MacBook Air notes: AHT built-in, WEP not support for remote install, poor graphics performance, more
Trackpad gestures illustrated, unexpected shutdown caused by USB devices, more.
[Wednesday, January 30th]
Apple has posted a slew of Knowledge Base documents concerning the MacBook Air. A few of the more useful instructions and salient notes:
Document #307379 explains how to copy the contents of the Mac OS X Leopard DVD to a USB hard drive. Note that this process will require either another Mac or PC with Remote Disc installed or the MacBook Air SuperDrive.
Remote Disc
Document #307141 explains how to share DVDs and CDs, including how to enable the feature on host Macs or PCs.
Document #307320 explains how to troubleshoot some common problems with DVD/CD sharing. Another document explains how to use the "Ask me before allowing others to use my DVD drive" feature.
It should be noted that you cannot play DVD movies or ripped CD media via Remote Disc.
Apple Hardware Test
The Apple Hardware Test is apparently built-in on the MacBook Air, not requiring the presence of a DVD. To invoke it, disconnect all external peripherals then startup the machine while holding down the "D" key. Alternatively, you can you can use another computer and Remote Install Mac OS X to run Apple Hardware Test.
How to remotely install Mac OS X
If you want to remotely install Mac OS X from a Mac or PC, use these instructions: Insert the Mac OS X Install Disc 1 into the remote optical drive. If your other computer is a Mac, open /Applications/Utilities/Remote Install Mac OS X. On Windows, choose "Remote Install Mac OS X" from the Install Assistant.
Also, "Remote Install Mac OS X" is not compatible with WEP-enabled wireless routers.
Trackpad gestures
Document #307294 explains (with illustration) how to use finger gestures on the MacBook Air trackpad to execute a secondary click, scroll, pinch-zoom, rotate, and swipe.
WiFi interference/issues
Apple says some external displays may interfere with the MacBook Air's WiFi connectivity. Apple says to modify the wireless router to use different frequencies if you experience this problem.
Separately, some wireless routers that use the earlier 802.11n draft specifications may have problems with the MacBook Air's wireless connectivity.
Per document #307289, when connected to a wireless network using AirPort and using multiple Bluetooth devices, "your AirPort may have a slightly slower transfer rate."
Unexpected shutdown when connecting USB devices
According to document #307296, the MacBook Air "may shut down when a USB device is plugged in if the device is defective or the USB port has shorted out." Apple says you should "isolate the defective USB device by plugging them in one by one, until you find the device that is causing the issue."
Headphone jack compatibility
The port hatch on the MacBook Air may prevent connection of some audio devices to the headphone jack. Apple's solution is to use a third-party headphone adapter to extend the audio connection outside of the port hatch.
iSight
Updating to QuickTime 7.4 may prevent an issue where the built-in camera captures jumpy video.
Poor graphics performance
Apple says that 3D graphics applications may be "less responsive, or exhibit slow or 'sluggish' performance, when the CPU has been in heavy use for prolonged periods of time or in an extremely hot environment for a period of time." This is a result of automatic down-clocking.
Battery service
If the MacBook Air's sleep indicator light flashes 5 times at power on and the pattern repeats after a brief pause, the battery may require service.
Resetting the SMC
Document #303319 has instructions for resetting the MacBook Air's SMC (system management controller).
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