News Archive for: Friday May 2, 2008
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PowerMac G5 Coolant Leaks page updated
I've updated the page on PowerMac G5 Coolant Leaks again with a report from a dual G5 2.7GHz owner (originally purchased May 2005). He had purchased Applecare and still had a few days left of coverage so the estimated $2K repair costs will be covered if they can get the parts - otherwise he'll likely get a new Mac Pro replacement. (As noted in several previous reports here, in some cases (although not all) even leaks out of warranty were covered.)
I have one of the first (2003/Air Cooled) Dual 2GHz G5 Towers. It's not been used that much over the years (daily work systems have been PB G4 and a 2007 refurb AL iMac 24in) but my G5 has been rock solid (no issues, no random shutdowns, etc.). I'm thinking of selling it now and getting a (refurb) 2008 Mac Pro.
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Penryn MacBook Pro's missing embedded numeric keypad/revised function keys
(from a reader mail yesterday - I don't own a MBP but asked some Santa Rosa model owners that said they didn't use it, but the keyboard included the 'embedded' numeric keypad. )

" Penryn MBPs missing embedded numeric keypad
Hello Mike, FYI, we just purchased new Penryn MBPs and they're missing a crucial function - the embedded numeric keypad. (Don't see it on Apple's latest Macbook Pro design page keyboard pix either. The latest MacBooks also don't appear to have it either.-Mike)
We use Macs in professional audio production for television, and all the audio software - Logic, ProTools, Nuendo, Digital Performer, etc. - use the numeric keypad for key commands that are not elsewhere. It's absolutely essential in this fast-paced environment and is a show-stopper for us.

An external usb keypad is not an option - it ties up a usb port, it doesn't fit on your lap, and you can't use it on an airline tray table (yes, some shows are edited there). Not to mention one more stupid thing in your bag that sucks down battery.
The embedded numeric keypad is like a power switch - you don't look to see if someone removed it. This is a significant problem for us and we may have to return the units as a result. I've sent a request to apple.com/feedback, we'll see if anyone is listening.
-Hugh
NEP/Denali Video"

A Santa Rosa MBP owner wrote about other changes in the Penryn MacBook Pro's function keys:

" Subject: Confirmed no embedded numeric keypad
from apples own "design" page http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/design.html (same link/page as above)
They also once again reorganized what the function keys do. Now they play/pause, fast forward and rewind audio/video as well as all the other stuff they did. But "num lock" on F6 is gone.
-Mike K."

While on the subject of Penryn MBP's, I also had another mail recently from a Penryn MBP owner on graphics corruption (after wake from sleep).

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Mac Drive Upgrades/Compatibility Database Updated
The Mac Drive/Storage Upgrades Database had 4 more reports added. Current total - 16,420. (Searching by drive type, brand, mac model etc. listed below will show the full reports, most recent first)

    DVD+R/RW + DVD-R/RW Drives:
  • IDE Sony/NEC Optiarc AD-7630A in iMac Intel-CPU (OS X 10.5.x)
    (report cloned under both Sony and NEC brands)

    Hard Drives:
  • IDE Hitachi HDP725050GLAT80 500GB in (G4) Xserve (OS X server 10.5.x)
    (swapped out original 60GB drive in apple drive module)
  • SATA Samsung F1 (HD753LJ) 750GB in G5 Tower (OS X 10.5.x)
    (Site specials page has the F1 750GB drive for $125 and the FAST 1TB Samsung F1 for $199.75.)
  • SATA Western Digital WD10EACS 1TB in iMac Intel-CPU (OS X 10.5.x)

You can read full reports (latest shown first) by searching the database by drive/brand/interface/mac models (the latest reports are shown first in searches). The database includes reports on Optical Drives (Blu-Ray, DVD, CD/CDR, etc.), Hard Drives, Tape drives, Removable media (ORB, ZIP, MO drives), NAS (Network Attached Storage), in all interface types (IDE, SATA, Firewire, SCSI, USB, adapters).
If you've added/upgraded a drive in your Mac send me the details (drive info/speed rating/mac model/OS used, etc.). Note: Please use the drive for at least a week before reporting on it and test for booting from Disc with Optical Drives (as well as burning discs). Thanks.

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Other News/Articles, Mac Software Updates
(later added items first)

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Recent Articles and Reviews
Listing/links to recent articles and reviews you may have missed.
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MacBook Upgrades


FasterMac.net
Internet Access

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(see full list)

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EliteAL eSATA/FW800/400/USB 2.0 Case Kit w/SW $79

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