[j.ruckman]

I have a 12" Al Book, and want to be able to close the lid without putting it to sleep (ex. recording via external mic at a concert w/ notebook in bag). Does anyone have any solutions? Possibly some third party software that would disable the auto-sleep? Thanks!

[icruise]

I don't think that's such a good idea (recording a concert with the powerbook) but just so you know, there is a magnet in the righthand palm rest that activates a sensor in the screen. That's how the powerbook knows when it is closed, so I would think it might be possible to disable it by putting something between the two surfaces that would block the magnet (not sure what would work and haven't tried it). Again, I would suggest something like a minidisc recorder for doing concerts. They are much less expensive, smaller and sturdier than the powerbook.

[parsec_kadets]

Originally posted by Icruise:
I don't think that's such a good idea (recording a concert with the powerbook) but just so you know, there is a magnet in the righthand palm rest that activates a sensor in the screen. That's how the powerbook knows when it is closed, so I would think it might be possible to disable it by putting something between the two surfaces that would block the magnet (not sure what would work and haven't tried it). Again, I would suggest something like a minidisc recorder for doing concerts. They are much less expensive, smaller and sturdier than the powerbook.

This is indeed correct. If you somehow manage to block or remove that magnet the computer won't go to sleep when you close it. I know this because my friend sent his iBook in for repair once, and Apple forgot to put this magnet back in and it failed to go to sleep when he closed it. Something that would be easier is to hookup a USB keyboard. If you close the laptop, then press space on the keyboard and it will wake from sleep. However, using your PowerBook to record a concert while in your backpack is a pretty bad idea. I don't know if you plan on making the recording for the band, or if you're just going to be in the crowd. If you're doing it for the band I'm sure there will be some safe place where you can leave the PowerBook and let it do it's thing. If you're going to be in the crowd, do you really want to have your PowerBook in a big crowd? Sounds kinda risky to me.

[JakBeatZ]

Originally posted by parsec_kadets:
This is indeed correct. If you somehow manage to block or remove that magnet the computer won't go to sleep when you close it. I know this because my friend sent his iBook in for repair once, and Apple forgot to put this magnet back in and it failed to go to sleep when he closed it. Something that would be easier is to hookup a USB keyboard. If you close the laptop, then press space on the keyboard and it will wake from sleep. However, using your PowerBook to record a concert while in your backpack is a pretty bad idea. I don't know if you plan on making the recording for the band, or if you're just going to be in the crowd. If you're doing it for the band I'm sure there will be some safe place where you can leave the PowerBook and let it do it's thing. If you're going to be in the crowd, do you really want to have your PowerBook in a big crowd? Sounds kinda risky to me.

Not to mention the head generated from a) the 17" b) the fact that it's closed and c) the fact that it's in a bag. That's probably more risky than taking it into a crowd of people.

Use an Ipod...

[nobitacu]

Yea... let it sleep.... Zzzzzzz..... it does wonders...


Ming

[j.ruckman]

The reason I want to use the PowerBook is: a) I don't own a MiniDisc recorder; b) iPods don't have the ability to record; and c) it is a personal recording, so I wouldn't have a place to set the powerbook down necessarily, and besides, I have a custom-fitted, padded shoulder bag. Obvsiouly if it was a riotous, crowded concert, I wouldn't dream of taking my PowerBook with me, however I also attend many concerts that have more relaxed settings, i.e., local clubs and bars, classical music performances and recitals, etc. Besides, this is one of the reasons I bought the thing. Its so tiny, yet powerful and durable enough to be able to take to a live performance and record directly into Peak without the fuss of a seperate recorder and blank media. Any suggestions other than blocking the magnet? I know of a kernel hack, but I just don't know where to find how to do it. Thanks...

[Vond]

Originally posted by j.ruckman:
I know of a kernel hack, but I just don't know where to find how to do it. Thanks...

Kernel hack guide: http://www.binaervarianz.de/projekte...ieren/meltmac/

I use this to close my Gigahertz TiBook when I leave for work during the day while leaving it running in case I need to ssh in for some reason. I do not see it as putting the system in any danger, as it is the same function as closing the lid when using an external display (nobody even DARE suggest that the external display somehow sucks heat away).

My concern though is that if you were to run it in a backpack using an actual application, the fans might try to come on. Heat dissipation is your big challenge. You could try it out with the processor throttled back running your recording application and see if the fans come on. I probably wouldn't do it in this case. And bootlegging music is pretty unsavory to begin with.

[swsteckly]

Not to mention that it is never good to be moving around a PowerBook with a spun-up HD...