[catchy]

Hi, I'm new to the mac platform and I recently got a new Macbook Pro (2 Ghz model). I can't believe how fast it is! Very cool machine. I had a few questions though--
1. Does anyone know how might I get a wmv file to play?
2. I'm excited about trying to get windows to boot on the Macbook and was wondering if the version of XP that came with an old gateway I owned(now dearly departed) would work. I have a feeling the answer is "no" but just thought I would check.
3. My computer seems to work fine so far, aside from the occasional wireless signal that drops--but the key to eject a disc is, well crooked. It works and everything but its out of alignment. Should I just forget about it or try to get it straightened out at the Apple store? No dead pixels though, yeah!
Any advice would be appreciated! thanks.

[Typhoon14]

1. Flip4Mac WMV Plugin. A free QuickTime plugin to play WMV files. Microsoft has discontinued the mac version of Windows Media Player, and now recommends mac users simply use the plugin.
2. Since you say it's an old gateway, I'm assuming the disc contains XP Service Pack 1. According to Apple, you need an install CD with service pack 2 in order to install XP on the Intel Macs. You might try it anyway, just to see what happens. I doubt it will hurt anything.
3. Is the plastic itself bent? If not, you can probably just pry it up and reinsert it straight.

[madeinguam]

Flip4Mac doesn't work on Intel-based Macs. You may want to look into installing Boot Camp.

[Nobody]

3. If your machine came with 10.4.5, as did mine, and you have not yet applied the 10.4.6 update, do so, it may well take care of random drops in wireless signal. As for the single unevenly placed (eject) key, it seems that my MB was assembled by the same drunk employee on a Monday morning! /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I will try to run the last version of Window Media Player and post if that works.

[catchy]

Thanks to the both of you for your help! I'll try the flip for mac program. It seemed I read somewhere in my research that there is a way to "force" flip for mac and quicktime to run under rosetta. Or, maybe I'll download the free PPC apple version of quicktime and add FFM to that? hmmm.
Alam: sound like our computer did come from the same batch! Does it bug you a little? I guess I'm being picky when the rest of the machine is so cool. The magsafe connector already saved me when I accidentally yanked the cord as I was walking by my table.
Thanks guys! (at least I assume you are "guys"--correct me if I'm wrong)

[VidPro]

In reply to:

---

Thanks to the both of you for your help! I'll try the flip for mac program. It seemed I read somewhere in my research that there is a way to "force" flip for mac and quicktime to run under rosetta. Or, maybe I'll download the free PPC apple version of quicktime and add FFM to that? hmmm.

---

Flip 4 Mac is not yet ready for Intel based Macs, but it is coming, so if that is all you would use Windows for, then no need for it (the Boot Camp reference).
The "force" for the current Flip 4 Mac is to run the PowerPC version in Rosetta.

[Downing]

Regarding the crooked eject key, you should take the machine back to the Apple store, no question. You just dropped around $3K on this thing and have every right to expect it to be in proper order. And knowing Apple, they'll be happy to repair or replace it.
A good rule of thumb is whether your computer, in the condition received, would be used as a display model in the store. If it's not good enough to display, it's not good enough for the customer either.

[ladyuser101]

I had the same crooked key thing on my 12inch AlPB. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif It had a problem with the DVD eject slot when I took it in and asked the Genius about the key also. I know where he was looking and it was not at the key! /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif He just glanced over and flat out said it was not crooked. They fixed the DVD slot problem and then I gave the AlPB away to an aspiring writer. I don't need problem computers or problem people in my life. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Don't always count on getting it fixed.
Edit: I probably give the wrong impression with this post. I wasn't offended about where the young man was looking. He was just being a young man. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Two weeks after the problem with the 12inch DVD slot I had a small problem with my 15inch AlPB. The right side USB port was dead. I took it in and was told to come back in 5 days to pick it up. I asked for it to be shipped. He said they don't ship. I objected because just two weeks earlier they had shipped the DVD slot problem 12inch back to me. He stammered and said Oh Okay we'll ship it.
The point I am trying to make, if I have one in my limited experience, is that it is their job to keep expenses down and ours to get service. You may have to involve several people, get different evaluations of the problem, and encourage the best option for yourself to get proper service. The best way, I think, is to build a proper sales and service relationship with people who are competent at your local store. Most of the Apple people I met were very professional. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Nobody]

Agreed, the key is to be assertive without being unpleasant or rude... most people are reasonable enough and would respond properly, some just happen to be more easily distracted or require a little more nudging.
From my perspective, slightly crooked key is not such a big deal to warrant waste of my time but if my machine does end up going in for some other repair work, I'll have them correct this little problem as well. Of course, it is entirely possible that simply popping the key off and reinstalling it would do the trick.
[Just saw a young hawk get a squirrel from my window facing the backyard; now it is having a little breakfast... finally the spring is here and crocuses and daffodils are out, what fun!]

[ladyuser101]

" it is entirely possible that simply popping the key off and reinstalling it would do the trick."
Alam, why don't you send me your computer so I can practice popping off keys and reinstalling? I'll send it back as soon as I have perfected the task.
Oops, not to worry. I found a site with instructions and pictures here and here .
BTW, I have a crocus in a pot waiting for it to warm up here. Since I am still using a heater it will be a while. It probably won't emerge until after I leave the country. That's okay. I'll give it back into my neighbor's care since she gave it to me in the first place.
Edit: I seem to have gotten this thread off task. Please don't tell griffman. He is being confused by my non-linear multi-tasking thinking.

[catchy]

In fact I did end up taking my computer to the Apple store to get the key fixed. I wanted to get a neoprene sleeve anyway and so I thought while I was there I might as well. I was afraid to pop the key myself because with my luck I would end up breaking it!
The technician at the genius bar actually couldn't get the key off. He had to take it behind the bar to have someone else look at it. When he brought it back he said that they kept popping the key and when they put it back on it would be crooked again. Finally, they got it on straight! Unfortunately, whoever was working on it left a few light tool marks at the edge of the aluminum. Still, it looks better than it did before. I was a little worried that I was being too picky. Whenever I get a new computer I like to maintain it in good cosmetic condition so that I can more easily sell it if I want to upgrade someday.
I had another question though. I removed the battery I guess just to see what was underneath and there was a circuit board with two black chips covered with a transparent piece of plastic. Does anyone know what they are? Just curious. Thanks again to everyone--

[ladyuser101]

does it look like this
The underside of the trackpad? A hardware spy panel so SJ will know what you are saying about him? /me chuckles effusively at the male ego I do not recommend that you put your tongue on it. What do you think it is? (I just asked another unclear question. Please don't tell griffman.)

[Nobody]

Lady, I am suitably impressed by your abilities to rapidly learn in the realm of software for someone who has been at Macs for only 4 months... I am looking forward to your teaching me things soon. However, I am not quite ready to send you my MB yet... given that every tinkerer knows that popping keys (when done correctly) is a very safe thing and is a required step in many newer machines where some of the F keys must be removed to get to the screws that are hidden under a glued-on plastic disk. In order to remove the keyboard, necessary for a variety of things during tinkering, these screws need to be removed. Perhaps another few months and I should be able to trust you with my MB/PBs!
I am sorry for the previous poster who had to waste time at the pilgrimage site to seen by a Genie.ass only to get his or her machine scratched. I can imagine it would be annoying for someone slightly more particular about finish than I. In the meantime, after completing my previous post, I decided to take a closer look at the problem. The eject key was a snap to remove, no tools required, as always but merely reseating did not solve anything. The actual problem lies with the double wishbone mechanism underneath... normally the outer part should fit just outside the inner ring but in this case it doesn't. Rememdy is simple enough... strech the outer ring a little with a fine pair of forceps so it does clear the inner ring... just a matter of slightly poor quality control during assembly, as I had thought originally.
By the way, you have been misleading us with this "4-month user" tale... you let out the cat out... well, an iMac from the closet!

[Nobody]

Lady is correct, it is just underside of the trackpad. For some reason, they have decided to leave it farily exposed... perhaps for easy access, anticipating future problems or simply keeping the thickness to bare minimum...
Sorry, about learning that the clever techs at apple managed to scratch your MB. If an Apple Genius cannot remove a key off your keyboard, what do you call him/her? See the previous post for answer.