Odds & Ends: SpeedTouch USB modem follow-up;

iMac (Flat-Panel) modem disconnects; more SpeedTouch USB modem and kernel panics: a follow-up Desmond Harte adds to our previous info on this topic. He writes: "The kernel panic mentioned is a common problem with this unit. Removing the Alcatel status dockling helps for some. Additionally, DO NOT unplug the modem unless you've shut down. Attempting to hot swap will trigger a kernel panic most of the time. Also, if you download the drivers from Alcatel's Web site, you must not unstuff them under OS 9. They don’t work if you do. You must unstuff them under OS X. This info is on the Alcatel site, but only in French!"

Update: Eugen F. Sibler adds: "I also had random kernel panics with the the SpeedTouch USB modem software. After removing DragThing, the kernel panics stopped. The software for the SpeedTouch USB seems to work flawlessly if you follow the instructions from Alcatel. When downloading the software, it is very important to choose the right version: There are different ADSL protocols for different countries: Here in Switzerland we use LLC-FCS, in the BENELUX countries, VMUX."

iMac Flat Panel Modem frequent disconnects Dan Warne points out that he, and others, are having difficulty with the iMac (flat-panel) modem disconnecting. He writes: "The problem is basically that you connect and can browse the internet for a minute or two, and then Internet Connect comes up and says the other side is not responding and has been disconnected. Apple Australia says the problem is most likely an ISP problem but I have used the exact same phone line, exact same cord on the G4 PowerMac sitting beside the iMac and the PowerMac stays connected no problems." This Apple Discussion thread also covers this topic.

MYST III and OS X Joan Covington writes: "I had problems similar to those noted in your previous item; however, they seemed to clear up when I copied all the CD's to my startup drive (OS X), and used the OS X patch."

Update: Anthony Kassir replies: "My installation includes all the CD’s copied to the startup drive (OS X) but the problem persists. I have reason to believe this may be because my system is a dual processor system."

Kensington MouseWorks glitch? Jeffrey Kopelson writes: "After installing the most recent Kensington MouseWorks update, I noted that my trackpad became erratic. Each time that I started to try to use it again, I would get no response until I tapped the trackpad forcefully, then the cursor or arrow would move again. This occurred repeatedly. I checked my settings in the preferences area and there was nothing of note in the trackpad settings (I do not have it set to respond to tapping). I deleted the program and the unusual behavior stopped."

Photoshop 7 upgrade rebate at Amazon Shirley Sanderson noted that Amazon was offering a $50 rebate on Photoshop 7 for the Windows version only, but after she asked about the lack of a Mac rebate, she was notified that the rebate would be extended to Macs as well. The Mac rebate coupon is available here.

Update: Several users have noted correctly that the coupon only lists the offer for the Windows version (based on the ASIN number). Just to make matters more confusing, there is a different rebate offer (with a different coupon), tied to purchasing a second product along with Photoshop 7 - Mac. Our original report was based on this email message from Amazon, which was forwarded to us by Ms. Sanderson, which states:

"We have been informed by our Marketing Department that the rebate offer for Adobe Photoshop Upgrade 7.0 will be honored for both the Windows and Mac versions of this product. You can now print the correct coupon directly from our web site by using the following link." [Link in original report above - ed.]

However, a second reader sent us another note, which he received from Amazon later today. It states, in part: "I have researched your question concerning the rebate offer on the Adobe Photoshop 7.0 Upgrade. Currently, there are no rebate offers associated with the Mac version of this software. The rebate is a transaction between you and the manufacturer, and it's up to you to claim the rebate after paying the Amazon.com purchase price. Best regards, Joydeep Banerjee."

Steve Klass suggests: "I'd get something from Amazon in writing (that could be sent in with the rebate coupon) before ordering. All they'll see at the rebate center is that the ASIN numbers don't match."

Given the conflicting messages from Amazon on this topic, both of which appear to be incorrect by one measure or another, we advise the buyer beware. The best deal we have seen: DealMac is reporting that CompUSA is selling the update in stores for $99 until May 18th if you have the right coupon. (Thanks to everyone who wrote on this topic to help us sort this mess out.)