AI Coders: The Trick of Open Computers in the Face of Criticism

AI developers have recently drawn attention by walking around with their laptops slightly open. This unconventional practice aims to keep their AI agents running continuously. However, it has sparked varied reactions among Business Insider readers, who point out the existence of alternative methods to keep computers active, even when closed.

Business Insider readers expressed their surprise at this trend where tech enthusiasts stroll around with barely open laptops. Several highlighted that there are more effective ways to keep AI agents active, such as adjusting settings, using terminal commands, or relying on third-party applications. However, some users who prefer to keep their laptops ajar responded that these solutions involve too much "friction" or are not immediately obvious.

Business Insider interviewed eight AI coders who explained why they choose to keep their laptops open in public. The readers' reactions were strong, with some finding this practice understandable, while others warned against mixing code with daily life. Many commenters insisted that there are numerous ways to keep a laptop awake, even if the lid is closed.

Among the proposed solutions, the terminal command "caffeinate" was mentioned. It is designed to prevent a MacBook from going to sleep, for example, during a long presentation. However, this solution can be complex for non-technical users and may drain the battery, requiring additional terminal commands to function reliably when the laptop lid is closed.

Another method is Clamshell mode, which allows the screen to be closed without the computer going to sleep, provided it is connected to an external monitor. For those on the go, former OpenAI employee Will DePue half-jokingly suggested using a fake USB-C connector. "It's nice to have physical control over your computer's state!" he wrote.

Users can also adjust sleep settings in macOS to prevent the computer from shutting down when plugged into a power source. Checking the option "prevent automatic sleep on power adapter when display is off" can be a solution, but it requires being connected to a power source.

There are several third-party software options that promise to keep your Mac running when closed. The most popular is probably Amphetamine, a wakefulness app for macOS. However, these solutions are not always known to everyone, as highlighted by 10th grader Arav Jain, who recently discovered tools like Amphetamine.

OpenAI also hints that a solution for its Codex agent might be in the works. "We might have a surprise soon," they captioned a TikTok video about the trend of open laptops.

After the reaction to the article, I reached out to some of the open laptop users. Why didn't they use one of these tricks? Andreas Kruszakin-Liboska, a UX designer, stated that he "didn't know" about these tricks. "I think it involves too much friction." No, Kruszakin-Liboska was not interested in a dongle sticking out of his computer to keep his agents active. His ideal hack: simple, clean, and "doesn't interfere with my already busy day."

Geoff Chan had recently learned about adjusting settings and plugins. At a conference, he kept his laptop open a bit while using a coding agent on his phone. His wife and children were there, and he told them, "Don't close the laptop." His wife advised him to adjust his settings, which he did. Although the laptop remained active when closed, Chan said it did not stay connected to the hotel WiFi. A friend eventually advised him to download third-party software, which worked well.

Chan was not surprised by the active comment section of the article. "There's something in there that resonates with many developers," he said. "A massive change is happening in their jobs."

Have you noticed any other strange behaviors among AI coders?