PowerBook Firmware Update 4.2.9; iPod Software Updater 1.0.3 released and then pulled

120092: PowerBook Firmware Update 4.2.9 will only run on 550MHz or 667MHz PowerBook G4 computers running Mac OS 9.1 or later from a local drive. It includes improvements to FireWire target disk mode when running Mac OS X, and improves starting up on systems with 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM and enables NetBooting over gigabit Ethernet.

120077: iPod Software Updater 1.0.3 currently states: "The iPod Software Updater 1.0.3 has been temporarily removed due to incompatibilities with "blue and white" Power Macintosh G3 systems. A new version which addresses the issue will be posted shortly."

There may have been other problems as well:

David Butler writes: "If you install the update you will no longer be able to play low-bit-rate MP3s."

John Venzon similarly notes: "After rebooting found that it won't play mono MP3 files anymore. They play as a burst of static."

Steve Kirkham adds: "Whenever playing any MP3s, there is a clicking or popping sound whenever the volume is being adjusted. This occurs on any MP3. Also, whenever an MP3 is playing, menu scrolling efficiency has been reduced about 50%!"