Micromat Protogo

This software kicks ass, and I haven't even got it configured properly yet. This software lets me turn my FW 3G iPod, or any other external drive for that fact, into a mobile tool box for any Mac (OS 9, PPC, Intel).

I had problems with the profiles at first, but then realized that...

The Universal profile gets its system software from a disk image licensed to us by Apple that is usually used to make bootable DVDs. This disk image can create an installation of Mac OS X that is capable of booting both PowerPC and Intel-based models. This disk image does not contain a Finder, and nobody is authorized by Apple to add one. Therefore, there will not be a Universal Protogo profile with a Finder, unless Apple changes its bootable DVDs.

I can't turn off my iPod right now and will have to reinitialize the iPod and begin again this evening, but at least I have a better idea of what I need to do after reading posts from Micromat's forum. First off, I'll have to look for something in the preferences that allows me to select an option to keep the iPod's music-playing functionality.

I'm interested in adding my own utilities as well like DiskWarrior and iDefrag but there might be some limitations

Keep in mind that the Universal profile has no Finder and Disk Warrior will not work with its system software. As long as you use a profile that is specific to the PowerPC or Intel platform, you should have no trouble using any third-party programs.

I'll give it another go in any case.

Update - I've got the iPod up and running with Protogo, after I read the directions that I can only choose a profile with one partition if I want to maintain music playback capabilities. Amazing what stuff you can learn by reading warning dialogs. I set it up with additional utilities, but a couple of them need serial numbers to run. DiskRescue II and Serial Box doesn't run right now, but that will have to wait.