Amit Singh has posted a
fascinating article about the new Powerbook Sudden Motion
Sensor (SMS) that is now standard in all Powerbooks. This is
the little feature that senses is the Powerbook has been dropped or moved suddenly and stops the hard drive in hopes of
preventing damage to the drive. I am sure even if you have a Powerbook with this feature dropping it is a terrifying
experience.
The SMS might be too sensitive for some users. Amit reports that loud thumping bass seems to trigger the SMS, and
spins down the disks. If you are using a Powerbook to pump out said techno beats, you might want to check out Amit’s
tip on disabling this feature because nothing stops a rave faster than a skipping track.
Amit has also built a few applications that take advantage of the information that the sensor reports on, and
demonstrates what can be done with the sensors.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-16-2005 @ 4:16PM
C.K. Sample, III said...
I want a program that makes my powerbook a snow-globe, so that I can shake it and have it fill with falling snow!!! Oh, wait...I have one of the old ones. Crap.
Reply
6-16-2005 @ 4:16PM
Small Paul said...
I'm getting a PowerBook soon, and I can't wait to add it to my juggling routine :)
Reply
6-16-2005 @ 4:16PM
directory said...
good point!thanks
Reply
11-05-2005 @ 5:11PM
Jose Abraham said...
The new ibooks also have a sms, why this program dont work with their?
Reply
11-12-2005 @ 7:41PM
Martijn said...
There's a new tool called Motion that's open-source and does work on the new iBooks and high-res powerbooks.
Check out the Carpenters Level widget that uses the sensor: http://pallit.lhi.is/palli/dashlevel/
Cool stuff!
Reply