Why do macbooks have motion sensors?

[DannyBres]

Anyone?

 

[Eidorian]

To lock the hard drive platter during a sudden acceleration.

 

[jabrowntx]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_Motion_Sensor

 

[EricNau]

They have an SMS (Sudden Motion Sensor) to detect a fall. ...If it is dropped, the HD takes preventative measures to try and escape damage (or at least protect your data).

 

[jamesarm97]

And to be used for cool theft / alarm sensors (iAlertU).

- james

 

[72930]

And to be used for cool theft / alarm sensors (iAlertU).

- james

There are many 3rd party uses, the coolest being changing desktops via hitting a Mac (with VirtueDesktops) and some games...

 

[jamesarm97]

There are many 3rd party uses, the coolest being changing desktops via hitting a Mac (with VirtueDesktops) and some games...

Yeah, I have seen those but could not get past the wacking my computer screen thinking it would damage the HDD or screen somehow.

- James

 

[72930]

Yeah, I have seen those but could not get past the wacking my computer screen thinking it would damage the HDD or screen somehow.

- James

Its hardly a whack needed, in fact the sensitivity is user adjustable, and can be a light tap, no worse to the HD than pressing your fingers down to type fast...

 

[sr5878]

macsaber

 

[mkrishnan]

Yeah, I have seen those but could not get past the wacking my computer screen thinking it would damage the HDD or screen somehow.

Well, do bear in mind, that, ironically, the SMS is still serving its original purpose, which is exactly to avoid your HD being damaged in just such a case as this. I.E. if the HD parks instead of the screen changing, you're hitting it way the frack™ too hard.