I just received an email from a listener who pointed me to this thread on the Parallels web site that indicates there may be a problem running the current final release and Beta versions of Parallels on Apple’s new Mac Pro systems. Looks like the currently available versions of the virtualization software are causing kernel panics for a number of users. The Parllels team says they are aware of this issue and have made releasing fix a “high priority”, but don’t provide any timeframe for the release of a patch. One tech in the thread does offer a temporary work around that involves switching OS X into “legacy (32-bit) mode”, but does warn the workaround is “unofficial (untested and unsupported)”. To make matters worse, as of this writing Parallels does not appear to be making customers aware this issue anywhere on their site other than in the forum thread. This means there may be customers out there still purchasing Parallels for use on their new Mac Pro who will end up in Windows purgatory and be forced to use Boot Camp until Parallels releases a fix. Stay tuned.

Looks like Apple’s battery issues continue to escalate. On Thursday Apple issued a recall of 1.8 million Sony-built laptop batteries. The issue appears to be rather serious as the reports state batteries could overheat and catch fire. Apple has received nine reports from customer of lithium-ion battery packs overheating including two incidents where customers were burned. Just 10 days ago Dell computer issued a similar recall of 4.1 million batteries also manufactured by Sony.

This latest Apple recall effects PowerPC based systems and does not include the new Intel-based MacBooks or MacBook Pro systems, although some of those models are covered by a prior Apple battery replacement program. This new recall covers 12-inch iBook G4s, 12-inch PowerBook G4s and 15-inch PowerBook G4 laptops sold in the United States Worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006. If you own one of these models Apple is advising that you stop using the battery immediately and remove it from your notebook. Customers may continue to use their Macs while plugged in under AC power, but are asked to check Apple’s web site or call 1-800-275-2273 to see if a replacement is required. Replacement batteries will be provided by Apple free of charge.

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A podcast about all things Macintosh. For Mac geeks, by Mac geeks. Show 155. Apple invites press to “special event” in September. Apple release results of their iPod factory probe. MacBook, hacked or not hacked? New firmware cools MacBook and exorcizes demon cow. Dublin man successfully “shames” Apple. Apple store employees fired for downloading Leopard. Lions Gate films reveals iTunes movie deal. MacBook delays. Apple settles lawsuits with Creative. Listener explains Apple stock options troubles. Answers to your Mac Pro questions on graphics cards and memory. The usefulness of Activity Monitor in troubleshooting Mac issues. Listener explains how to automatically get lyrics and artwork in iTunes. Browse iTunes library visually with CoverFlow. Another tip for improving QuickTime streaming performance.

New music, The Punk by Beep

I want my two dollars! — Better Off Dead… (1985)

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Well this is a bit strange…. I just received an email from a listener who purchased a new Mac Pro (the 266GHz base configuration) and found something unexpected inside its beautiful designed enclosure. His new system arrived and while gleefully extracting it from the box he noticed an unusual, but familiar, “rattling” sound. This listener, who was a recent switcher, had built his own PCs so he could tell immediately that there may be a loose screw or two rolling around inside his new high octane Mac. He was obviously concerned and sure enough after removing the side door and carefully rocking the case, four (yes four) screws came plopping out (see the picts). These screws were each approximately 1 1/8″ long with 1/8″ thread at the end. After completing the screw extraction, he further inspected the inside of the case and fortunately could not see any empty holes where the screws may have originally resided. He went ahead and set up the new Mac and has been using the machine which appears to be working fine. After reading his email I encouraged him to contact Apple, which he did, and they seem to feel the screws must have “fell” into the case during manufacturing. They did advise him to bring the Mac in so they could do a thorough inspection, just in case.
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A podcast about all things Macintosh. For Mac geeks, by Mac geeks. Show 154. Apple says Steve is healthy, stop worrying. Seagate promises 120GB “iPod ready” drives by the end of the year. Mac Pro RAM confusion causing issues. Apple secretly updating MacBook Pro logic boards? Apple claiming ownership of all things “POD”. Latest Apple rumor round-up. Apple updates Boot Camp to 1.1, adds new features. OS X Intel kernel released as Open Source. MacCast One Minute Tip #20 – System Preferences. Update on D-Link DSM-G600 NAS Mac compatibility. My thoughts and impressions on seeing the MacPro. Fixes issues with loss of sound in some multimedia files. How to change the default application for a file. A discussion of the different Intel processors and Macs. What are all these extra “dot” files on my non-Mac volumes? Fixing issues with Quicktime streaming playback.

New music, Love Games by Superphones.

Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K — Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

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Hey geeks. Sorry I have been delayed a bit in bringing you a new MacCast. I have been juggling some personal things and dealing with typical summer madness. If all goes as planned you should see a new show in your feed tomorrow. In the meantime, if you haven’t already heard the latest MacRoundtable you may want to give that a listen.

It’s about time someone recognized an issue faced by geeks everywhere. More power. As we add more and more devices to our techy lifestyle you need more and more outlets to power all your gear. Of course we all have those bulky power strips and surge protectors and they work, but you definitely wouldn’t call them “elegant” solutions. Admit it. Your cables are knotted up under your feet ready to reach out and ensnare your ankles like a giant octopus from the deep. And don’t even get me started on what you need to do when you have to take your Mac on the road. Most notebook bags just aren’t designed for that 12-inch monster power strip. Well it looks like the good folks at Belkin are feeling our pain too because they just annonced the release of their Concealed Surge Protector (USD$49.99) and their Compact Surge Protector (USD $39.99) and Clamp-On Surge Protector (USD$34.99) products.
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In these days of countless stories of exploding Dell notebooks and massive Dell power adapter recalls, Apple has seemed relatively immune to these sorts of problems. Every once in a while, some odd thing came along, but it seemed like relatively calm waters. I fear, however, the sense of safety for Mac notebook users may be coming to an end. There have aready been hints of problems with the white brick adapters and scattered reports of various failures. Who can forget about the class action settlement around the previous Apple adapters?

Recently, I have had problems with my Apple PowerBook power adapter which has lead to me take a close look at their design and safety. With no apparent trigger, no visible damage or other warning of any kind, my adapter began to spew sparks and flames and burn the paper notepad on which it was sitting. Thankfully, I was literally sitting right in front of the adapter when it happened and I was able to instantly unplug it – but not before it damaged the paper notepad and my PowerBook. And it could have been much worse.
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In his recent keynote Steve Jobs was quick to point out that 50% of the customers buying Macs at the Apple Stores are new customers. Now that is cool and Mac sales are obviously good, but one thing has been puzzling me. I only buy a new Mac once every 3 years or so and most Mac owners I know are at the same, or an even slightly longer, buying pace. Apple reported a 20% increase in Mac sales year over year for the 2nd quarter of 2006. So who is buying all these Macs? What is going on here?

One theory I have for this trend comes from an experience I had just last night, but the same scenario has played itself out many times over the past year. While at the Apple Store checking out the new Mac Pro there was a guy next to me doing the same. We got to talking over specs and other stuff and I soon discovered he was a recent switcher and was considering purchasing the Mac Pro for his business. He told me his first Apple purchase was an iPod and because of his experience with the iPod, plus the arrival of the Intel Macs and BootCamp, he felt comfortable enough with Apple to buy a MacBook Pro. After the MacBook Pro he picked up an 23″ HD Apple Cinema display to use with his aging PC, but the graphics card was not compatible with his old motherboard. He was now at the Apple Store to return the display and while there decided to just replace the old PC with a new Mac Pro and 30″ HD Cinema display. He also told me he may pick up a Mac Mini for his wife sometime in the near future.

So you see what is going on here?

This guy switched and in the course of a few months went from a PC user to the owner of (potentially) three Macs. And this is not the only story like this I have heard over the past year. Both Victor Cajiao (Typical Mac User) and Tim Verpoorten (Mac Reviewcast) switched and became owners of multiple Macs rather rapidly.

Macs are a disease (and I mean that in a good way). The Mac infects you and spreads like a virus. There is no cure and it will quickly be passed to family and friends. I myself have three Macs in my household which are all in active use and my immediate family, save one, are all own Macs. Now, I am not saying PC users don’t have multiple systems in their homes too, but often times their second PC is more of a toy for the kids and is used to keep real viruses out.

So I guess it’s true. Apple does have viruses. The good news is, the viruses are the Macs themselves.

If you saw the WWDC keynote the you saw the “PC Guy” from the Apple ads deliver a special message to the developers. In case you missed it Apple has now posted the video here. There is even an HD version available.