Apple puts out fix for MacBook shutdowns

Apple Computer has issued an update designed to address the lingering problem of unexpected shutdowns of its MacBook notebooks.

The MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.1, released for download Thursday, tackles a problem that has plagued the notebooks for the past four months.

Apple advises people to install the software on all MacBook systems, including those that have received warranty repair.

It also said that users of Mac OS X 10.4.7 can download and install the SMC update, but all others will need to first upgrade their operating system to Mac OS X 10.4.8, the latest version.

The shutdown problem was first noted in July, a couple months after the 13-inch wide-screen MacBook debuted. Owners, frustrated by the situation, began logging complaints on a user site, Macbookrandomshutdown.com. More than 1,500 people have registered on the site since its launch in August.

[afriendof77]

And make you pay for the OS upgrade

Typical Apple but of course the Mac "just works". Come on Apple fanboys explain the superior hardware and OS. If Apple can't fix the problem without making it's users upgrade their OS every 6 months then they should reconsider their bogus ads. Before the fanboys say it, yes I have money, a computer science degree and NO I don't own a Mac.

[ZeroJCF]

Read the shutdown website

On the website, referenced in this article, it sounds like apple isn't all roses and sunshine like all the fanboys make it out to be. Remember these are all Mac users complaining, so explain that one in the ad. Maybe the new ad can have the mac guy just randomly disapear....Like I always say, use the computer that works for you. They are BOTH computers for craps sake. Do you think users of TI Calcs and HP calcs blow each other up about which calc is better. I am a mac user and can say that mac fanboys are the worst.

[ddesy]

Thank you, Apple

While it is annoying that this problem was not addressed sooner, I am quite happy to hear that a fix is available.

I personally have had the random shutdown occur twice since I got my MacBook. Considering that I purchased it back in July and have put plenty of hours on it, that isn't too bad.

[john55440]

Four Months To Fix...

>a problem that has plagued the notebooks for the past four months.<

How speedy and responsive of Apple.:-)

[rapier1]

These prices are wrong

The standalone version of Ultimate is $450. The upgrade version will be $269. The version that most people will get - premium - is an upgrade at $179 or standalone at $269.

In comparison - the OS X 10.4 price is $129. But every sold version of OS X is, essentially, an upgrade. So the price differential isn't all that much (between premium and OS X).

[spencer1612]

Hardware Fix

Hadn't been paying attention to problems with shut down. When
my MacBook starting shutting down, I took it to the Apple Store.
They replaced the Heatsink Kit under warranty. Seems to be
working great now.

[Ryo Hazuki]

Confused

I thought Windows PC's were the crappy ones that restart and randomly suddenly shutdown all the time, isn't that what that Apple commercial tries to say?

[mgreere]

So I got a macbook and installed windows via bootcamp

What a brilliant idea to let you compare them without any
handicapping. I'm now 98% Mac, 2% XP. Frankly, stability (imperfect
for Windows) and no viruses or spyware maintenance is what seals
the deal. All of that wasted time... and the periodic clean installs...
man, what BS I was justfying for years for no reason...