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News Archive for: Thursday, August 17th, 2006 (later posted items first) Goto Current News Page
Systems | CPU Upgrades | Video | IDE | Firewire | SCSI | Audio | Tips/Apps/Networking | FAQ
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| Mac Pro Memory reports/tests page updated |
I've updated the previous page on Mac Pro Memory reports/tests to include a (long) mail from OWC on temperature tests with 3rd party (std heatsink) FB-Dimms vs Apple spec (large heatsink) FB-Dimms (up to 8 at a time) and an update from a reader on replacements for a pair of WinTec PC2-5300 1GB FB-Dimms that ran at 533MHz. (Replacements running at 667MHz he said.)
Also added a reader's note/link tonight showing Kingston's search engine no longer lists anything for the Mac Pro, although it did previously. I wrote Kingston to ask if the listing was pulled as a result of their own tests with a Mac Pro.
(Page updated again at 9AM Friday with more reader notes on 3rd party FB-Dimms.)
If you've tested 3rd party RAM in your Mac Pro, let me know. Remember to Check Apple System Profiler to verify 667MHz speeds and any ECC error corrections after extensive use/stress tests. Thanks. (Especially interested if anyone else is running six or eight 3rd party/standard heatsink FB-Dimms, as I was surprised at OWC's comments on seeing ECC errors so quickly with that config. in their Mac Pro 3GHz. A reader previously sent a report on using a 6 Kingston dimms (4 1GB, 2 512MB) with the 2 OEM/Apple shipped dimms and wrote again about them.) |
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| ElGato EyeTV Hybrid |
| ElGato has expanded their EyeTV line to include EyeTV Hybrid ($149.95 list):
"
EyeTV Hybrid is powered by award-winning EyeTV 2 software:
Watch analog as well as digital TV on your Mac.
Browse EyeTV menus in Full Screen mode.
Rewind, fast forward, and pause digital TV.
Record hours of your favorite TV shows directly on your hard drive
and edit out unwanted content.
Find TV shows using the built-in program guide (USA only).
Export clips and entire episodes to your video-capable iPod.
Connect game consoles and enjoy zero latency game play.
And much more...
It's the ideal solution for someone who wants both an analog and digital TV solution for the Mac in one small USB stick."
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| Notes on Buying/Checking Old vs New Spec AL Cinema Displays |
| (updated with comments on new spec S/Ns)
"Hi Mike, since Apple has bumped specifications of their Cinema
Display and lowered price I decided to go and buy a new 23" as
replacement of my current 20" ACD.
Seconds after seeing this screen working, I immediately noticed the
"pink screen" problem. (I asked if he had checked this after a "1 hour warm-up" and he said no, although that may not change this.-Mike) Also I checked the serial with Coconut Identity card and it looked like the screen was manufactured in early June.
After talking with AppleCare regarding this issue, they do confirm me that this screen is from a previous generation because it was "late
2005" model and not mid 2006 one... incredible! They recommended to return the unit, so I did and asked for a refund as well.
I'm now waiting a few weeks to get my money back and see if Apple delivers what is advertised on his page instead selling old stock to their loyal customers. For the record, this screen was purchased at the Apple Store Online, Spain.
(I asked him if he had the S/N of the display just as a FYI, but not sure what S/N range the newer specs displays started at. -Mike)
2A62026XXXX (last 4 digits masked)
(he later wrote)
I have been informed new specification panels (Mid 2006) start from
2A6281 and up. Any model with lower serial number is within later
2005 specifications (like mine).
-George R.
"
There's always a chance of getting some older stock from any dealer after a specs change like that and the usual "specifications subject to change without notice" disclaimer applies. Not everyone with an "old spec" Display mentioned the "pink" issue although for those with complaints, it was one of the most common ones. (Some tried recalibrations/custom colorsync profiles, etc.) I've added George's notes to the Alum Cinema Display reports page.
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| Halo Universal Binary Available (for a fee) |
| MacSoft Games' Halo support page
has a note there's a Universal Binary version of Halo available (for a fee)
"
Universal Binary Release:
IMPORTANT: Halo owners who have not upgraded to an Intel-based Mac do not
need to upgrade their version of Halo. They will still be able to play
network games against owners of the Universal and PC versions.
Creating the Universal Application required extensive rewriting of the Halo
code. As a result, MacSoft cannot release the Universal Application as a
small, downloadable update. Owners of the original Mac version of Halo have
2 options for acquiring the Universal Application.
1) MacSoft will send out a new Halo disc to owners of the original
version of Halo. To receive a new disc, you can send MacSoft a photocopy of
your Halo registration code number, along with your return address and
$9.95(US) for shipping and handling. A new disc will be mailed to you.
Also, for anyone who purchased the non-Universal version of Halo for Mac
after January 1, 2006, MacSoft will waive the shipping charges. Just send
your request along with your registration code, your return address, and
your original, dated sales receipt.
Send your request to:
MacSoft
13755 1st Ave N, Suite 500
Plymouth, MN 55441
ATTN: Halo UB
2) For users who would prefer to download the new version, it will be
available at the MacGameStore. Again, owners of the original version will
have to supply their registration number. Charge for the download is $5.00(US).
NOTE: This is a very large download and is not recommended for those with
dialup Internet access.
To purchase the downloadable Halo Universal Binary, go to:
http://www.macgamestore.com/detail.php?ProductID=616
"
A reader posted a short comment on Halo UB on his MacBook Pro:
"
Wow it plays well on a 2.16GHz MacBook Pro. Much faster than a 2GHZ G5 iMac.
However, I cannot seem to "Command-Tab" to switch applications while I am in
Halo. This worked on the PowerPC build. Any suggestions?
-LC"
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