Q: Firmware update and SATA II hard drive

I for one just guess that the problem is that apple can't write proper firmware update programs. This get you a corrupt install of firmware that can not be changed. This is just my totally unsubstantiated thought on why some installs work and some don't. Just look at all the firmware updates that is corrupt with airports. Similar behavior, some works and some don't with same hardware.

I'm more curious as to why a previous version of a firmware can't be installed. Admittedly, I don't know much about EFI. Even after three years, Apple is still the only major manufacturer using it that I know of. Everyone else is still using BIOS. While BIOS has been around since [nearly] the very beginning, it is pretty dated... but it works. Of course the great thing about BIOS is that you can install whatever version you want. If you install a new version and you have problems, you can revert back to an earlier version. I'm not sure if this is something that is not possible with EFI, or if it is Apple's implementation that prevents reverting to an earlier firmware. While many here with SSDs were not happy with being locked in to SATA 1.5... all of those folks as well as those with third party hard drives would at least be okay if they could go back to 1.6 and have a functioning machine until they got the problem sorted out.

To add to my post - new 15" computers delivered with 1.7 firmware seems to have no problems according to posts here and at macrumors. This also gives thought to the firmware update program not being stable.

Hmm.. it's pretty stupid really...

Ever since the update on my 13" MBP, I've been having beach balls occurring a large number of times and also kernel panics.

maybe they "updated" the 1.7 firmware so that it actually works....

i updated mine about a week ago and I dont seem to have any problems apart from the slow boot (long time on the "blue" screen"

Oh well ....................... software update Tuesday came ............................. and went and it's so dis..................................appointing that Apple................................... didn't release the software............................................ update as hoped!!!

In case you're wondering - my Mac keeps beachballing still with the standard Hitachi 250Gig drive, hence the long pauses in between my text.................................. oh crap I guess I have to wait another week!

Every one is waiting for a fix and that stinks, yes... "Ryan Rockcuffs" What did they tell you when you called Apple Support?

Just wanted to chime in.

I have a mid 2009 MBP 13''.

I recently installed the WD 500gb Scorpio Blue and I also installed EFI 1.7 about a month ago. As of now I am not experiencing any problems - no beach balls, no clicks or anything. However, I do feel that it's not as responsive as I would have imagined. I ran the AJA system test with 1gb file size and got 70MB read and 70MB write. Is there another way I can test to see if mine is affected?

Have you read this, maybe its rubbish or do apple know?


http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/secretinternal_apple_document_concerning_problematic_macbook_pro_harddriv/

I despair on Apple.

Just recieved my MBP 13* 2,26 GHz with my WD3200BEVT from repair .. After checking the first time they told me that my HDD is broken and they offered me a new one.

I asked if they could test my "broken" HDD a system without EFI 1.6 and surprice: it worked fine there! They replaced the HDD cable .. whyever. The support told me that the HDD is not from Apple and somewhere is written that apple does not support third party HDDs.

Thank you Apple! The extra money I spent for this piece of hardware is really worth it! yak

Wilbur507 wrote:
Have you read this, maybe its rubbish or do apple know?


http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/secretinternal_apple_document_concerning_problematic_macbook_pro_harddriv/

What that story talks about is a different issue - one that only affects 7200rpm drives.

I have the same (minor) problems with my "out of the box" bog standard MBP...

My experience with Apple hardware and software these days is that when its released there are multiple problems and bugs. (So imho beware Snow Leopard!)

The purchasers and users act as the QC.

Only after release are all the problems discovered and usually after several months are these problems fixed. Its happened to me with desktops, laptops, apple tv's, ipods and iphones...

Previously (back in the 80's and 90's) I think there was less pressure to get the products out to market in a short time and so more time for internal testing.

The good thing is that eventually all the problems ARE fixed! They are good at this. Other manufacturers don't seem that bothered. And that's why I still buy Apple.

So let's hope they fix the problems pretty soon! I can't handle the kernel panics etc. for much longer.

i've been waiting for the new firmware to be launched in a month ago. and the death of beachball is keep appearing on my new WD HDD. was not planing to update the firmware at 1st but accidentally updated since the 1st time software updates. and im now regretted!
have tried to reset the pram and it didnt work on my mbp.

what should i do???

People need to quit waiting for a fix. Call Apple and make them repair you computer now. If you do not call Apple they will not no there is a problem. Do not rely on people on this board saying that they are working on it. It is you responsibility to call and let them know that you are having issues! And it is Apple Cares responsibility to fix "your" computer in a timely manner.