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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > Shut down MBP to move it?

Shut down MBP to move it?
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Cottontail
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Sep 10, 2009, 03:43 AM
 
So I just got a new unibody MBP. I mostly use it downstairs in the work area, but I do occasionally bring it upstairs. I've been shutting it down before moving it, but is it recommended to do so? It's not a bumpy trip, but I guess there is a slight chance of dropping it. Anyway, is it a good idea to shut it down before moving it or is it safe to just put it to sleep?
     
Simon
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Sep 10, 2009, 03:46 AM
 
There is no need to shut it down. Sleeping it (closing the lid) is just as good for this purpose.

However, if you move it carefully you don't have to sleep it at all. The disk will park when it senses acceleration (drops, knocks, etc.) anyway. If you end up dropping it it might be in better shape if it's closed. But there's no guarantee. Best thing to do is just not drop it.
     
OreoCookie
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Sep 10, 2009, 04:28 AM
 
There is no need to shut down notebooks.
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
     
The Placid Casual
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Sep 10, 2009, 06:28 AM
 
M y office machines go from room to room, floor to floor, in lifts etc - all with the lid open and running apps.

My previous machines have aways been treated the same way.

No issues to report, and certainly no need to shut them down, or in my case even sleep them.

TPC
     
ghporter
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Sep 10, 2009, 07:25 AM
 
I usually sleep my MBP when I move it from place to place while I'm using it. I do shut it down when I pack it up at the end of the day, but only because I don't know when I'll have a chance to charge it.

Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
     
EdipisReks
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Sep 15, 2009, 12:12 AM
 
when i have sent in mac notebooks for repair, they typically are returned asleep in the box. if a sleeping machine can survive interstate shipping, it'll go upstairs no problem.
20" iMac/2.4 C2D/4GB RAM/320 HD + ViewSonic VX2025WM
13" MBP/2.26 C2D/4GB RAM/250 HD
16 GB iPhone
     
Big Mac
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Sep 15, 2009, 12:16 AM
 
If you had to shut a laptop down every time you wanted to move it, laptops would be basically worthless as portable machines. It's surprising to see the kinds of computing myths people come up with and accept.

"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground." TJ
     
AKcrab
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Sep 15, 2009, 01:03 AM
 
Originally Posted by EdipisReks View Post
when i have sent in mac notebooks for repair, they typically are returned asleep in the box.
We would never do that in my shop. Sure, nothing *should* happen, but it seems to me that's just promising the customer a dead battery on arrival.
     
CharlesS
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Sep 15, 2009, 01:13 AM
 
The whole point of a notebook is to be able to move it wherever you want. No shutting down required.

Ticking sound coming from a .pkg package? Don't let the .bom go off! Inspect it first with Pacifist. Macworld - five mice!
     
xpsonic
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Sep 15, 2009, 04:11 AM
 
Ive never heard of this turning it off before moving it because of course I always just close the lid when I move my macbook. But now I learned something new about the disk will park when it senses acceleration... is that true?
     
Simon
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Sep 15, 2009, 04:29 AM
 
Originally Posted by xpsonic View Post
But now I learned something new about the disk will park when it senses acceleration... is that true?
Of course. Apple calls it "Sudden Motion Sensor". It's been in Macs for years.

Apple Portables: About the Sudden Motion Sensor

Originally Posted by Apple
The Sudden Motion Sensor is designed to detect unusually strong vibrations, sudden changes in position or accelerated movement. If the computer is dropped, the Sudden Motion Sensor instantly parks the hard drive heads to help reduce the risk of damage to the hard drive on impact. When the Sudden Motion Sensor senses that the Apple portable's position is once again stable, it unlocks the hard drive heads, and you are up and running within seconds.
Some hard drives come with similar technology built right into the drive too.
     
slugslugslug
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Sep 15, 2009, 09:09 AM
 
I often ride my bike 2 miles with my laptop in a pannier (aka saddlebag) strapped to the rack, and I don't turn it off, just sleep it. Hasn't caused problems yet, and I've been bringing it with me a lot lately.
     
   
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