Briefly: iBook repair upgrades, Tiger, iTunes, iCal

In an article published last month, AppleInsider reported that some iBook owners participating in iBook repair program may receive surprise processor upgrades as part of their repair. The reported stated Apple may decide to substitute 700MHz logic boards for some 600MHz iBook models that are in need of repair, due to "unforeseen inventory constraints" of the 600MHz iBook logic board and G3 processor. But according to one reader, the surprise processor upgrades may extend beyond 700MHz.

"I recently sent my 700MHz iBook in to have the logic board replaced after experiencing horrible display problems. I am thoroughly impressed with Apple’s service, they paid for shipping both ways, and the turnaround time was excellent.  I sent the iBook in on Friday and it arrived at my house via DHL Monday afternoon," the reader said. "It gets better, my processor is now 900MHz, a free 30% increase!"

The substitutions are likely a result of Apple's Expanded iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program, which covers repair or replacement of logic boards in iBook models manufactured between May 2001 and October 2003 that are experiencing video-centric component failures. If you own an iBook that is covered by this program, but has yet to be repaired, you should be aware that (for most customers) the program expires in five days.

Testing Tiger

According to various web reports, Apple this weekend performed a Software Update test through a recent pre-release version of its upcoming "Tiger" operating system. The test, which reportedly updated Tiger build 8A323 to build 8A323A, consisted of a small bug fix patch that was distributed over Tiger's update Software Update mechanism.

Apple Releases iCal 1.5.5 Update

Apple today released iCal 1.5.5, an update to its bundled calendaring software. It includes improvements in iSync synchronization on computers running Mac OS X version 10.2. The free update is available via the Mac OS X Software Update Preference Pane and is 7.0MB.

Web Addresses Delaying Two New iTunes Stores?

According to New Zealand's Stuff, the long-awaited expansion of Apple's iTunes online music store into New Zealand and Australia appears to have hit a snag with Web addresses itunes.co.nz and itunes.com.au now registered by third parties.

"The website itunes.co.nz was registered in October to Dunedin firm Dave Gee Online. Dave Goosselink, sole owner and operator of the firm, says the site was originally intended to be an affiliate of other online vendors for iPods. Since he couldn't interest any of the New Zealand online vendors, his site currently links to an iPod page on Amazon.com[...]The site itunes.com.au is owned by Capitol Bar and Lounge on the Gold Coast. Spokesman Cameron McCrae says the company registered the site two years ago and plans to use it to host an Internet radio site."