Hands-On Report--Apple MacBook Air Update (Software)

Late on Friday, Apple released a software update called MacBook Air Update. It is available via Software Update on a MacBook Air notebook or as a stand-alone file from this Apple Web page. All of 368KB, Apple states:

This update is recommended for all MacBook Air computers, and addresses issues with video playback and processor core idling.

Apple warns that:

Third-party software that modifies processor operating characteristics such as frequency and voltage is not supported and should be removed before installing this update.

My MacBook Air has been working flawlessly. I have not experienced the overheating and core shutdown issue that slows the performance of a MacBook Air that some have complained about but, given the warning, it is likely that this small file addresses that problem.

I downloaded and installed the update. In a couple of day's use I have not noticed any difference in operation, either in performance or in fan activity. [Bill Fox]