Stan's List

Apple’s MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.3 “fixes a display issue on 2.2/2.4GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro models.” MacBook Pro Software Update 1.0 must have been applied first The update enables display rotation for 2nd display.

Audio Update 2007-001 remedies the audio bug in Intel Mac OS X 10.4.10.

The Audio Update 2007-001 addresses an issue with version 1.0 of the Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update in which a “popping” sound might be heard with some external speakers on Intel-based Mac. This update is recommended for all Intel-based Macs running Mac OS X 10.4.10.

Apple revised Mac OS X 10.4.10 update for Intel-based Macs, fixing some bugs in the first version:

It includes the contents of Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update and fixes a non-security issue that causes audio popping sounds in certain Intel-based configurations running the Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update. PowerPC-based configurations are not affected by the audio issue.
As previously posted, Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update contained a fix for CVE-2007-2242. The identical security fix is also present in Version 1.1 of Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update.
Systems that have applied Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update are correctly patched for CVE-2007-2242, and do not require Version 1.1 of Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update. A separate software update to address the audio issue is available for Intel-based systems running Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update.
The Software Update utility will not present Version 1.1 of Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update for systems already running Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update.

Mac OS X 10.4.10 Update v1.1

10.4.10 v1.1 Combo version

The SuperDrive Update improves readability of certain CD media. The updater application will be installed in the /Applications/Utilities folder. Please follow the instructions in the updater application to complete the update process. Download Page

Right on schedule, Apple released updated MacBook Pros featuring the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors at 2.2 GHz and 2.4 GHz, an LED-backlit screen for the 15″ model, an optional 1900×1200 resolution screen on the 17″ model and a change to Nvidia graphics, the GeForce 8600 GT with up to 256MB of VRAM. The new models also allow 4GB of RAM instead of just 3GB. More …

Apple has a number of sample noises made by varies operations by the MacBook and MacBook Pro, in an attempt to set a baseline. If your noise exceeds the sample noise, then contact Apple. More …

In the actual Knowledge Base article Apple uses the word “sounds”, not noise. My guess is that a number of returns or repairs were because of noise below the threshold.

It appears most, except the largest laptop displays, are 6 bit LCD’s not the 8 bit necessary for millions of colors. Has Apple represented the quality of the display beyond its capability? Ars Technica notes this is the main thrust of the case. The other causes are basically subjective. All laptops, PC included, should share this concern. More …

Computerworld notes that more than 25% of Georgetown students have Apple laptops and support has been accommodating. Following the short article is a number of comments, most evidencing an increase in Mac use at other universities. More …

Hitachi has announced volume shipping of the industry’s fastest high-capacity notebook hard drive. Hitachi claims 18–30% faster performance than a comparable 5,400rpm drive. Also, that the Travelstar 7K200 also comes close to matching the 5,400rpm Travelstar’s power requirements and heat emissions. More …

Apple has recently discovered that some batteries used in its MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks may have battery performance issues. Apple is offering a software update that is designed to improve battery performance.

For MacBook and MacBook Pro systems with Intel Core Duo processors, this program extends repair coverage on the battery for up to two years from the date of purchase of the computer. More …