Apple Releases Mac OS X 10.3.4: Graphics, Mail, Safari, Disk Burning, More Updated
by , 4:30 PM EDT, May 26th, 2004
Apple has released an update for Mac OS X, bringing it to version 10.3.4. The new version brings a host of minor improvements, including driver updates for video cards, updates to Address Book, Mail, Safari, Stickies, and QuickTime, improvements to FireWire and USB, and more. From the download description:
The 10.3.4 Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for Mac OS X v10.3 "Panther" and is recommended for all users.
Key enhancements include:
improved file sharing and directory services for Mac (AFP), UNIX (NFS), PPTP, and wireless networks
improved OpenGL technology and updated ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers
improved disc burning and recording functionality
iPods connected via USB 2.0 are now recognized by iTunes and iSync
additional FireWire audio and USB device compatibility
updated Address Book, Mail, Safari, Stickies, and QuickTime applications
improved compatibility for third party applications
This updates is definitely packed full of tangible improvements, something that those of us on the bleeding edge appreciate. We ask those of you who have installed the update to post their thoughts on any changes or improvements they find.
Everything installed fine, but I tried to go to a standard FTP folder via Finder to grab a file I was working on and when I clicked the column view button, the window disappeared and Finder restarted.
No messages, no nothing. All okay now, went to my trusty Transmit to FTP the file. Haven't tried FTP via Finder since ... will attempt again later.
Same question I posed in the forums: Why add USB 2.0 support to iPods, when all Macs ship with Firewire standard? Are, perhaps, stripped-down, cheaper Macs on the way with no Firewire? Just a thought.
CloseViewName:DocRossPosts: 33Joined: 06 May 2004 Wed May 26, 2004 5:12 pmSubject: Snappy!
Just finished installing on my PB667. It booted up very quickly on restart--usually after an update, the restart is twice as long. I also repaired permissions and there were no problems there.
Caches must have been cleared as well because I had over a gig of hard drive space reclaimed.
Name:Guest
Wed May 26, 2004 3:13 pm Subject: Becuase iPods arent just for Macs?
What Os do you think the update is for? Apple is not in the habit of making updates for windows machines. This update allows Apple users to connect through the USB2 port. Not to connect through the USB2 port on a wintel box.
CloseViewName:Guest Wed May 26, 2004 7:41 pmSubject:
Quote
mrmgraphics wrote: +
Why add USB 2.0 support to iPods, when all Macs ship with Firewire standard? Are, perhaps, stripped-down, cheaper Macs on the way with no Firewire? Just a thought.
The current PowerBooks are already "stripped-down." My old Pismo had two FireWire 400 ports. My new Aluminum only has one. (The iPod won't work out of the box on the FireWire 800.)
Adding USB 2 iPod support frees up the FireWire 800 port. It's a feature. Another post in another forum already praised this addition of flexibility. You might save $$ by not having to buy a hub.
CloseViewName:FlatEric- TMO Mac SpecialistPosts: 2299Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Wed May 26, 2004 8:20 pmSubject: Not quite
Quote
dynamicv wrote: Sometimes you only have a USB cable with you I suppose.
I don't believe any of the non-dock connector based iPods are compatable with USB, and the dock to USB2 cable that Apple makes also includes a FireWire cable, so its like both cables in one. So I'm not sure how you could only have USB2 connectivity. Actually, because iPods can't recharge over USB, PC users with USB only still have to use the FireWire part of the cable (plugged into the AC adapter) to recharge the iPods.
iPods connected via firewire to your Mac do charge, but not that well. In fact, I've found mine nearly dead after being in my dock attached to a G5 via FW overnight. It is a little cumbersome to have to plug your dock into your Mac's FW port to sync, and then plug it into the power adapter for general use (or when you want it charging but not auto-mouting.)
Having it plugged into USB for sync and FW to the power adapter (as PCs are required to do), would solve this problem nicely. Just yank out the USB cable when you don't want it to mount/sync, and leave the Firewire plugged into power. Additionally, this might solve problems for FW busses with iSights or other devices that suck too much power, or if you have all your FW ports in use, or if you want to avoid traffic contention on your FW bus and still sync.
But the real question is, who would take the time to post a complait about a new feature that does not affect them adversely? Sheesh: Mac People.
My best guess is that it wasn't very difficult or costly to include the update. Furthermore, can you give me a good reason why they shouldn't include support. After all, if you bought an iPod, why shouldn't you be able to connect however you want to?
Most importantly though, don't read too much into this. Everyone thought that because Apple included handwriting recognition in their OS that they HAD to be working on a tablet. They weren't. I can guarantee you that they most certainly WILL include FireWire on all future Macs until such time as FireWire is obsolete or unnecessary. After all, all digital video cameras have firewire ports. You don't think Apple is going to stop bundling iMovie with their products do you, just to save a buck? That just isn't how Apple operates.
Just downloaded and install the new update. everything went fine. Then I was instructed to shut down the Ibook which I did. When I came back, the little silver apple was on the display and the twirling circle was spinning. It still hasn't stopped and I can't power off or on...just keeps spinning.
"Guest"]I believe the iPod mini comes with 2 separate cables (1 FireWire & 1 USB2)[/quote]
This is correct either the USB 2 or Firewire ports on our iMac work with iTunes and the mini. When junior grade daughter gets back I intend to "borrow" her 3rd Gen iPod and use the USB 2 cable to plug it in and see if it now has full functionality over USB 2 as well?
Guest wrote: iPods connected via firewire to your Mac do charge, but not that well. In fact, I've found mine nearly dead after being in my dock attached to a G5 via FW overnight.
If you shut down your Mac overnight with the iPod plugged in, it will, in fact drain it. I freaked out the first few times this happened, then found it was "normal" according to Apple Support. There's no power thru FW, but the iPod continues to be "awake" and using battery.
i don't have a lot (any?) of USB2 devices, so i couldn't care
less whether i use the USB1 or 2 slots on my G5
there's a usb2 on the front and a firewire on the front.
if i'm working on a firewire scratch disc (for video)
and i want to plug in my iPod
i don't have to unmount the firewire, it's the single front port
the keyboard is on the back usb, next to the other usb.
the front usb2 is for Temporary Devices
that's a cool name for a band of engineers
needmoreFirewire is what it is
and until then make iPod work, if you can do it
on windows,shirley you could do it on mac
jack
I just installed it on a I gig powerbook 17" The deference in the display took me buy surprize reboot was quick and all apps that I have tested in the last 2 hours seem to be fine. I just wish that they would add the QT broadcasters drivers to IchatAV so that the Isight could be adjusted. As to USB as pointed out I have a laptop that has a Isight pluged into it almost all of the time so this could be a nice add
Safari is faster by a magnitiude. The startup window opens before the Dock has finished bouncing any subsequent new windows are open before I release the mouse button, this is faster than any app I used in OS9.
Will check on Finder freezes I have had although the blurb from Apple doesnt say anything about changes to it.
Because now I can connect my iPod Mini to my Powerbook over USB at home, and use the Firewire cable with the power adapter to listen to the pod at work without running down the batteries or carrying the firewire cable back and forth.
Because sometimes you run out of free ports. I have a dual 2Ghz G5, I have an iSight, an iPod, a FireWire 800 drive, a bunch of USB gadgets, and an iPod Mini. I don't like having to buy a Firewire Hub just to use my two iPods, specially since I have a USB 2.0 port free. The lack of USB support for iTunes was plain anoying since I can use both my iPods on my PC at work one on FireWire one on USB 2.0. (ok so I'm greedy and have two iPods, I'm sure many people out there have other devices that tend to take up all their ports)
All Macs come with Firewire, but not all PC's do, why not make sure you have the widest supportable base possible? I've sold several folks iPods after overhearing 'but it only works on a Mac' and pointing out that, no, itunes and the iPod will work with Windows as well...