As expected, the iPhone firmware v2.0.1 makes any jailbroken apps inaccessible, but also the latest firmware release includes a baseband update that will render iPhones useless with any carrier other than the original carrier.

PwnageTool 2.0.1 does not currently work with the iPhone v2.0.1 firmware, so beware. It is not yet known when a new PwnageTool will be released.

A quote from the iPhone dev blog:

Remember, from a jailbreaking point of view the update process is always reversible, but this isn’t the case for the 3G baseband, so your intended long term future use for the phone should help you decide what you do. If you always going to use the 3G phone with the original carrier then baseband updates are fine, if you are not then hold off. (#)

Check out some great deals on Apple Certified Refurbished Macs. Some examples include:
iMac 20-inch 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo for $999
MacBook Air 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo for $1499
MacBook 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - White for $849
Mac mini 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo for $499
Mac Pro Quad 2.66GHz Intel Xeon for $1999

Visit our Refurbished Macs page for the latest deals.

tnkgrl, has hacked a MacBook Air SuperDrive to work with other computers. The trick was to replace the CD-to-USB board (USB-PCB-E1), since that is what Apple is using to limit the SuperDrive to the MacBook Air. This hack is not for the faint of heart, but the result is a great looking portable SuperDrive.

Read how tnkgrl made it work.

The folks at BattleBricks put together this ingenious iPhone remote-controlled robot.

Bits and pieces of a PowerBook are held in place on a corkboard with colorful pushpins. Cheers for extending the life of that old Mac.

A 24k Gold & Sapphire MacBook Air. Tasteless, I say! Actually, I did taste something when I saw these photos, and that was a bit of vomit in my throat. If you like this sort of thing, head over to Computer Choppers.

It turns out that Psystar, the vendor of the recent “Mac clones”, is not only breaking the EULA of the Mac OS, but also the Netkas’ license of PC_EFI V8.0 which is what they are using to enable the booting of the Mac OS on non-Apple hardware. The license included with PC_EFI V8.0 explicitly states that redistribution for commercial purposes is “stricktly forbidden.”

Does anyone actually believe Psystar to be a reputable company?

Related links:
OpenMac and Mac clones
Psystar?

Ben Heck has built another fine portable. This time it is an Apple IIgs complete with a 15-inch color screen, original Apple IIgs motherboard, custom acrylic keyboard, and built-in stereo speakers.

A friend asked me today if I would consider purchasing a Mac clone, myself, or would I stick to Apple branded hardware instead. My answer was that if I am going to own a clone that is unsupported by Apple, I would much rather build my own, than buy one from a manufacturer who cannot guarantee that a software update wouldn’t break my OS.

This question stems from the latest news that a company called Psystar would be building and selling Mac clones with the following bit of warning:

Can I run updates on my OpenMac?

The answer is yes and no. No because there are some updates that are decidedly non-safe. Yes because most updates are not non-safe. It’s best to check on InsanelyMac for this information but when in doubt don’t update it. You may have to reinstall your OS X if it is a non-safe update.

Is installing the Mac OS on non-Apple hardware illegal? Not sure, but most likely no. Is installing the Mac OS on non-Apple hardware in violation of the Mac OS EULA? Yes. Would this violation stop me from trying it myself? Absolutely not. I would, however, be hesitant to buy from a manufacturer that is knowingly violating this EULA, and may not be around long to support the hardware that I bought from them.

My dad was showing me some old photos yesterday that his mom had sent him, and we came across this one that I had never seen before. I thought it was so cool. My dad was always taking apart and rebuilding or modifying his dad’s lawn equipment when he was a kid. I’ve heard so many stories of the things he built, but this is the first photo I have seen. This was a self-propelled reel-type mower that he attached to a wagon, and that is his little brother sitting in the wagon.

Click the image at the right to view larger.