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Unexpected Shut down when moving macbook pro on my 'lap'

In the last month or so, I've been suffering from an unexpected shut down of my mac book pro - which is quite annoying.


The issue seems to be (and it is reproducable) that after a few minutes (or seconds sometimes) of moving my mac from a flat surface (e.g. a coffee table) onto my 'lap' the computer just shuts down (no warning).


I can reproduce this by holding my mac in both hands above my lap and rotating away from me (i.e. screen closer and keyboard futher away)....


After some googling, I think this could be related to the sudden movement sensor (and a suggestion was to reset my smc by doing shift-ctrl-option-powerbutton when the mac was powered down). But this hasn't worked.


Anyone experienced similar issues?


I'm using a 17inch early 2011 mac book pro, running OS X 10.8.3 with the latest software updates installed.


It doesn't seem to matter what I'm doing, i.e. watching videos, writing emails, using lightroom, photoshop.


I wonder if this is related to any recent udpdate?


Thanks

Ioant

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on Apr 21, 2013 11:55 AM

Reply
47 replies

Apr 21, 2013 2:31 PM in response to Ioan007

Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store.

Back up all data on the internal drive(s) before you hand over your computer to anyone. If privacy is a concern, erase the data partition(s) with the option to write zeros* (do this only if you have at least two complete, independent backups, and you know how to restore to an empty drive from any of them.) Don’t erase the recovery partition, if present.

Keeping your confidential data secure during hardware repair

*An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.

Apr 23, 2013 4:57 PM in response to Ioan007

I once had a problem like that on an Apple PowerBook about 10 years ago. It was caused by a loose connection on the motherboard, so that when I moved the computer the case would flex just enough to create a gap in the loose connection and the power cut would instantly shut down the computer. Only a trip to Apple service fixed it.


I'm not saying that's exactly what's going on here, and the MacBook Pro has a much stiffer case than the old plastic PowerBooks G3. My point is that it could be caused by a fault somewhere in the motherboard the you should have repaired, hopefully your warranty has not run out.


I am convinced it is a hardware fault of some kind because that problem should not be happening at all. Because of features like the SMS, today's MacBook Pros can withstand quite a bit of being moved around with no ill effects.


In the end, Linc's advice is good and helpful because this is probably something you cannot fix on your own. Your best option is to have Apple look at it.

Unexpected Shut down when moving macbook pro on my 'lap'

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