So that’s what’s going on!
One of the first things I noticed after updating Mac OS X Tiger to 10.4.9 was that my CD eject key didn’t seem to work anymore. Normally, I’d just push it and the CD drawer would open. But it just didn’t work like that anymore. Not having time to troubleshoot it, I decided not to update my 12″ PowerBook.
Well, this article on the Apple support site explains it all: “Mac OS X 10.4.9: Media Eject key delay“:
Issue or symptom
After installing Mac OS X 10.4.9, pressing the Media Eject key on the Apple keyboard does not immediately eject media from the optical disc drive nor display the on-screen eject symbol.
Apparently, too many people were pressing that key by accident, thus ejecting media. Apple decided to add a delay to the Media Eject key before it takes effect.
To eject a disc, hold the Media Eject key. The disc will eject normally and the eject symbol will appear.
I just wish Apple had the foresight to mention this change in the update’s release notes rather than requiring us to fish around for the answer online.
So yes, I’ll be updating my PowerBook shortly.
