An Odd Thing To Happen?

[ladybirder]

I closed my AppleMac laptop lid and moved it to one side, still logged in, while I was on the phone.  When I picked it up again a few minutes later it was dead.  Couldn't get any life in it at all.  So I plugged it in until it was fully charged.  Still nothing.  Puzzled I phoned one of the guys in another flat in my building and he popped down.

He lifted it up and looked underneath it and removed a metal paperclip which was stuck on the bottom.  Machine immediately lit up and back into life.

How come?  Any idea?  Thank you.

[barry1010]

That's weird, no idea, sorry.

 

[barry1010]

Was the paperclip stuck like a magnet?

[ladybirder]

Yes, I guess it was B.

[barry1010]

I wonder if the paperclip attached itself in a vital place where the magnetic reaction caused some sort of short circuit?

I do hope someone has a proper explanation 

[ladybirder]

I suppose Apple might know.

[wolf63]

I used to have a Macbook.  I think there is an element of magnetism in the area where the electric cable is plugged into the connection on the machine.

 

[barry1010]

I have just read this which could explain it  - somebody asked about their Mac being magnetic:

"Yes, it's normal - you'll find that it's magnetic on the other side of the latch as well. The magnets actually pull the latch hooks (in the display bezel) down into place to hold the lid closed. The hooks hold it closed, but the magnets pull the hooks into place. With the lid open, lower a paper clip into the latch slots in the lower case and you'll see what I mean.

The newer MBPs (and MBs) have done away with the hooks and latch release entirely, and just use magnets to hold the lid closed."

So your paperclip could have fooled the Mac in to believing the lid was closed.  

[ladybirder]

Well well well ...  Thank you very much Barry.  Mystery solved.