Why is resetting SMC a last resort?

[hellosquire]

I thought my new macbook was a lemon, as the screen would not be backlit no matter what, until I found an article on resetting the SMC (System Management Controller).

Apple's Resetting the System Management Controller article makes a big point of only doing it as a last resort.

It's worked for me so far. Why is it a last resort? Does it mean I have a defective logic board or NVRAM chip as they described? Should I consider this a mac to be subject to more problems, and ask Apple to send me a replacement?

I'm just worried about it. It seems like some sort of sure sign that there's something defective about my macbook.

[anika123]

I would at least call apple support and ask them these questions. This way there will also be a record that your computer has problems from the start. Later, if things get worse it will be easier to get them to service it.

[appleman_design]

calling the applecare support number should of been the first thing you should of done.

[trevor]

Because there's apparently some danger of doing some kind of permanent harm to your computer if you reset the SMC while the SMC is itself rebooting, Apple gets nervous about end users doing it. However, as long as you read and follow directions as given to you, there's nothing for you to worry about. Writing that way is just Apple's way of protecting themselves, I'd guess.

Trevor