AppleInsider Staff
Apple on Tuesday released Thunderbolt Firmware Update v1.1, which patches a problem that caused some MacBook Pros and Thunderbolt cables to experience malfunctions when connecting to a bus-powered peripheral.
The update applies to MacBook Pros built in mid-2012 and "some" Thunderbolt cables, however it is not clear if all cables are affected, or just those made by Apple.
From the release notes:
About Thunderbolt Firmware Update v1.1
This update addresses an issue with MacBook Pro (mid 2012) and some Thunderbolt cables that may prevent bus-powered Thunderbolt devices from functioning properly.
Thunderbolt Firmware Update v.1.1 comes in at 442KB and requires OS X Lion 10.7.4 or later. It can be downloaded through Software Update or Apple's dedicated support downloads webpage.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Marko Zivkovic
Christine McKee
3 Comments
Unfortunately this update does not solve the critical underlying issue experienced by MacBookPro retina display models (13" and 15"). These have too much slack in their Thunderbolt and USB ports to maintain continued connectivity, under normal operating conditions. This is a know design flaw vastly commented in several forums that Apple must address. Meanwhile, users are publishing creative solutions to keep their devices connected. The range if options includes masking tape, epoxy compounds, elastic bands, and, my favorite, Velcro. Apple, or their contract manufacturer, should seriously consider designing a sleeve kit to be installed inside the female connectors of the MacBookPro.
That sounds totally wrong, by the way.
I am not sure what you mean by "totally wrong". Perhaps this video illustrates the situation many users are facing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gnbg23s1Oc