Sure, but that does not strictly explain the phenomenon. The headphones have clear line-of-sight to the laptop in both the "off" (comfortable) position and the

Sure, but that does not strictly explain the phenomenon. The headphones have clear line-of-sight to the laptop in both the "off" (comfortable) position and the "on" (infinite set of uncomfortable) positions. The absorption of the radio signals by my large capacitance, I would think, doesn't change much with position. Also, it turns off when I scratch the back of my head.