My MacBook Pro is magnetic!

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Level 1

9 points

My MacBook Pro is magnetic!

So I just recently noticed that the front of my MBP is magnetic, between the disk slot on the right and the little IR sensor on the left of the lid-release button, and only on the front. Is this normal? Has it always been like this and I have never noticed, or is it something I should worry about.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Feb 24, 2009 7:58 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 24, 2009 8:31 PM in response to mac_guy_wawa

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.

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Answer 2

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Feb 24, 2009 8:34 PM in response to mac_guy_wawa

Welcome to Apple Discussions!

Yes, this is normal. The bottom latch mechanism has magnets which pull down the little hooks on the top part of the latch when you close your Mac. If you check the latch slots with a paperclip, you will see that the magnets are fairly strong.

There is also a magnet on the right side of the display (a little more than half way up), which activates the reed switch which puts the Mac to sleep when you close the lid. You can find it with a paper clip.

Nothing to worry about.

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