Today I finally made time to upgrade my original 40GB Apple TV's hard drive to 320GB. Total time was less than 1 hour (about 1/2 of that was searching for my tools and my mods to the bottom rubber cover...) And as other readers have noted before, a big thanks to Dynaflash for their freeware ATVcloner app that eliminates the need to use terminal commands. Using a NewerTech USB universal drive adapter (that I've had for years) and ATVcloner made cloning the OEM partitions and prepping the new 320GB WD Scorpio PATA drive a breeze. I should have done this years ago but it was always way down the to-do list. (OWC's AppleTV 320GB drive upgrade service (including shipping both ways) was only about $75 more than the drive alone, but I wanted to do the upgrade myself.) I might consider ATVflash (or manual methods using freeware) to add USB support later. I'd like to use a USB Hub (after the mods) to be able to use a RF USB xcvr for a wireless keyboard as well as a USB HD Dock for additional storage. (For those that missed it, the Apple TV page here has previous HD upgrade reports/links to guides, ATVcloner, notes on ATVflash, etc..)

I've not used TT Pro since v4 (and rarely used that) but Micromat today posted TechTool Pro 5.0.7 (owners can use in-app check for updates) - see post for list of changes..

A longshot I know (finding someone in the middle of a drive upgrade at the moment) but if any reader is and hasn't already glued the bottom rubber cover back on, send me a note. I have a question/idea. (Getting ready to upgrade a 40GB AppleTV here w/320GB HD.)

Late last night Apple posted updated Brother Printer Drivers (v2.1) for OS X v10.6 and Samsung Printer Drivers (v2.3) for OS X v10.6. As before those downloads the complete driver package for all models of those brands, so use Software Update to see if there's an updated driver for your specific model. (As of Tuesday morning, apple had not updated the listings in their doc on Mac OS X v10.6: Printer and scanner software to reflect the above updates.)

Apple Seeds New Mac OS X 10.6.3 Build 10D571, Some Key iPad Accessories Won't Ship for a While, Opera Mini on the iPhone: First Impressions, Apple iPad Sales Estimates are Wrong (thestreet.com), Apple Brings Wearable Computing Expert Onboard

This update addresses an issue affecting the playback of HD video clips used in Aperture 3 slideshows on Snow Leopard. Audio and video tracks now remain properly synced in video clips that have been trimmed. The update is recommended for all users of Aperture 3.

OWC adds 1TB model to On-The-Go portable Hard Drive line U.S. Mac sales up 39% in Jan and Feb, Flurry: New apps up 185% post iPad, Apple iPad orders drop sharply, The iPad paradox: Less is more, Apple loses key (PA Semi) chip executive, Apple: Free iPad With Every Replacement Battery, The challenge ahead for iPad developers, Apple iPad 3G service/contract info, Magic Mouse - Fixed, GelaSkins Removable art prints for iPod/iPhone/MacBooks and other devices

First reader feedback (Mac Pro and Core i7 iMac owners) report on the Fallen Earth Mac beta I posted about on Wednesday. (It didn't register as high as other recent news like Valve's Source games/steam for Macs, possible BFBC2, etc.) Being a first beta problems are expected - hopefully they'll address this with an update. (Post updated with more comments regarding gameplay, performance, etc.) If any readers had better luck with the Mac Fallen Earth Beta, let me know.

The subject of K06 failures/problems first came up a few years ago (from Mac mini, iMac, etc owners) and I have recently gotten a couple more reports looking for a good replacement drive. There were some drive db reports last year on K06 replacements that noted using a Teac DV-W28SLC (Mac mini owner report), a Plextor PX-608AL (mac mini owner) and several older reports on Sony/NEC Optiarc AD-7630A drives, some Matshita models like the UJ-875-S but not sure if they're still available (not done any searches recently). And IIRC, one reader several months ago noted some problems (disc not ejecting IIRC) with a Sony/Nec Optiarc drive but I can't recall the details now. Some have resorted to using external (USB, FW, etc.) drives but many still want to replace the internal one. Anyway, if you've replaced a K06 recently with another drive that you're happy with, let me know the details. Thanks. (BTW - Although it won't help with mechanical or laser failures, several times in the past a good cleaning has solved problems with some drives reading discs. However often the typical cleaning disc didn't help, instead requiring disassembling and manual cleaning of the lens. Several desktop Pioneer drive owners have noted that helped in the past.)

The Apple store was down for a short time this AM and as promised is now taking pre-orders for the iPad. (Limit 2 per customer, free shipping.) The store also has several iPad related accessories including a iPad Case ($39 US), iPad Dock ($9 US), iPad Keyboard Dock ($69 US), iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter ($29 US) and iPad 10w USB Power Adapter ($29 US). And of course the $69 Apple wireless keyboard (Bluetooth) is also an option.

Apple sells 50,000 iPads in first 2 hours, Apple overtakes Wal-Mart - now America's 3rd most valuable company, Apple's Tim Cook gets his earthly reward ($5M bonus + nearly $17M worth of stock), Apple Now Taking iPad Pre-Orders: Five Things To Consider, Apple Beta SDK 3.2 shows no sign of rumoured iPad camera, Apple plugs 16 holes in Safari as Pwn2Own Contest looms, Novothink Solar Charging case for iPhone and iPod Touch, Graphics In Virtualization: Vmware Fusion Vs. Parallels Desktop, 'Law and Order' star Richard Belzer accused of attacking Apple store employee

See post for download link and list of improvements - including some security related fixes.

I'm sure you've already seen the latest rumor about Gulftown CPU based Mac Pros - rumored to be released next week. No info on other changes there however. I'm expecting new Graphics card options, and my wish list includes SATA III, USB 3.0, eSATA, better BT/Wireless antennas, more pwr connectors for graphics cards, etc. - but hopefully all will be revealed soon. (Most software doesn't even use all the 8 cores in my existing Mac Pro - but I'm definitely interested in a new Graphics card.) And while on the subject of (codename Gulftown) Xeon Core i7-980x CPUs, the net is full of reviews of it. And Cnet has a Review of Falcon Northwest Mach V w/Core i7 980X Extreme that noted it shipped with a (heavy) ATI 5970 card w/o proper support (which cracked the motherboard PCIe slot connector). Here are links to Gulftown CPU reviews at PC sites (in no particular order and not a complete list) at hothardware, benchmark reviews, Guru3D, motherboards.org, PCperspective, Techgage, Techreport and Tweaknews. Also Tweaktown has an article on Intel's new Gulftown 6 Core CPU meets LN2 Extreme Cooling.

See page for info/press release, their FAQ on the Mac Fallen Earth beta (uses Wine), requirements, etc.

Due to length, I've created a separate page with the First reader Report and Benchmarks of a WD 1TB Scorpio in a MacBook Pro. Includes AJ Kona drive sweep, I/Os, XB results of the new (advanced format) 1TB Scorpio Blue hard drive installed in his (late 2008) Unibody MacBook Pro. (Article updated Mar. 11th for photos of the drive installed.)

I missed this yesterday but Valve's Team Fortress 2 official blog has a post Your Mac Questions Answered with similar notes as the Left 4 Dead Blog had on Monday - regarding Mac versions will have native code, if you own TF2 on PC you already own it on Mac, Mac and PC users can compete, etc.

HP Slate vs. iPad: Focus on Flash (not a fan of flash personally), EFF dubs Apple a 'jealous feudal lord' over iPhone dev contract, Veil Lifts Slightly on Apple's Secret Plan to Control the Universe, Boot Camp: 2727 error message when upgrading Boot Camp 2.2 to 3.0

I don't have this software installed but spotted an update to apple's MainStage 2.x: Release notes. As of this post time (4:45PM Eastern) the doc title still had v2.1, but page includes a long list of 2.1.1 changes/fixes... noting "This update improves overall performance and provides numerous fixes. This update is recommended for all users of MainStage 2. Issues addressed include but are not limited to".... 64-bit Mode Issues (2 items listed), Stability Issues (4 items listed), General Issues (24 items listed), Screen Controls (4 items listed), Parameter Mapping (7 items listed), Playback Plug-in (3 items listed) and Loopback Plug-in (6 items listed)....

I don't use VM personally (one of these days I want to try freeware VirtualBox though), but Ed sent a FYI/link to their forum thread that Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac Build 9344 is available. They also have a Kbase doc About Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac Build 9344. Changes/improvements are too long to list here, but include support for Google Chrome OS and a long list of Performance, Integration, Graphics and Network improvements. (And regarding software updates - today's listing below has been updated for Little Snitch 2.2.2 and MS Mac Office 2008 and 2004 updates.)

Referring to yesterday's official Steam/Source games for Mac announcement, UGDB has an article that quotes EA/DICE's executive producer saying "We're currently investigating the possibility of making BFBC2 available on Mac."

OWC adds 1TB option to EliteAL Pro Mini Quad-Interface portable drive lineup, Easy-To-Make iPhone Apps - New toolkits make app development a snap, 5 reasons to buy Apple stock again, HP Skewers Apple's iPad With Slate Demo Videos, Review: Apple's Aperture 3 photo software looks simple but is powerful

See post for notes/tips from a reader that made his Aperture 3 (trial) performance go from "dog slow" to a "night and day" difference, as well as cured his crash/freeze problem. (I suspect this tip would also apply to earlier versions.) He's using a notebook (2.5in non-SSD drive, which is more prone to being affected by this.)

Valve has officially confirmed it today - see page for full press release but here's a clip - "Steam and Valve's library of games including Left 4 Dead 2, Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike, Portal, and the Half-Life series will be available in April." They also said Portal 2 will be their first simultaneous release for Mac and Windows. And they also say "we have added a new feature, called Steam Play, which allows customers who purchase the product for the Mac or Windows to play on the other platform free of charge." (Posting also updated for notes from their Left4Dead Blog...)

I hadn't checked for an update since back in January (ref: reader post on Playing Blu-Ray Movies in OS X using VLC and MakeMKV) but this weekend noticed there's a MakeMKV 1.5.0 (Beta) for OS X released on March 4th. (See page for download link and list of changes/fixes.)

Yahoo/PCW is reporting Intel will Launch Eight-core Nehalem-EX This Month, saying the processor is targeted at high end 4-socket servers. No clock speeds were mentioned but these CPUs have 24MB of cache and 2.3 billion transistors. They'll also have separate buffered memory chips and 4 channel memory support. Also shipping later this month are new 32nm (IIRC originally called "Nehalem-C") Westmere-EP 6-core CPUs w/12MB cache offering (potentially) higher performance/lower power use than previous quad-core Xeons. (The next gen Mac Pro is expected to use 6-core CPUs, replacing the current model's 45nm 4-core Xeon 3500 (SP) series and 5500 (DP) series. I'm also hoping they'll include new graphics card options, as well as SATA III, USB 3.0 and other improvements.)

A reader (Thanks David) sent a note his pre-order for an OEM Western Digital 1TB Scorpio Blue (12.5mm high, 5200rpm, 8MB cache - WD10TPVT) has finally shipped. He promises to send a report once it's installed in his Unibody MacBook Pro.

Apple posted a press release today regarding the iPad available in the US on April 3 and taking preorders on March 12. See full press release for more details...

Posting a warning to any readers that installed the Nvidia 196.75 WHQL drivers for windows (released March 2nd). If you did you should remove them ASAP and revert back to the previous version. The 196.75 drivers are reported to have fan control bugs (static fan speed?) that have caused overheating during 3D gaming. Some users have reported damaged video cards from overheating with these drivers. See post for a quote from Blizzard and links to the previous drivers.

See post for notes/tips and links to a pref pane from the author of Gamma Control. (Also includes a reminder on SuperCal utility.)

Taiwan-based component makers doubt iPad production delay rumors, Apple is Fortune's 'most admired' for 3rd year in a row, Steve Jobs: A man aggrieved, How to Restore an Abused iPhone (front and back), What Your iPhone Apps Know About You, Apple Abolishes Wi-Fi Scanners From App Store

In a follow-up to earlier stories of OS X code/images in a recent Steam beta client for windows, Kotaku has an article today titled Valve Teases Upcoming Mac Announcement, Not So Subtly with several images "in anticipation of an upcoming announcement from Valve." That could happen at GDC next week. Rumors swirling on a possible Mac version of the Orange Box, Portal and hopes for something new like Half-Life 3 maybe? (Also wondering if L4D/L4D2 will be offered for the Mac.) No announcements yet at Valve's web site but if you're not familiar with their titles, you can check out their games listing.

(from their PR mail this morning) "This version adds much improved media playback, as well as compatibility for the latest 3.0.2 AppleTV software. aTV Flash now features full 5.1 surround sound for nearly all media types including DVD (VIDEO_TS) files. Couch Surfer Pro now features faster web browsing and enhanced support for the iPhone 'Remote' app...."

For anyone else that missed this earlier, the Dynaflash website (authors of ATVcloner script) posted notes on HandBrake AppleTV Hi Profile Setting tweaks for higher quality conversions. I didn't notice that post until recently. (It does seem to have helped with some blockiness/artifacts seen previously especially in some darker scenes.)

The title note originally said "for Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5)", but apple later revised it. (It appears in SU on a Mac that has some of the apps listed installed, but doesn't on a Mac w/o them.) - see post for info/list of fixes and download page. (Download page says "The update is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express, Soundtrack, Logic Pro and Logic Express.")

FYI to Cocktail/SL users. 10.6.3 is expected out at any time (hopefully this week)

FYI to readers using this with their media players (noted in the past here on the page of WD TV Live and Asus O!Play user feedback) - Yazsoft has posted a 1.5 update to Playback. (see page for listing of changes/fixes.)

Last week I posted a FYI about OS X code in the PC Steam client that included my feelings about Steam in general (that I'd personally prefer to never install it in OS X period). Here's a mail from Eddie this morning regarding Steam for PC. (Eddie's a little less tactful than I was however LOL.)

Tivo's New Set-top Box Unites TV and Internet Programming, Google adds auto-translation and new privacy features to Chrome beta, Battlefield Bad Company 2 - Day 1 patch has been published (deja vu), Review: 'Battlefield: Bad Company 2' an explosive shooter, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 review, Sony Fixes PlayStation Network Date Bug, Activision Says 'Key Personnel' to Leave 'Call of Duty' Studio, Star Wars - Galactic Warfare CoD4 Mod, Powerline Networks to Get Bandwidth Boost

Added another MacBook/Pro owner's comments on a WD 640GB upgrade to the earlier page of WD 750GB/640GB feedback. (This one from a MacBook Pro 2.2GHz (3,1) owner with no complaints on drive clicking/noise, etc.)

I've been wanting (needing actually) to upgrade the hard drive in an early 40GB AppleTV here for a long time. The recent news on Boxee beta for the AppleTV (again) has me finally deciding to stop putting it off. I posted some articles on upgrades/mods/hacks in the past (as far back as 2007) on the original AppleTV page here (bottom of page mod links), I just need to revisit those again. I'm almost tempted to try and bring out the IDE bus externally or do the eSATA mod. (And I've had such tunnel vision lately I completely forgot about ATV Flash.) Update - I've added the first 6 reports (w/guide links, cloning scripts, ATVflash, etc.) to the AppleTV page here.) BTW - although I don't think I'm going to upgrade the graphics yet (i.e. replacing airport card w/Crystal video card for XMBC, etc.) but if you've done that also I'd be interesting in hearing about it.)

Just a FYI a recent report (640GB Scorpio in 13in MacBook Pro) on the WD 750GB/640GB feedback page was updated with notes that HDAPM solved his earlier complaints on drive clicking and high load cycle count frequency. (A typo in his original comments on number of load cycles per hour was corrected at 4PM.)

I had a reader ask about this yesterday (was using the original 3.0 trial, which was buggy and sluggish (memory leak?)) and wondered if the Trial version was updated for the 3.0.1 full version fixes. (The patch would not apply to the Trial, nor did any update appear in SU). Anyway last night I checked the Trial version (via request form linked off the Aperture 3 product page) and it is v3.0.1. I sent him the link and he said his original trial S/N worked fine. (He was considering buying the full version but was frustrated with 3.0's performance and wanted the later fixes.)

Another follow-up from a reader that noted problems (hangs, etc.) with E4P 2.2.1 drivers in Snow Leopard in Monday's news. (Despite others seeing problems, one reply from another E4P/SL user that day noted he'd not seen any problems w/2.2.1 drivers however.) See the linked page for tips on removing the 2.2.1 drivers, clearing the system driver cache, etc... (and old troubleshooting tip that's often forgotten...) Hopefully it helps everyone that had 2.2.1 driver problems. If not maybe sonnet will repost v2.1.9 drivers again. (As they did last fall when readers had problems w/2.2.0 drivers.)

FYI for iPhoto/Aperture users. See post for download page and list of camera models added.

I've updated the previous page here of Feedback on PowerLine AC Network adapters with a short review of Netgear's XAVB1004 PowerLine AV Kit w/4 port Ethernet switch. (Their "Home Theater Internet Connection Kit".)

You may have already seen this, regarding a post in Steam's forums recently (Looks like Steam is soon going to be adding Mac OS X support!) that has clips of some OS X related code/menus in the Steam client. (Back in late January I linked to Chris Green's profile which had a note "REALLY looking for senior Linux + Mac engineers" - and that comment is still there.) See the page for comments and opinions on this subject.

Per download page "This update improves overall stability and addresses a number of issues in Aperture 3..." (See post for download page and list of specific changes/fixes.)

Eddie sent a FYI on the new/beta firmware (with long list of fixes) - added it to the previous page on WD TV Live and Asus O!Play media players here. (He downloaded it but said he's not sure if he'll apply it although some of the fixes were on his wish list.)

Updated the page of Mac user reports on NAS (Network Attached Storage) with notes from a CoolMax CN-330 (dual drive) NAS owner. (Noted fan appears to be going south after only a couple weeks of use.)

Added another report to the page on WD 750GB/640GB Scorpio HDs in Unibody MacBook/Pros. (13in MacBook Pro owner notes/benchmarks on 640GB Scorpio upgrade.)