Piril posted a long FAQ on the Mac WOW forums about Video Card Options for PPC Macs.
If you own a PPC Mac and want to get a bit more life out of it before the inevitable upgrade to an Intel Mac, you should read this. This thread is definitely the place to visit before laying out any dinero.
As promised I tested out the OpenGL tweak. Lo and behold, I think i gained one frame per second. sigh.
Did you try this? what did you find?
Tigerclaw (one of the Mac support guru’s at Blizzard) has posted a detailed description of how to improve frame rates on PPC Macs. This is considered beta, but I’ll test it and let you know if it works and if so, how well it works. If you try it, please post a comment for others.
Under patch 1.12.1, you can enable an optional feature which we consider to be in a “beta” form, to smooth out frame rates on PowerPC systems a bit.
It is simple to do, and easy to turn off if you run into problems – though if you do, we would like to hear from you. We have tested this on some systems here but it has not yet gone through a full compatibility test suite, so engage at your own risk (the worst case outcome would be, if it doesn’t work, just remove the file described below from your home/Library/Preferences folder to return WoW to normal operation).
This setting is not recommended for Intel systems – they use a better mode of operation and do not need this tweak. Also, this is only recommended for PowerPC systems that have more than 512MB of RAM, as it may use a few extra megabytes of memory – but try it if you like anyway.
Here is how you set it up. Make sure you do not have WoW running first.
A. copy the three lines of text below onto your clipboard (select then hit Command-C). The first line is the “cat” command, the last line has the “4″ on it.
cat > ~/Library/Preferences/com.blizzard.Internal.prefs
#Current User\Internal\VBBMODE
4B. open Terminal.app (in Applications/Utilities) and it should provide you with a UNIX command prompt. What we’re going to do is paste the text in above, which will ask the command line to create a file in your preferences directory named “com.blizzard.Internal.prefs”, and will inject the two lines of text after it into that file. We’re asking WoW to use “vertex buffer broker mode 4″ which is the new code for PowerPC systems.
C. Paste the copied text into Terminal. (Command V).
D. Now hit Control-D (not Command-D). Control-D concludes the command we started in step C and closes the file.E. All done ! Start WoW and see how it runs.
If you run into trouble or have questions, you can post here or email us at wowmacteam123@blizzard.com.
If you are still jonesing for an iPhone, looks like Cingular is part of the package.
Apple iPhone to be Cingular-exclusive at launch: “Apple and Cingular have signed an agreement that will make the US’ largest cell phone provider the exclusive carrier of Apple’s forthcoming phone, sources report. Apple’s iPhone remains on track for an early 2007 release.
(Via Think Secret.)
I’ve dabbled in Second Life, but couldn’t find much to do that had lasting enjoyment. After I toured around looking at everyone’s nifty creations, I realized all the neat stuff had to be purchased from someone. Blah.
In case you missed it, SL is one of the few other MMORGS that has Mac and PC clients. It cost $10 to join for life and you can build nearly anything in-game.
Anyway, I found this article (see below.) Apparently some guilds discovered that SL is a great place to plan raids (see the screenshot below) like a war room. It’s a pretty sexy idea. Add Vent and that’s a pretty dynamic remote planing tool.
Which brings me to my point there’s a point?. What if Guilds used SL for guild halls? You all get together and buy some of their virtual land. Build a structure you like (the sky is literally the limit.) Post text from DKP’s and bank inventory for people to see. Hold meetings. Plan Raids and BG campaigns.
I know you could just get one of the free guild web sites, but none of them are interactive at this level plus you get to fly. This could be fun and add to the guild value.
At Last! Something useful to do with Second Life!: “Sean Bonner:
I’ve written before about my less than glowing feelings about Second Life. I’ve got friends who practically live there, and guildies who spend tons of time on their own island but everytime I check it out I leave disappointed and wondering ‘ok, so… ?’ Well, some folks on the alliance side of We K(no)W finally figured out something useful to do there – plan raids during Tuesday downtime. Above is my Avatar standing on the UBRS map with a few notations. I’ll admit I only lasted a few minutes in there again this time, but at least it was interesting finally!
(Via Metroblogging Azeroth.)
This is sort of an apology. See I usually post 3 or 4 moderately useful bits of info for the hand full of you folks that read this stuff. I must confess that I’ve been spoiled with my super intuitive Mac and I have just discovered a whole new world of goodies to explore. Simply put, I just bought a 
Blackberry Pearl (very sexy & sooooo small) but it’s not quite as Mac friendly as I would like (i.e. pocketMac doesn’t work with it yet. So no syncing. sigh.)
On a more positive note, Macworld is now giving away free copies of iClip. (Which I liked so much, I paid for it…sigh.) Don’t be me, get yours free.
As a special treat for Macworld readers, we’re giving you a free copy of the award-winning multiple clipboard & scrapbook application, iClip. Click here to download it.
Apple releases 2 new Mac Pro firmware updates: “
Posted by Dr. Macenstein
Apple today released two new firmware updates for its Mac Pro line of computers.
The first, entitled ‘Mac Pro (mid 2006) EFI Firmware Update 1.0’ fixes several Boot Camp and start up issues on Mac Pro computers.
The second firmware update, entitled ‘Mac Pro SMC Firmware Update’ adjusts fan behavior in the Mac Pro.
Two firmware updates in one day? We don’t know whether to be happy Apple is working so hard to discover and fix these issues, or worried that there are so many issues to begin with (especially since the Mac Pro we ordered for the lab here is expected to arrive any day now. Will it be a $3600 lemon? We certainly hope not.)
“
(Via Macenstein.)
There may be no fact here at all, but I still had to wipe the drool from my chin. That is the skinniest phone/ipod I’ve ever seen. Wait we’ve never seen one before?!
Apple iPhone Rumor Update – January ’07 Release: “
• Three models in ’07, one in January at Macworld
• 3-megapixel camera
• 2.2-inch screen
• iTunes integration, no 100 song limit
• Made from off-the-shelf parts
• Previous rumors
Sources: Apple phone on track for early ’07 [Think Secret]
(Via Gizmodo.)
The iPod dock for value-driven consumers: “
Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio
If you haven’t throw down for one of the bazillion iPod docks out there, you may have considered just making your own. But for those out there without the technical know-how — or more importantly, adequate funding — you’re probably stuck syncing your ‘Pod flat on the desk with that plain ole cable Apple tossed in. A dissatisfied (and apparently broke) Mac user finally felt that enough was enough, and resorted to creating an iPod dock from what appears to be an old Apple accessory box, a generous helping of tape, scissors, and a black marker. While we assume any smallish cardboard box would fit the bill, using the prior home of an AirPort Express card just adds that critical dash of Apple flair to the whole creation. If you’re a bit short on cash, or just admire your own handiwork, be sure to keep reading for an internal view, and then hit up the read link to peep a full gallery of construction photos so you don’t screw yours up.
[Via digg]
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time.
“
(Via Engadget.)
File under: Just when you think only Macs and Dells catch fire…
ThinkPad explodes at LAX, ignites bomb scare: “
Filed under: Laptops
In a time when you’re not even allowed to say the word ‘bomb’ in an airport (hey, it’s for good reason), it’s got to be like, really freaking embarrassing to have to run up the jetway at full speed, shoving other passengers out of the way as your flaming laptop explodes on the ground. (Sound familiar?) According to an eyewitness report on the Awful Forums, passersby stared aghast or fled crying terrorist, the ThinkPad (which was quoted to be an IBM, not a Lenovo) apparently had a number of death throes as the fire went through various phases, until eventually a United employee busted out the fire extinguisher and laid the laptop to rest. Apparently the machine’s owner already checked its battery against the recalls and it was not listed — and why would it be? IBM and Lenovo aren’t flagged for bad batteries — yet. (Sony, we’re looking your direction.) But the coup de grâce at LAX: onlookers apparently mumbling that ‘too many viruses on your computer’ can lead to this horrendous fate. How true, indeed.
[Thanks, Peter]
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time.
“
(Via Engadget.)
