Stan's List

Apple is facing a number of lawsuits, including one relating to its FairPlay DRM and its use with iTunes and iPod, as CBS News reports.

A judge failed to dismiss a case where the plaintiff alleged that Apple had created an illegally monopoly by allowing iTMS tracks and videos play only the iPod, while tracks purchased from other music download services cannot be played on iPods.

Another party has brought a suit against Apple relating to the alleged high rate of failure of Apple’s iBook G4 logic boards. Previously, Apple admitted high failure rates of iBook G3 boards and implemented a repair extension program, which replaces dead boards on out-of-warranty iBook G3s. But Apple has not conceded any particular problems with the iBook G4. More …

Battery runtimes can be reduced if an application(s) has runaway or taken over system processes. This can cause the processor to work overtime and consume unnecessary battery power.
Products affected

* Portable computers running Mac OS X

More …

Mac OS X Hints has the low down on getting Front Row working on your Mac Pro (or any Mac able to run OS X, but not Front Row). The problem is twofold: one, Front Row not being configured to run, you need to find the executable for it; two, it’s not technically supposed to run unless it detects the Apple Remote. This part is a little more challenging; fooling it into thinking you do have the remote involves a bit of hacking that may depend on what brand mouse you use. More …

iFixit.com posted a Fixit Guide for the new 2G iPod shuffle. The Fixit Guide clearly illustrates how to get inside, access, and replace any component in the new iPod shuffle.

Fixit Guides for every iPod and Mac laptop are available free online on this iFixit Web page.

Apple’s Web page states:

“If you participated in a previous battery recall for any of these computer models or recently purchased or received from Apple an extra battery for an iBook G3, please check your battery serial number in case you received a replacement battery that is affected by this program.”

So if you own an iBook G3, check to see whether or not your battery model and serial number fall into one of the given ranges.

Today Apple and the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of certain lithium ion batteries made for 12″ and 15″ PowerBook G4s and iBook G4s. Here is Apple’s Web page on the recall and CPSC’s notice. The recall covers batteries made by Sony similar to those recalled by Dell. The total number of batteries in the U.S. is 1.1 million and there are some 700,000 more outside the U.S. for a total of about 1.8 million batteries.

Check Apple’s Web page or the CPSC notice to determine if the battery is involved in the recall and, if so, to stop using it until it can be replaced by Apple.

Apple has cut prices on select iPod and Mac refurbs. Apple’s spinning this sell down as an opportunity to “save” up to $100 on iPods and as much as $900 on Macs.

These are Apple Certified Refurbished products and ship with a one-year warranty that can be extended via AppleCare.

Lacey J. Manning of The Daily Universe gives hints on how to avoid getting your iPod or Mac laptop stolen. One example:

The standard white ear buds immediately call attention to an iPod. Switching to black earphones can camouflage the popular music player, making it look like a less desirable brand. It’s also a good idea to keep your iPod stowed out of sight to avoid becoming a target.More …

With last week’s announcement that the British government thwarted an alleged terrorist attack planned for flights from the U.K. to the U.S., news that travelers are required to check their laptops as baggage on some flights has raised a new level of panic as they try to figure out the best way to protect their laptops. More …

What about your iPod or your Newton?

Apple is reportedly set to release its iBook replacement on as early as Tuesday, Loop Rumors reports.

Apple’s website was said to be updated early by mistake on Friday, with links directing customers to the ‘MacBook’.