I really don't think this has anything to do with where one is located, but...
California, Mac, no.
I was able to load the new firmware using the link and instructions in this thread.
Yeah I doubt location matters, but hey you never know right?
Will that firmware link perform the same on a PC? I'd try it, but, as I mentioned before, I had a horrific time with 1.1.1 (lost everything)...and until someone fesses up to having tried the file on a PC successfully...I'll wait.
Thanks though...