[selowitch]

Many folks here seem to advise never shutting down a Mac laptop unless to reboot or for very long-term storage, and instead always putting it to sleep when not in use (even overnight, when presumably you'd need to plug the laptop in to keep the battery from draining).

But is this really wise? Does it save stress on the internal components by avoiding the harshness of startup? Does it shorten or extend the life of the hardware?

[nononono]

I doubt it. It is just faster and more convienient. When it is asleep it is just like it is shut off exept for the ram I think. But I don't know. P.C, Laptops do the same thing. They wake up even faster don't they?

[rozwado1]

Originally posted by nononono:
P.C, Laptops do the same thing. They wake up even faster don't they?

No. Not with xp.

I've been using my iBook for almost 3 years without ever shutting it down (except for storage). I usually have 20 day uptimes and I use it constantly without any problems so far. I've been trying to kill this thing so it'll give me a reason to upgrade, but the damn thing won't die.

[Randman]

Ehy do you think Apple put the power button on the iMac G5 in the back? So people will put it to sleep instead of shutting down. The Mac mini, as well, I think.

As long as you have some ventilation (just raise the PB a little so air can circulate underneath, your 'Book will be better than fine.

BTW, I've worked at many companies where the computers are never turned off except for some major work/overhaul/upgrade.

[selowitch]

Originally posted by Randman:
Ehy do you think Apple put the power button on the iMac G5 in the back? So people will put it to sleep instead of shutting down. The Mac mini, as well, I think.

Those are desktop machines, though. Different animal entirely.

Originally posted by Randman:
As long as you have some ventilation (just raise the PB a little so air can circulate underneath, your 'Book will be better than fine.

Not that I don't trust you, Randman, but I'd feel better if I had some words to this effect direct from Apple, maybe in a service manual or something.

Originally posted by Randman:
BTW, I've worked at many companies where the computers are never turned off except for some major work/overhaul/upgrade.

I'll bet those were either servers or desktop workstations, though, right? Again, a different kettle of fish IMO.

[Randman]

Originally posted by selowitch:
Those are desktop machines, though. Different animal entirely.

Not really.

I'll see if I can find the part about sleep. I know it's true about the iMac because I got that info from Apple when I did my extended review of the G5.

[selowitch]

Originally posted by Randman:
Not really.

Again, not that I don't believe you; but with the iBook, aren't you dealing with heat in a more concentrated space, with fewer heat sinks, less air surrounding the components, and smaller fans? Doesn't that have an impact?

Originally posted by Randman:
I'll see if I can find the part about sleep. I know it's true about the iMac because I got that info from Apple when I did my extended review of the G5.

That would be greatly appreciated.

[Randman]

Originally posted by selowitch:
Again, not that I don't believe you; but with the iBook, aren't you dealing with heat in a more concentrated space, with fewer heat sinks, less air surrounding the components, and smaller fans? Doesn't that have an impact?

Don't forget that the laptops are made for being on the go. As long as there's some air circulating around the books (if left alone for a very long time). A CoolPad or iCurve works wonderfully.
You can also leave the iBook (or PB) open (I do this at times, using a radtech cover and iSkin for the keyboard just so dust doesn't get in on the keyboards.
I have a PB17 and several times I've left it sleeping when on the road for 5 days at a time.
Don't forget that it's going to be running at a reduced energy level when sleeping so it shouldn't get hot, nothing like it will when it's running.
You could also check the temperature of a room to make sure it stays relatively steady, not getting too cold or too hot.

[shreddog]

I was just at a beginner's "class"/"workshop" at the Apple Store in Soho, NY and the instructor said that it didn't matter if you shut down or put it too sleep (never shut down). He said they were made to handle hundredes of thousands start-up/shut-downs and they were also made to be "on" all of the time. He personally never shuts his computers down. So, if the Apple Store says it doesn't matter, I guess it doesn't matter either way.

[selowitch]

Originally posted by shreddog:
I was just at a beginner's "class"/"workshop" at the Apple Store in Soho, NY and the instructor said that it didn't matter if you shut down or put it too sleep (never shut down). He said they were made to handle hundredes of thousands start-up/shut-downs and they were also made to be "on" all of the time. He personally never shuts his computers down. So, if the Apple Store says it doesn't matter, I guess it doesn't matter either way.

I think that settles that question!

[Randman]

And for my final word on the subject (finally!) is don't forget that many people don't even sleep their computers, laptops included. Check with some of the people running seti or something similar and see what experiences they have. At least in sleep, your hard drive is basically ... sleeping.

[selowitch]

Originally posted by Randman:
A CoolPad or iCurve works wonderfully.

The iCurve is also gorgeous.

Originally posted by Randman:
You can also leave the iBook (or PB) open (I do this at times, using a radtech cover and iSkin for the keyboard just so dust doesn't get in on the keyboards.

Yeah, I have a Radtech Screensavr (in blue with the word "iBook" on it, which is cool) and the iSkin for the keyboard as well. You know what they say about great minds thinking alike!