From the "standard warranty" exclusions on Apple's MacBook Pro support page:
"EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
This Limited Warranty applies only to hardware products manufactured by or for Apple that can be identified by the "Apple" trademark, trade name, or logo affixed to them. The Limited Warranty does not apply to any non-Apple hardware products or any software, even if packaged or sold with Apple hardware. Manufacturers, suppliers, or publishers, other than Apple, may provide their own warranties to the end user purchaser, but Apple, in so far as permitted by law, provides their products "as is". Software distributed by Apple with or without the Apple brand name (including, but not limited to system software) is not covered under this Limited Warranty. Refer to the licensing agreement accompanying the software for details of your rights with respect to its use.
This warranty does not apply: (a) to damage caused by use with non-Apple products; (b) to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, flood, fire, earthquake or other external causes; (c) to damage caused by operating the product outside the permitted or intended uses described by Apple; (d) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider; (e) to a product or part that has been modified to significantly alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple; (f) to consumable parts, such as batteries, unless damage has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; or (g) if any Apple serial number has been removed or defaced."
I see nothing there about "firmware" specifically. "...non-Apple products" could refer to any third-party software.
Some might argue that (e) applies, but these fan utilities don't "significantly alter functionality or capability". None allows settings below Apple's default 1000 rpm setting. Nor do they defeat the default Auto fan mode, which increases fan rpms as the temperature increases.
Most of the people passing on warranty scares are well meaning, but the facts don't support their contention.
These fan utilities in no way resemble the thermal paste mods that were kicking around these forums a few months back. Remember? And even then, some here maintained that mod (where you actually open the machine) did NOT void the warranty as long as there was no damage done.
Heck, Apple doesn't even warrant their own software!
Here's the link to the full warranty info:
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/hardware.html
Best,
Bucky
iMac G4 20-inch flat panel Mac OS X (10.4.8) MBP 15" 2.0gHz. Wife's 15" PB 1.67gHz. Wife's 5G 30GB iPod. 5G 60GB iPod.
