Getting Old...

Macintosh software/hardware discussion and troubleshooting

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Rick Cornish
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Getting Old...

Post by Rick Cornish »

OK—this is likely a "champagne problem," but is there any way I can turn on my Mac Studio without having to reach around behind it to hit the power button? Any sort of magic key command? (I realize I could move it to the top of my desk, but I prefer to have it where it is—except when I need to turn it on.)

I miss the old keyboards with the power button on them.
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Rick Cornish

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HCMarkus
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Re: Getting Old...

Post by HCMarkus »

My Mac Studio sits in its machine closet with the "back" side facing out. Worked out great that way for me, as it put the two front-panel ports (TB on my Ultra) toward the back of the closet and closer to my interface, keeping the interface within an easy reach of the 3 meter Thunderbolt cable. Just as important, it put the power button facing the closet door, within easy reach.

If you don't mind seeing some cable sticking out towards your workspace, rotating your Mac Studio 180 degrees would at least make accessing the power button easier.

Interestingly, the "bottom of the Mini" button sometimes looks like a good move by Apple... at least if you have something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNYK17GQ?re ... in_title_1

Here's what my closet looks like when I open the door:
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Out of sight, out of mind. I'd probably lose my mind if this stuff wasn't;t all hidden away! But that power button is front and center.
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mikehalloran
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Re: Getting Old...

Post by mikehalloran »

No. The only good news is that the new Mini is worse having the button underneath. At least with my G3/4/5, I could operate them with my toe.

Having a crippled left arm makes it a lot worse. I have to reach around with my right arm to do anything.

A couple of ways to deal with this: 1) Rotate the Mac 90° so that the button is on the right or left side. Besides access to the ports, the indicator light is the only reason to have it facing forward. 2) Get a round Velcro, felt or silicone self-stick button and attach it to the power switch—makes it much easier to find with your finger.
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These guys have an adapter but it only works if your Studio is rack mounted:
https://racknex.com/power-button-kit-ap ... r-pbk-002/

The one brightish spot is that, with Apple Silicon Macs, there are no more keys to depress while holding the power button. All of those options begin by holding the Power switch long enough till you can find the options with your mouse/trackpad, keyboard or both.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102603

Clearing NVRAM(PRAM) is missing from the above. it can only be cleared manually with a Terminal Command from the Recovery Partition. Otherwise, it's supposed to clear automatically when starting from shut down (not a reboot) if the startup diagnostics detect a problem.
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HCMarkus
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Re: Getting Old...

Post by HCMarkus »

Yeah, Mike's idea of a 90 degree rotation, putting the power Botton at the left front, might be more workable in your situation, Rick.
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Re: Getting Old...

Post by stubbsonic »

I wonder if one (perhaps you?) could rig a bicycle brake handle with a cable-in-sleeve, connected to a pivoting "finger" that pushes the button "remotely". Yea, it would take the better part of 2 days to Rube that Goldberg.
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Re: Getting Old...

Post by mikehalloran »

stubbsonic wrote: Tue Mar 04, 2025 11:21 am I wonder if one (perhaps you?) could rig a bicycle brake handle with a cable-in-sleeve, connected to a pivoting "finger" that pushes the button "remotely". Yea, it would take the better part of 2 days to Rube that Goldberg.
:rofl:

I'm going to add that one to my vocabulary.
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Re: Getting Old...

Post by labman »

stubbsonic wrote: Tue Mar 04, 2025 11:21 am I wonder if one (perhaps you?) could rig a bicycle brake handle with a cable-in-sleeve, connected to a pivoting "finger" that pushes the button "remotely". Yea, it would take the better part of 2 days to Rube that Goldberg.
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Re: Getting Old...

Post by Phil O »

Oh man.I am so going to steal that line. 8)
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