How to upgrade firmware using a Mac? - Page 2

embe71 · 08-06-2008, 05:09 AM

No problem with Fusion here either.
I don't quite understand why a VW-based setup should "mess up usb timings"? IMHO that's nonsense, at least if you have no other "bandwith-hungry" usb-device connected during the update..
I am using VMs (not only on the Mac but also an a PC) all day at work and did indeed several firmware-upgrades for other devices that way. Never had any problems.

HarryT · 08-06-2008, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by embe71

I don't quite understand why a VW-based setup should "mess up usb timings"?

Because in a virtual environment the USB controller is "virtualised" and liable to interruption from other processes on the machine. In a non-virtual environment the USB device drivers guarantee timings using the hardware of the controller.

igorsk · 08-06-2008, 06:28 AM

There were a few accounts of a failed firmware update back when the PRS-500 updates came out. It's possible that the VMs have improved since then and USB emulation is reliable enough.

astrodad · 08-06-2008, 06:31 AM

Most applications use the USB device as a file system, so applying a firmware is just a matter of copying over files into the proper place. It's rare now days that "timings" are an issue. I've also updated numerous devices via Parallels without any problems.

sam1am · 08-07-2008, 05:43 AM

[deleted]

sam1am · 08-07-2008, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Because in a virtual environment the USB controller is "virtualised" and liable to interruption from other processes on the machine. In a non-virtual environment the USB device drivers guarantee timings using the hardware of the controller.

I'm sure you're thinking of firewire connections, as USB connections are always software controlled. Only firewire has hardware controllers built into it.

That said, USB is also really good at accounting for those kinds of things. It might have been a problem in 1992, but certainly not now. If your worried about your "timings" getting messed up, then don't have 1,000 browser windows open all running flash video while decompressing a 100gb file and simultaneously rendering scenes from your next blockbuster CG film and generating 3d modeled proteins. I think you'll be fine.

I'd like to see where you're getting your information.

HarryT · 08-07-2008, 06:33 AM

Take a look at the old messages on this forum and you'll see that a LOT of people have had problems running Sony firmware updates under Parallels. If you want to risk it, fine, it's your choice. All I'm saying is be aware that there are risks associated with doing so. Even the most dedicated Mac enthusiast will generally have friends with Windows machines - it really is a lot safer to do this in a non-virtual environment, such as "Bootcamp" or a dedicated Windows machine.

At the end of the day, though, it is of course down to the individual to decide. I'm just putting forward my 1p.

08-06-2008, 05:09 AM	#16
embe71 Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Cologne, Germany Device: Sony PRS 505	No problem with Fusion here either. I don't quite understand why a VW-based setup should "mess up usb timings"? IMHO that's nonsense, at least if you have no other "bandwith-hungry" usb-device connected during the update.. I am using VMs (not only on the Mac but also an a PC) all day at work and did indeed several firmware-upgrades for other devices that way. Never had any problems. Last edited by embe71; 08-06-2008 at 05:13 AM.

08-07-2008, 05:43 AM	#20
sam1am Enthusiast Posts: 42 Karma: 32 Join Date: Jul 2008 Device: Sony Reader	[deleted] Last edited by sam1am; 08-07-2008 at 05:49 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
iLiad How can I upgrade my firmware to 2.12?	npceodp	iRex	1	08-30-2010 04:03 PM
How to do a firmware upgrade!!	Robertb	Astak EZReader	1	02-07-2010 05:51 PM
error after upgrade to 0.6.0 on Mac	IgorO	Calibre	1	07-25-2009 04:29 PM
Firmware Upgrade Available!	scottcstoness	Sony Reader	65	08-06-2007 11:13 PM
Will there be another firmware upgrade?	MacBeezle	Sony Reader	50	07-08-2007 02:47 PM

08-06-2008, 06:28 AM	#18
igorsk Wizard Posts: 3,442 Karma: 300001 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Belgium Device: PRS-500/505/700, Kindle, Cybook Gen3, Words Gear	There were a few accounts of a failed firmware update back when the PRS-500 updates came out. It's possible that the VMs have improved since then and USB emulation is reliable enough.

08-06-2008, 06:31 AM	#19
astrodad Guru Posts: 962 Karma: 568242 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Kindle Oasis 3, Kindle Paperwhite 1, iPad, iPhone	Most applications use the USB device as a file system, so applying a firmware is just a matter of copying over files into the proper place. It's rare now days that "timings" are an issue. I've also updated numerous devices via Parallels without any problems.

08-07-2008, 06:33 AM	#22
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Take a look at the old messages on this forum and you'll see that a LOT of people have had problems running Sony firmware updates under Parallels. If you want to risk it, fine, it's your choice. All I'm saying is be aware that there are risks associated with doing so. Even the most dedicated Mac enthusiast will generally have friends with Windows machines - it really is a lot safer to do this in a non-virtual environment, such as "Bootcamp" or a dedicated Windows machine. At the end of the day, though, it is of course down to the individual to decide. I'm just putting forward my 1p.

Advert

Advert