)
• IDE Liteon LTR-52246S (52x24x52x) in Beige G3 (OS 8.6)
  
  Combo DVD-CDR Drives:
• IDE Liteon LTC-48161H (48x24x48x +16x DVD-ROM) in eMac (OS X)
  (FAQ has OS 9 and OS X burn support files linked, or use Patchburn for OS X 10.2.x support)
• IDE LG GCC-4480B (48x24x48x + 16x DVD) used w/iMac slot-loading (OS 9)
  (FAQ has OS 9 and OS X burn support files)
  
  DVD-R Drives:
• IDE Pioneer DVR-104/A04 in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (some problems noted with sleep, apps)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-105 in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (noted pioneer 1.30 firmware updater not recognizing drive when booted to OS 9 to run the updater)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-105 in eMac (OS X)
  
  DVD+R/RW + DVD-R/RW Drives:
• Firewire Sony DW-U14A used w/Dual G4 DDR (OS X)
  (no native itunes burn support)
• Firewire Sony DW-U14A used w/Dual G4 (OS X)
  (usign modified burn support file)
• Firewire Sony DRU-500A used w/Beige G3 (OS X)
  (using modified burn support file from FAQ, but noted DVDs and CDs will burn but not mount in OS X)
• IDE Pioneer DVR-106 in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (no native burn support in 10.2.6, FAQ has modified plugin, includes notes on drive sleep issue - i.e. set energy saver to never sleep drives)
  (Illustrated CD drive install guide here covers G4 towers up to the Digital Audio Model, Beige G3 MT, and B&W G3 Macs)
  
  DVD-r + DVD-RAM Drives:
• IDE Panasonic SW-9571 used w/iMac (OS X)
  (using IDE extender cable running outside the case)
  
  Hard Drives:
• IDE IBM Travelstar 40GNX 40GB in Powerbook G3 wallstreet1 (didn't select an OS version)
  (PB G3 wallstreet illustrated HD install guide here)
• IDE Hitachi Travelstar 80GN 60GB in Powerbook G3 wallstreet1(OS X)
• IDE Samsung SP1203N 120GB in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (Illustrated guide to adding a 2nd HD here in B&W G3 rev2 and G4 towers up to the QuickSilver models.
  IDE articles page RAID section has an illustrated guide for adding 2 more drives in the side bays.)
• IDE Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 120GB in iMac slot-loading (OS 9.1)

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
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