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Apple Releases MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.1

Just Sent Mine In

So, I had the RSS issue on 10/26, it was the first time, I was installing a Linux OS using Parallels, and off went the machine. I've read so much about this matter that I called Applecare, and after a few minutes on the phone, the proposed resolution was to send it in. The box arrived 10/27, and as of today 10/30 and according to my repair status online, Apple has the PC and it is being worked on.

I find it strange that Apple didn't want me to try the firmware upgrade on 10/26, but it could have been a timing issue related to when the firmware was released. I'll post again when I get the Macbook back. BTW, I did tell Apple that it was in pristine condition, and I expect it to be the same when it is returned.
 
Just Sent Mine In

So, on Halloween my Macbook was returned to me, not bad considering it was picked up on 10/27. Apple replaced the bezel, heat sink and a few other parts on the white Macbook. They did not perform the most recent firmware upgrade, so I just did. Time will tell, but I'm most pleased with the rapid turn around time, and I must say the Macbook came back in pristine condition.

Well done Apple, I hope.
 
This firmware update seems like a good thing, but I'm just afraid of the computer shutting down even though it supposedly ignores temp readings. I tried running the hardware diagnostic, and guess what. The MacBook still shut down- multiple times while trying to run the test. I was unable to get the diagnostic to run at all. Should I just call Apple up and start demanding answers and taking no prisoners? Or should I be more sly about it? I'm just starting to get pissed off at what I thought was a great computer company.
 
You've got nothing to lose - as it is, it's pretty much useless - unless you enjoy having your MacBook turn off at the most inopportune times.

Do this: schedule an appt with your local Apple store Genius Bar for later today or tomorrow. Update your firmware. If it happens to shutdown while updating your firmware, or you brick it somehow, bring it to your appointment and tell them what happened.

If it works, cancel the appointment.

BTW, since the update came out my MacBook has been running 100% fine.
 
Time Clock said:
This firmware update seems like a good thing, but I'm just afraid of the computer shutting down even though it supposedly ignores temp readings. I tried running the hardware diagnostic, and guess what. The MacBook still shut down- multiple times while trying to run the test. I was unable to get the diagnostic to run at all. Should I just call Apple up and start demanding answers and taking no prisoners? Or should I be more sly about it? I'm just starting to get pissed off at what I thought was a great computer company.
Click to expand...

Just do it, have some faith. It is the best update I ever did. My mac does not shut down anymore and it works better. And the firmware update only takes a few seconds, i too was worried about it shutting down during the firmware update, but do you think apple would put out a update like that. Could you imagine the mess if half of the macbooks died during the update and would not boot anymore? They would not take that chance.

So just do it, it will work for you, and maybe restore some faith in apple.

-B
 
mrweirdo said:
Just my luck I was gona take my macbook in for RSD tomorrow to get the heatsink replaced and now they come out with this fix. There is defiantly something wrong with the hardware though(i believe the heatsink has burned through some of the wires) besides the random shutdown when my system is at idle my fans will kick in suddenly at full speed then run for about a minute that fast or sometimes cut out completely then start up again. Something that it never did before rsd developed.

I bet if i take it in tomorrow they will just tell me to apply this update which does nothing to solve the damage that has already been done to my macbook. My guess this is a fix apple has done to get them out of the 1 year warranty period were the macbook will then develop further hardware problems. Then you will have to pay out of pocket to get it fixed unless you buy apple care. Also this temporary patch helps them sell more apple care subscriptions.

All i can say is i better not have hardware issues after my year is up or I'm done with apple :(
Click to expand...
If you look at Apple's history with out of warranty repairs, you will find that this is not the case. Apple has done many free repairs of out of warranty products with faulty parts, for example, faulty eMac logic boards.

If there is a widespread problem with faulty hardware, Apple will take care of it.
 
tartanmac said:
Switched to macs back in 2001 and while I love the OS I have had a continuous stream of hardware problems with all apple products I have bought:

iBook G3: logic board died and replaced 3 times

iMac G5: CPU got so hot the machine almost melted! So far I have had the logic board replaced 3 times.

MacBook: Random shutdown syndrome, faulty mouse and track pad, palm rest discoloration. Currently in for repair again!

iPod: hard disk and battery both died

EDIT: and don't get me started about the abomination that is the so called mighty mouse. The thing barely lasted a week!

Apple have really got to get there quality control sorted out. So what if the OS is great if the continual hardware faults mean you can't actually use the damn thing!

One cheesed off mac user.
Click to expand...
Your experience is clearly not representative. My family and I have had 9 Macs, and no hardware problems ever. And large surveys, including those by PC Magazine and Consumer Reports, have shown that Apple desktops require significantly fewer repairs than any other brand out there.

Either you are trolling, or you are the most unlucky Mac user I have ever heard of...
 
aristobrat said:
FWIW, 15C = 59F. I've never heard of a processor running that low. Maybe it does, but that sounds really really odd.
Click to expand...

The Macbook is never cooler than its environment. So maybe outside in the winter. Just curious if you can use the keyboard while wearing gloves.
 
Hmm, after updating and using it for a few days I have observed that the fan runs much more often than it used to, simple processes that kick the processor usage to 100% for a few seconds will cause the fans to spin ... while I like the prevention of RSS, I have not experienced it, and now my macbook tends to be louder than usual which is a little frustrating at the library. I have not had much of a heat issue with this laptop before (monitored the temperature) so this is a bit annoying.

But something I can live with.
 
kainjow said:
Well my MB was bought the day they were announced - my local Apple store didn't have them on display yet :) and mine hasn't had the shutdown issue.

I thought this pic Engadget posted is pretty funny:
macbook-shutdown-fix.jpg
Click to expand...

Apple marketing calls this feature "Thermal Shuffle"
 
MacinDoc said:
Your experience is clearly not representative. My family and I have had 9 Macs, and no hardware problems ever. And large surveys, including those by PC Magazine and Consumer Reports, have shown that Apple desktops require significantly fewer repairs than any other brand out there.

Either you are trolling, or you are the most unlucky Mac user I have ever heard of...
Click to expand...

Maybe your experience is not representative? Hmm?

My MacBook has had the RSS issue, as well as the mushy crap trackpad button.
My 1st gen iPod had the battery issue.
My girlfriend's iBook (which I had bought for her) had the "infamous" logic board issue - which because it manifested itself right after the extended warranty period, bricked her laptop. She's lucky she managed to get a hand-me down laptop replacement from work.
My friend's MacBook (bought a month ago) also had the RSS issue, which he had sent in for repair, and which seems to have been fixed.
Another friend has had to replace her 5G video ipod TWICE; she's on her third.

So maybe me and my friends are unlucky too, eh? :rolleyes:
 
It was all smooth sailing til tonight and my Macbook had a random shut down. I've had the firmware upgrade since the day it came out. I noticed this time I couldn't just try to power back up by pressing the power button. I had to either take out the battery and put it back in or plug it up to external power for atleast the start up.

Bleh, I was so relived that I wouldn't have to send it in with the firmware thingy, so much for that. :(

So everyone elses are doing fine?
 
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