Official Solution to no 4 figured swipe outside of US on Rev. B

[Cubit]

Hello all,

I thought all Rev. B owners would like to know there is now an official solution to the no 4 figured swipe on models outside of the US.

Simple call Applecare and they will ship you replacement installation DVDs which will have a version of the OS that includes 4 fingered swipe.

Hope that information is of use to some.

 

[h1d]

Wonder why they don't do it via software update...

 

[GoCubsGo]

Wonder why they don't do it via software update...

You're right. Apple, no business really, would absorb the cost of shipping out new DVDs when they can roll out the update via Software Update. This post seems bogus at best.

If anyone can confirm, possibly someone who didn't just appear with such news, then please let everyone know. I'm certain others outside the US would love a fix and not have to deal with Applecare to do so.

 

[Cubit]

I will post images when I receive the replacement discs.

A simple call you AppleCare or a trip to the Genius Bar by anyone in the UK or Europe will be able to confirm that I am telling the truth.

Can you remember an occasion when Apple has pushed out a region and machine specific software update? I am not sure of a way they they can facilitate this. IP address and Model Identifier? It would be quite challenging.

It seems that the obvious conclusion is that Apple forgot to put the four finger swipe function into the MBA and DVD images for machine outside of the US, therefore the most simple solution would be to ship out replacement media. On a machine where the profit margins are reasonably high the cost of 2 DVDs and postage would be negligible.

Cubit

 

[alphaxono]

Actually Cubit is right. This is what the Apple Rep told me as well.

The reason might be that Apple cannot distinguish which machines have 4 finger swipe and which do.

So instead of rolling out a "fix" to everybody and risk messing up something else on working systems they opted on sending out DVD's to the ones who call.

I might have done the same, especially since the problem is to certain Regions and/or Keyboard Layouts.

 

[Ironic]

Actually Cubit is right. This is what the Apple Rep told me as well.

The reason might be that Apple cannot distinguish which machines have 4 finger swipe and which do.

So instead of rolling out a "fix" to everybody and risk messing up something else on working systems they opted on sending out DVD's to the ones who call.

I might have done the same, especially since the problem is to certain Regions and/or Keyboard Layouts.

Still it would be much easier to do a update, oh well next year the prices will be going up

 

[h1d]

While it's becoming common Ironic jumping to conclusion real fast like no others, I thought every software was same and judging by the installer, they modify the language preference but maybe not? But why?

No idea why Apple can't figure out via software... the damn preference just isn't there in the trackpad preference pane...

 

[hooly]

I am in Finland and have had a machine with this problem for around 4 weeks.

I was previously told by Apple to wait for a software update. I just called again and they are indeed sending replacement DVDs to me, after which I should do an Archive and Install.

By the way...apparently this means I would have to re-install all my software. Does anyone know what will happen if I restore from a time machine back up? I guess I would then lose my 4 finger swipe!?

 

[Ironic]

I think they could do this the easy way, I still don't think they will send out disc's to everyone. Sorry don't see it!

 

[h1d]

Does anyone care if 'you' don't see it when multiple people are reporting as so? Unless they are all ganging up on the lies. Sorry don't see it!

 

[GoCubsGo]

Does anyone care if 'you' don't see it when multiple people are reporting as so? Unless they are all ganging up on the lies. Sorry don't see it!

What are you talking about?

I guess Apple found it easier to issue new DVDs than to roll out a software update. What a waste, especially for a company claiming to be going "green". That and the time customers will now have to spend reaching AppleCare, explaining their story and getting the DVDs. What a total waste. I didn't believe it, but I guess it is true.

 

[MH01]

I can confirm this also.

Just got all the phone with Applecare UK.

Basically we got MBA A rev software on the Rev B laptop.

They will send you new install DVDs, just call them.

This will also be corrected in 10.5.6 also, though they are not waiting for that to be released to correct the problem.

 

[ulim]

I can see that they don't want to push it to millions of machines, when many of them are not going to need it. But why wouldn't they just put the software up for downloading?

I guess they figure that most will wait until 10.5.6 and only a few will actually order DVDs.

Ulrich

 

[aristobrat]

I guess they figure that most will wait until 10.5.6 and only a few will actually order DVDs.

That's my guess too. The issue has been fixed in 10.5.6, and anyone who calls in before that's been released gets the DVDs shipped for free.

 

[kleinerp]

Just been on the phone with Applecare after my replacement UK MBA arrived without the four finger swipe. After a lengthy conversation with the initial support guy trying to explain to him that a reinstall of the OS would not work I was put through to level 2.

Level 2 asked for the alphanumeric code on my Install DVD that was shipped with the MBA - 2Z691-6302A. He told me that was the wrong version and it should be 2Z691-6323-A so has arranged for replacement install DVDs to be shipped to me.

 

[HLdan]

What are you talking about?

I guess Apple found it easier to issue new DVDs than to roll out a software update. What a waste, especially for a company claiming to be going "green". That and the time customers will now have to spend reaching AppleCare, explaining their story and getting the DVDs. What a total waste. I didn't believe it, but I guess it is true.

Why do you all suddenly care so darn much about how much Apple is wasting in terms of money and materials? They have billions of dollars and lots of surplus cash. It would be easier and actually more cost effective for them just to ship a few DVD's and I mean a FEW because contrary to this forum there won't be that many people calling in to get replacement discs.
Yes, a software would be better but then Apple has pay their programmers to for a software fix. They have to weigh out the amount of incoming complaints in order to decide on a software update or just replacement discs.
Think about how many business users that buy MBA's to run their business apps and know nothing about the 4 finger swipe. Only the Mac fans and geeks are going to be looking for every single feature the MBA can do so they will be the majority of the ones complaining.

My gosh, as much as so many of you complain DAILY about Apple's computers being "overpriced" or "too expensive" why suddenly does anyone care if Apple is wasting money and resources on some replacement restore DVD's. Good Grief.

 

[McGilli]

Those of you who received the WRONG dvd install disc with your new MBA - those will be collectors items!

Put them on EBAY fast to make big $!!!

- but seriously -If I was affected I would ask for a new, real, install disc to be mailed to me (if they were only offering it by software update). But that's just me - I don't like to get wrong parts in the box when I buy something.

The reality is that there are many people who don't know much about computers. Maybe in a year from now - you put your MBA on EBAY - and you would have to put a disclaimer that 4 finger etc does not work out of the box if they re-install the OS etc? Na - get the real discs - it will only help if you try to sell the MBA in the future.

 

[MH01]

What are you talking about?

I guess Apple found it easier to issue new DVDs than to roll out a software update. What a waste, especially for a company claiming to be going "green". That and the time customers will now have to spend reaching AppleCare, explaining their story and getting the DVDs. What a total waste. I didn't believe it, but I guess it is true.

How about being logical about this...

One. I paid good money for the Air and expect to get the correct software. And that is exactly what apple is doing. I may not always be in a situation where i have access to the internet when i reinstall os x.

Two. What is a greater waste of money is all the current people who are returning their new Airs cause they do not have 4 finger swipe. Just to get the same issue. Apple has replaced upto 5 Airs for somepeople, that is a complete waste of resources. Sending out DVDs is being green. Shipping new AIRs is not. The best solution is to make these DVDs available in apple stores. Proper QA to avoid this in the first place would have been the best solution.

Three. Apple has no way to work out which AIRs need the update, so that is why a software patch will not be out till 10.5.6, that will go out to eveyone.

 

[MH01]

Well that will be one problems solved.

The guy i dealt with was really good. He is going to e-mail me the instructions on how i should install the 4 finger gestures. Once i get his e-mail i am going to ask if there is going to a software fix to the lines people are complaining about. Kicking myself for not asking on the phone. The guys really did know his stuff, i think he was the Tech manager of the centre i called.

 

[h1d]

And when is rev A getting 4 fingers (or fix the damn on rev B already...)

 

[alphaod]

And when is rev A getting 4 fingers (or fix the damn on rev B already...)

Different controllers.

 

[h1d]

What does that mean? I heard someone installed four finger on rev A by using new MB's DVD and a few hacks. So, while not so hopeful, was wondering, if Apple would backport it officially...