"Just a little detail that wouldn't sell anything"

19 hours ago

The 'Sleep Indicator Light' debuted in the iBook G3 in 1999, designed to mimic human breathing at 12 breaths per minute.
The light's position evolved from the hinge to other locations in laptops and desktops like the Power Mac, Cube, and iMac.
Apple introduced a light sensor in the iMac G5 to adjust brightness based on ambient light or time of day.
Later MacBooks featured a sleep light that appeared to shine through perforated aluminum, eliminating the need for a visible opening.
Apple's display connector allowed synchronized pulsing sleep lights between Macs and Apple Cinema Displays.
The breathing light was eventually discontinued, a victim of design changes that also removed other features like the battery indicator and illuminated logo.
The light had practical uses, such as indicating safe sleep mode for hard drives, but its breathing animation was a purely humanistic touch.
Enthusiasts have attempted to recreate the breathing light effect, highlighting its nostalgic and quirky appeal.

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