The Terrifying Case of the Nine Beeps

News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

April 3, 2008

The Terrifying Case of the Nine Beeps

Posted Apr. 3, ’08, 10:02 AM PT by Dan Moren

Category | Troubleshooting

MBA Beep We often poke fun at Apple for the terse nature of its software update releases notices. But could such a habit become downright dangerous? This morning, we were pointed to an Apple knowledge base article both cryptic and worrisome in its brevity. We reprint the complete text of the article here, for your edification:

Some MacBook Air computers may not start up into Mac OS but instead start up to 9 beeps - 3 short, 3 long, 3 short.

To address this issue, please visit your nearest Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or call Apple directly.

Anyone with a basic grounding in Morse code will recognize the short, long, short pattern as Morse code for “SOS.” But what does the MacBook Air need saving from? I mean, if you’re in close proximity to say, a giant iceberg, well, okay. But sitting quietly at your desk? Does it mean you’re in imminent danger of being hit by a meteorite? Maybe it’s just the Air’s way of saying “no, don’t put me in the manila envelope again, pleeeeeeease.” Without an ability to speak the MacBook Air’s language, we have no way of knowing.

One thing is for certain: if ever you hear your MacBook Air give ten beeps—or you start seeing weird symbols showing up on the screen—then get the hell out of your house.

[Thanks, Ken]