When should ENABLE_LAPTOP_MODE be set TRUE?

[Peter Whittaker]

On Thu, 2007-01-11 at 15:00 +0100, EmIScA wrote:
> laptop mode is a software that manages power settings of the
> harddisks....that variable is related to it..
> see http://packatges.ubuntu.com/laptopmode
> It is not too used by people because the advantages using it are not
> too relevant. Try it and choose if use it or not.

The thing is, I am familiar the intent of the package, and familiar with
its value. The referenced page - and the rest of my research into this
setting - does not provide enough information for me to determine
whether I should activate it or not.

My thinking is this (and bear in mind that one of my professional roles
is security consultant, so I tend to bring a reasonable paranoia, er,
doubt, to my thinking):

Laptops can be easily detected using dmidecode (for the most part);

There are distinct advantages to laptop mode (quieter operation, longer
battery life);

There are no - or appear not be any - well-documented reasons NOT to use
this mode (in fact, I can find no reasons at all!);

Therefore, why isn't it enabled by default when a laptop boots?

My (doubting/paranoid) self responds "Well, there must be a reason! It
would not be turned off unless someone knew SOMETHING, surely!"

It's the reason I am trying to determine. You write that the advantages
are slim. I disagree, based on my use of my machine. But I cannot get
good documentation about the risks or drawbacks of this mode of
operation.

It is paranoia, performance, or puzzlement (no one knows enough to
enable it, so it remains disabled? I feel that bug report coming on
strong....

All assistance welcome,

pww

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