iMac Core Duo (Early 2006) (#3): Safe sleep available; Problems with iSub

Safe sleep available The iMac Core Duo (Early 2006) features the ability to "safe sleep" -- a feature first introduced on the late-2005 PowerBook G4s that ensures that data stored in main memory will not be lost should the system shut down due to a loss of power during sleep mode.

Safe Sleep automatically saves the contents of RAM to the hard drive. In the event the battery becomes completely depleted while the system is asleep, the computer will shut down. But when a power adapter is connected or a freshly charged battery is installed, the iMac can be restarted and it will automatically return to the desktop state that existed prior to entering sleep.

MacFixIt reader John Lowry comments on the new functionality:

"My 17" intel iMac came with safe sleep enabled. This is verifiable by using the 'pmset -g' command. There is also a sleepimage file in /var/vm. And sure enough if you put your iMac to sleep and pull the plug and then replug and power back up, you are brought back to where you left off. Interesting."

Problems with iSub Several readers have reported that the iSub external Apple subwoofer does not function properly with the iMac Core Duo.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• iMac Core Duo (Early 2006): Problems with installing Intel Mac OS X on FireWire drives; solution
• Apple unveils new iMac with Intel Core Duo: 2-3X faster than iMac G5, shipping today

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