I realized after I read through the whole link that you had
already covered it.
I have a Ti 667 DVI, and that
timeframe for installation sounds about right (sometime in May or
June I have to do a full system reinstall; what fun).
One thing I have noticed with 10.2 in general is that repairing
disk permissions is vital after every software update - I have had
all kinds of mysterious AirPort & application issues disappear
just as mysteriously after repairing disk permissions, so much so
that I run it after every software install and software update
now.
Sounds tedious, but it doesn't take too long, and it can run in
the background.
Optimizing the hard drive is probably a good plan; I'm sure you've
heard all the warnings about Norton & OS X in terms of drive
optimization.
I haven't had the time to optimize the hard drive yet. I'd
planned on using Norton Speed Disk, which has special settings for
OS X and mixed OS volumes. I hadn't heard of any problems
with Speed Disk and X.
And I agree that repairing disk permissions seems to be a crucial
step after OS updates these days. Apple should address that. Macs
have always been about ease of use.
Note, if you want the functionality of .Mac and don't want to
spend $100, you might keep your eyes open for sales on it. Apple was
selling it for $69 earlier this year. I too would like to see the
cost of .Mac stay closer to $50/year than $100. I also think the real
problem we are talking about is secrecy. Apple tries to keep things
under wraps too much some times to protect sales of their hardware,
but there is no reason to do this with their software. Everyone knows
that 10.3 will ship between July and September, but nobody knows how
much it will cost. If they don't want to hurt 10.2 sales, they can
announce that it will be free, announce a free upgrade period, or
offer discounts to people who purchase 10.2. Hell, they could even
offer a subscription service tied to .Mac (I'd pay my $100+/year
happily, or $250 for the household (with 2 .mac accounts + $50/
additional up to 5).
My guess is that more sales are lost, because people wait for
announcements to purchase ether the next great thing (at a price that
will stay for 6+ months) or they purchase the product that just
dropped $1000 because of the next great thing. Apple has to lower bar
for buyers remorse. Losing $1000 in value in 6-9 months is bad
enough, but that is just the industry. Losing $1000 in a month
because Apple doesn't want to hurt sales, probably has the opposite
affect.
I'll have to keep my eyes open for .mac bargains. Since I use
it almost exclusively for email, I can only justify $49 for the
first year on the assumption that Apple is catching most of my
spam for me. That seems to be the case, and by saving my 5-10
minutes per day deleting spam, it provides a decent return on the
investment.
We'll probably have to wait until September to learn the fee
structure for Panther. I would prefer to pay a single annual fee
for .mac and OS upgrades, too.
Well Disk Warrior fixes the directory plain and simple. And that
usually is the only fix someone needs in the case of a ? disk. I have
more than enough evidence to say that Norton though creates many of
those flashing ? disk cases in the first place. And for people
without a backup that can even be more traumatic.
Fixing individual files can be all very well and nice, assuming it
didn't accidentally wipe out the directory, too. It is better to
recover from backup, delete preference files that go bad, and run
Disk Warrior than risk my disk on Norton.
I wasn't talking about using Norton to repair a damaged file,
only using it to discover the damaged file so I'd know which
one(s) to replace. The versions of Disk Warrior and TechTool I've
used so far can't do that.
Norton remains a useful tool, but after my bad experience, it's my
tool of last resort. If nothing else has discovered the source of
the problem, then I'll take my chances with Norton.
Apple vs. Microsoft Upgrades
Peter da Silva muses:
I'm someone who has only switched because of OS X. I only have a
previous version of Mac OS because I needed it to install OS X
on my Sonnet G3 card.
Some comments...
1. "Linux is . . . the only cross-platform OS going
today".
Not so. BSD is not only available on at least as many platforms as
Linux, it's also the biggest selling cross-platform OS on the market
today - thanks to Mac OS X. It's also the only version of Unix
sold by Microsoft (Interix, part of Windows Services for Unix, seems
to be pretty much a port of OpenBSD to run on top of the NT
kernel).
2. "Microsoft . . . only dings you every two years"
This is a fair cop. Microsoft provides service pack upgrades that
let you run newer software on older versions of Windows. The upgrade
treadmill works the other way: If you upgrade [the OS], you
find you need to upgrade Office, and then you have to upgrade all the
other versions of Office in the building.
Apple needs to either provide a less expensive upgrade path for
OS X or service packs.
One other problem - you don't need to chain installs to get your
new version of Windows installed. You only need to switch CDs during
the install to demonstrate you have the older CD.
Apple really needs to do everything they can to get people off the
hoary old Mac OS onto Mac OS X. Like I said, if it wasn't for
Mac OS X, I wouldn't be using a Mac now. The old System just
feels so klunky for someone used to Unix and Amiga....
3. I don't see Apple giving up control by porting Mac OS X to
an Intel platform. With the Open Source Darwin as a base, it wouldn't
take an enterprising programmer that long to come up with a way to
boot Mac OS X on commodity Wintel platforms, the way OWC managed
to get it running on my 7600.
4. The guy with the 7300/200:
OWC has the Sonnet G3/400 upgrade for $100. That's less than the OS
costs, and it'll make OS X quite as peppy as OS 9.1 on your
current box - without the annoying OS 9 pauses and lockouts
when applications are too busy to engage in the great multitasking
charade. If you're willing to fork out $129 for OS 9.1, why not $100
for a G3?
Hypothetical OS 9.5 upgrade: $129
Sonnet Crescendo from OWC: $95
Sonnet OS X Installer: $30
OS X 10.1 CD+License from OWC: $30
Okay, $155 is more than $130, but you get a heck of a lot more for
your money. No, it's not Jaguar, but it's miles beyond 9.1.
My second Mac is a 7200/120,
which is pretty good for a 7200, but it's completely OS X-incapable.
I wish I had too put up with a 7300/200 (or, I should say, a
7300/400-to-be).
The classic Mac OS may feel klunky for someone used to Unix or
Amiga, but to those who have worked with Macs for 5, 10, or 15
years, it's a comfortable old shoe. It's far from perfect, but
it's pretty stable, pretty fast, and very familiar to millions of
Mac users.
Mac OS X may feel slow and look full of "eye candy" to longtime
Mac users, but it's remarkably stable (one kernel panic here -
during an OS upgrade) and creates new types of efficiencies
(faster waking from sleep, less need to reboot and wait for that,
etc.).
I don't see Apple porting to Wintel hardware, but I wouldn't rule
out OS X running on Itanium or AMD's x64 processors. No, it
wouldn't be able to run current Mac software, but it could become
the leading *nix for those new hardware platforms. Vendors could
decide which OS X apps were worth porting to the new CPUs. If
Apple were to do this, I suspect we'd eventually see OS X
versions of software designed to install on different types of
hardware.
I have to agree with you on the value of G3 upgrades. We have
three SuperMacs in the house with G3 upgrades. They range from 250
MHz to 400 MHz. I'm hoping to try an unsupported installation of
OS X on the one I use for network backup, since that will
allow me to RAID two FireWire drives together and create a huge
backup set.
Still, although I'm sold on OS X, not everyone has the hardware
for it, nor would every Mac user profit by upgrading until there's
a compelling reason (usually a program, sometimes just the need
for an up-to-date computer) to do so.
I think I have the same problem as you. I call this problem "the
Pink Screen of Death" because the darkened areas have a pink tinge.
You might not see the pink, but I'm a color retoucher, so I'm really
picky.
My understanding is that it's a problem with the ribbon cables
that carry power to the LCD: They get crimped and don't conduct
electricity properly. My suspicion is that some assembly line workers
torqued down on some internal screws a bit more than required and a
whole slew of Pismos went out
with damaged ribbon cable yokes.
The problem is where the flat cable goes through the hinge, and to
fix it you need to disassemble the hinge and clutch and replace the
flat cable. I hear it's a real bitch to repair, even though the parts
aren't too expensive. But I've heard a lot of different things about
this problem.
I think there was some discussion of uneven screen brightness on
Pismo PowerBooks somewhere like MacInTouch,
I started developing this problem on my Pismo about 1 month past the
1 year warranty, so I got screwed.
The latest info I have is that Apple does a flat-rate fix-anything
deal on Pismos for about $350, but there are some limitations. I was
told major parts, like a new LCD, aren't covered in the flat rate
(call 800-SOS-APPL for the details). Both my batteries (main and
internal clock bat) are dead, so if I need to buy $200 of batteries
on top of a $350 repair, I don't think it's worth sinking that money
into a G3/500. What do you think?
I've never noticed a color tinge or fringing around the dimmer
section of my screen, but there is an annoying darkening just left
of center - and a more subtle darkening to the left of that (see
photo above). I don't know the cause; I'll let Apple figure it
out.
PowerBook batteries are one thing that hasn't become cheaper over
the years, but unless you plan to replace your Pismo with a newer
'Book, it's probably worth the cost to keep it going for another
year or two.
Not Linux, OS X
After writing that he didn't plan on buying a new Mac for a while
(see New Mac Plans on Hold), Ken
Cavaliere-Klick changed his mind:
Update to all my soft ranting: Just as I was about to order up
Yellow Dog Linux, the Bondi fried yet another analog board. My
fallback computer is my old IBM running Windows 95, and Tekserve
is not all that far from me. Of course, Windows 95 can't do a thing
with a Mac anything. I was caught between a rock and a hard
place.
In went the Bondi for a new board that was fortunately covered by
the last repair warranty. But a week is a long time to wait when
you're in the middle of something Mac. Hauling the Bondi with a
healing dislocated shoulder made me realize how heavy that thing is.
I also realize how pointless it was to keep the old IBM around.
Long story made short: I came home with an "orphan" iBook. So much
for Linux, I'm on X. And the Bondi is back. Backpedaling a wee bit, I
can see the age in the Bondi a bit better now. It still zips along in
9.2.2 just fine. Jaguar is okay - not great, but okay. I can come up
with a decent list of areas that need improvement now. Things
that are no trouble in 9.2.2 are big issues in Jaguar. But this is
all old news.
At my last job, when I compared the cost of a Power Mac and
17" monitor with that of the then-current PowerBook, I came to the
conclusion that if there was any chance the user might ever have
to take a computer home, to a trade show, or elsewhere in the
field, it made more sense to buy a PowerBook than a desktop
computer.
With today's 1024 x 768 iBook displays, that's more true than
ever. I'm sure part of the reason Power Mac sales are down is the
affordability of the iBook and power of the PowerBook G4. Unless
you need dual processors, a big screen, or a lot of internal
drives, it's harder than ever to justify a Power Mac these
days.
Anyhow, congratulations on your iBook and moving to OS X. It
may take several weeks (or even months) to get used to it, but
once you have hardware that really up to the OS, Jaguar is
wonderful. But it's definitely different enough that most Mac
users take a while to adjust.
Hmmm, seems to me the one complaining here was you and the people
who posted comments on the site. I'm trying to make you people
realize that we live on planet earth, not la-la land. Check your
sources and back up your complaints properly:
eMacs were fixed under warranty and still are being fixed
under warranty for video problems.
10.2.4 was updated by 10.2.5 for free fixing the issue
of date and time!
Pathetic 3% market share? Do you have any idea what .5% of the
PC market share is worth?
Disgruntled users? Since you seem to only meddle with that
type of person, that is all you will see. I, fortunately, mostly
see those who are content users, and many switchers to
boot. The number of success stories far outweigh those who had
problems (and those who had problems, for the most part, were
resolved to the user's satisfaction).
Apple products are worthy of their cost: All I have to do is
mention their entire product line to prove that. And all the
'free' software we get.
Check the latest data. Apple ranks very high in customer
service and quality.
By the way, an investment is something that will yield a greater
return than invested or something that will retain its value.
Computer hardware and software continually depreciate until it
becomes obsolete. Not an investment.
When you pay more for an Apple (which is a whole other debate) you
do get more! If you don't think so, I hear Dell has great deals.
Lastly and once again, for your own sake, listen to what you are
complaining about and try to live happier lives. Which is my point in
its entirety.
So we shouldn't complain about video problems that afflict a
high number of eMacs because they're being fixed under
warranty?
The fix for the annoying date/time bug was free, so nobody should
complain about it?
Should we rejoice because Apple has been marginalized from the
days when they accounted for over 10% of all new computers sold to
the point where they barely manage to keep selling a constant 3
million units per year? Apple's stated goal is to grow market
share, not shrink it.
I know a lot of content Mac users, many of whom participate on
our email lists helping
others solve their problems. But some are disgruntled - not just
frustrated - when they run into one problem after another,
especially the techs who support Macs for a living.
The question isn't how well does Apple handle problems after they
occur, but why should there be such a spate of problems at all.
Why should so many eMacs have video problems? How does a date/time
bug get through OS development - one that didn't exist in
10.2.3?
Computer hardware is an investment that can yield great returns.
Although it may depreciate in terms of dollar value, its value is
as a tool that allows one to be productive. A mechanic invests in
good tools; so does a writer. An investment need not be something
that returns economic benefit in and of itself; it can also enable
one to earn more.
On that topic, I guess my Apple stock isn't an investment, either,
since it has neither appreciated in value (it's down about $10 per
share from when I bought it) nor is it retaining its value.
For those of us who don't live in la-la land, reliable hardware
and a reliable operating system are important things. They should
be reliable from the box, not requiring a video fix or software
update. Apple build a reputation for offering quality that was
worth a premium price; recent problems undermine that decades-long
reputation.
Also, Jaguar still has a lot of life left in it. So even if
Panther is technically ready by July, the marketing aspects might
cause Apple to hold back on the launch.
I think Paul has it reversed. The technical aspects of Panther
will tend to hold it back, and the marketing aspects will tend to
ship it sooner.
The reason is that OS upgrades are a major source of revenue for
Apple. So from the marketing side, sooner is better. From the
technical side, the issue is getting the bugs out, which always takes
longer than expected.
I don't think Panther will be ready by July, however. WWDC in June
will be the first developer release, and I think Apple will want a
couple of month of developer feedback before finalizing it.
In response to my correction in You don't pay much attention
to history, Doug Petrosky writes:
I will grant you that my memory slipped a bit with 7-7.6, but are
you really trying to tell me that 8.1, 8.6, 9.1, 9.2, 10.1 where
all minor updates? Apple has never charged for bug fixes and for
over 5 years they have not charged for mid release OS's.
10.3 will be free!
I'm certain (as certain as anyone outside of Apple can be) that
Apple will charge for Panther upgrades, for the reason mentioned
above. The most telling sign is that the name is different, which
indicates that this won't just be another release of Jaguar.
You can't extrapolate from 10.0 -> 10.1 -> 10.2 to say that
10.3 will be free. Remember that Apple was going to charge for 10.1;
it was only because of user outcry over the quality of 10.0, that
Apple relented and made the 10.1 upgrade free. 10.2.1 through 10.2.5
were the free bug fix upgrades, and 10.3 will definitely be paid
upgrade.
Gigabit Ethernet Cards
Ed Hurtley writes:
Hi, I have searched high and low for a PCI gigabit ethernet card
that is both copper (1000Base-T) and has OS X drivers. I have
yet to find one. I was wondering if you (or any other LEM readers)
know of any gigabit cards that work with OS X.
I have a beige G3 that is still using its built-in 10Base-T
connection, and it will soon be used as a server, and I would like to
plan ahead by putting gigabit in. (Initially it will use a crossover
cable to a new Mac with built-in gigabit, with the 10Base-T going to
a 10/100Base-T switch. In the future, when gigabit switches drop in
price, it will end up on a gigabit network.)
I'm still living at the low-end of the network curve with a
10Base-T and 100Base-T network, so I haven't researched gigabit
(1000 Mbps) ethernet at all. I'll post this in hopes that a reader
can answer your question.
Girly iBook
Having stumbled across The
BarbiBook, Kate Gregory wonders:
Do you know where I could purchase the Dvorak Edition?
Thanks for a good laugh. I'd almost forgotten about the
"BarbiBook." If it had actually existed, I'm sure Reese
Witherspoon would have used one in Legally
Blonde. ;-)
Thanks for the Tips
Mark Hooker writes:
Thanks for the personal response. I saw it in "Mail Bag" as
well.
I very much appreciate the tip on the tax programs. You might want
to repeat that next year. Why not write TurboTax and see if they will
sponsor a banner or give you a free "Review copy" of the program next
year (every little bit helps). Tell them who your audience is and
that support for 8.1 is a big plus for that audience.
I am collecting parts to build myself a beige
G3. It will probably end up in an ATX case, really it will be
whichever case I can find locally in somebody's back room. Some of
the rest of the parts will come from eBay
(prices there have dropped to the point that I can think about it).
Some will come from my own "junk box."
I did look at the iBox kit project but decided I would have to
wait until the prices drop a bit more. Once Panther and the IBM
PowerPC 970 chip and the Mach 5.0 BSD kernel hit the market, prices
will start to fall again. I can wait. My "low end Mac" lets me do
what I need to do just fine (and will do so a little longer now,
thanks to your tax tip).
Thanks again and cheers.
Great timing. There's a discussion on Slashdot today that
should interest you and anyone else interested in repackaging Mac
motherboards in other cases, ATX
Power Supply Adapter for Macs?
As for reviewing TurboTax - well, let me just say that I have a
terrible tendency to put off doing taxes as long as possible.
Before I can do personal taxes, I have to figure out how much
Cobweb Publishing made or lost, and I hate working with accounting
software. (I'd pay someone to do it, but there's no money in the
budget for that.)
Then again, it might provide an incentive for me to do my taxes
earlier next year. I'll give it some thought.
Third Tray on HP LaserJet
After reading about my frustration accessing the third tray on my
LaserJet 2100TN, Jill writes:
Thought you might like to know that I did resolve the issue
eventually! :) In Jaguar I opened up the Print Center and then did
"get info" on the printer. There I found in one of the dropdown menus
a menu called optional installs, or something like that. (This is
from memory unfortunately because the computer isn't right in front
of me.) There I was able to install the 3rd tray. Hopefully that will
work for you too!
Print Center has got to be the most counterintuitive part of
Mac OS X. It really makes me miss the good old Chooser. For
instance, right now Print Center on my Mac shows my LaserJet
twice:
I have no idea why. And it has two listings for my Epson Stylus
Photo 870 - one using the Apple supplied drivers and the other
tied to the latest drivers from Epson. But there's no way I can
tell which is which, nor will it let me use the delete button to
delete the outdated entry.
Anyhow, I followed your advice, found Printer Info under the
Printer menu in Print Center, selected Installable Options, and
enabled Tray 3 - but it would be so much nicer if Apple didn't
hide these things so well. Better yet if they could poll the
printer to see what's installed.
Oh well, at least now I know how to have access to all my printer
trays in OS X. Thanks!
Another dozen down. Dozens more to go. Come back tomorrow for the
next edition of the Low End Mac
Mailbag.
Letters sent may be published at our discretion. Email addresses will
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not be published, mark it "not for publication." Letters may be
edited for length, context, and to match house
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Dan Knight has been publishing Low
End Mac since April 1997. Mailbag columns come from email responses to his Mac Musings, Mac Daniel, Online Tech Journal, and other columns on the site.
Mac of the Day: Clamshell iBook G3/300 MHz, Sep. 1999 - innovative, rugged, heavy, clamshell laptop introduced AirPort and was a huge hit.
Group of the Day: Mac Pro List is for those using a Mac Pro.
November 20 in LEM history: 85: Windows 1.0 - 00: Mac dreams - 01: Stop the upgrade insanity - Good people, good software, good business - The digital lifestyle: Text - 06: To AppleCare or not? - One year with my 'free' Mac mini - 07: Why you want to avoid integrated graphics - Problem with Leopard on a MDD
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