[Debian-eeepc-devel] Bug#474531: eeepc-acpi-scripts: Appropriate default for proposed variable

[Ben Armstrong]

Package: eeepc-acpi-scripts
Version: 1.0.2
Followup-For: Bug #474531

I forgot to mention we also discussed the appropriate default
for the proposed variable.  It was argued that shutdown is not
appropriate because a user expecting the system to suspend might
lose data as a result.  Other possible defaults

nothing   - the user might expect suspend when the lid is put
            down; if we do nothing instead, they could then
	    store the Eee in a closed space causing overheating
	    and ireparable damage to the Eee
blank	  - same problem as 'nothing' except with the display
	    blanked they are even more inclined to believe the
	    suspend was successful!
suspend   - obviously not!

So all defaults have their problems.  The possible data loss during
shutdown is probably the least drastic consequence, which is why
I would argue it's the best choice for the default.

Ideally, we would prompt the user at shutdown time so they have a
chance to save data first.  However, this has two problems: first,
we need dialogs both in X and console; second, if the suspend
is the result of putting the lid down, the user has no opportunity
to respond to the dialog.  I wonder if it's worth the effort.