Lid down with macbook to external display?

[AndyK]

Basically, I've been able to get my macbook connected to an external display with no problems and have it output to a screen.

What I can't figure out, is how to have it -just- display on the external screen and not use the second screen as an extension of the desktop, as in like a dual screen set up. Closing the lid down just causes it to go to sleep.

If anyone knows how to get this to work I'd much appreciate advice / pointers in the right direction.

Much love,

 

[atthecross]

when you close the lid it sleeps, but if you hit the keyboard or move the mouse it will wake up.

 

[AndyK]

when you close the lid it sleeps, but if you hit the keyboard or move the mouse it will wake up.

So it's not possible for me to set a film playing, with the lid up, transfer the signal to the external then pop the lid down?

I need to have an external mouse / keyboard plugged in for it to work?

 

[kurzz]

This is something I just figured out yesterday too.
Basically, you need to put your mac to sleep by closing the lid. Get an external mouse and/or keyboard to wake up your mac and it will only display on your external monitor. If your mac is off, you'd have to open the lid, power it on and quickly close the lid.

(oh and your display has to be set to "clone" mode").

So it's not possible for me to set a film playing, with the lid up, transfer the signal to the external then pop the lid down?

I need to have an external mouse / keyboard plugged in for it to work?

 

[119576]

As per usual. InsomniaX is your friend.

Install it, and load it up. It will then prevent your mac from sleeping.

So you can set your film playing, then close the lid, and the film will continue to play.

After that, you can just "detect displays".

 

[AndyK]

Righto, thanks a lot for the info

 

[AndyK]

As per usual. InsomniaX is your friend.

Just downloaded and installed, works perfectly, thanks a lot

 

[santiv]

Apologize if this is a rehash, but I combed the fourms for an answer.

But would the above technique discolor the screen eventually. Wouldn't the heat escape from the speakers on a mbp with the closed lid.

What would be safest way in the long run to have an external monitor hookup and put the mbp to sleep.

Thanks.

 

[halfbelgian]

Apologize if this is a rehash, but I combed the fourms for an answer.

But would the above technique discolor the screen eventually. Wouldn't the heat escape from the speakers on a mbp with the closed lid.

What would be safest way in the long run to have an external monitor hookup and put the mbp to sleep.

Thanks.

And further to that is there any reason you can't leave the lid slightly open and thereby possibly lessen any heating issues?

 

[Eddyisgreat]

Preliminaries:
This topic has been beaten to death before.
The manual states how to operate your macbook (pro) in clamshell mode.

That said, the construction of the Mbp is such that ventallation is acheived through having the vent blow outward from the back. The heat emitted from the keyboard is negligible in its amount and won't hinder the operation of your machine nor cause damage. You can leave the lid open if you wish but it isn't advisable.

 

[halfbelgian]

Preliminaries:
This topic has been beaten to death before.
The manual states how to operate your macbook (pro) in clamshell mode.

That said, the construction of the Mbp is such that ventallation is acheived through having the vent blow outward from the back. The heat emitted from the keyboard is negligible in its amount and won't hinder the operation of your machine nor cause damage. You can leave the lid open if you wish but it isn't advisable.

Thanks I'm new to macbook pro and I've read all the threads I could find on this and now yours is the first post I've seen to say it's not advisable to leave the lid slightly open. Would you mind saying why?

 

[Eddyisgreat]

Thanks I'm new to macbook pro and I've read all the threads I could find on this and now yours is the first post I've seen to say it's not advisable to leave the lid slightly open. Would you mind saying why?

Sorry let me clarify. It isn't advisable (by me) because its not necessary (per apple) and may actually restrict airflow from the back although I can't substantiate this claim

This is the KB article from Apple on the topic :

Summary
The following Apple portables support the use of an external display or projector while the internal display is closed.

MacBook Pro
MacBook
PowerBook G4
MacBook Air
This is known as "closed clamshell" or "closed display" mode. To enable closed clamshell (display closed) mode, please use the steps below:

Products Affected
MacBook Pro, MacBook, PowerBook G4, MacBook Air
If you are using a wired keyboard and mouse:

Make sure the computer is plugged in to an outlet using the AC power adapter.
Connect a USB keyboard and mouse to your computer.
With the computer turned on connect the Apple portable (using the appropriate Apple adapter if necessary) to the appropriate port on the external display or projector and turn the display or projector on.
Once your computer's Desktop appears on the external display, close the computer's lid.
Once the lid is closed, wake the computer up by either clicking your mouse button or by pressing a key on your external keyboard.
You should now be able to use your Apple portable as you normally would, using your USB keyboard and mouse.

If you are using a BlueTooth keyboard and mouse on a Bluetooth enabled Apple portable:

Make sure the computer is plugged in to an outlet using the AC power adapter.
Verify that Bluetooth is turned on by using the Bluetooth pane of System Preferences or the Bluetooth menu icon.
Pair your Bluetooth keyboard or mouse with the computer. For step-by-step instructions, see this article for keyboard pairing or see this article for mouse pairing.
In System Preferences, be sure that the Allow Bluetooth devices to wake this computer option is selected.
With the computer turned on connect the Apple portable (using the appropriate Apple adapter if necessary) to the appropriate port on the external display or projector and turn the display or projector on.
Once your computer's Desktop appears on the external display, close the computer's lid.
Once it's closed, wake the computer up by either clicking your Bluetooth mouse button or by pressing a key on your Bluetooth keyboard.
You should now be able to use your Apple portable as you normally would, using your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

To disconnect your Apple portable from the display after use:

When you're finished using your Apple portable in closed-lid mode, the internal display will not function when you open the lid until you have properly disconnected the external display. To properly disconnect the external display, put the computer to sleep and disconnect the display cable from the computer. Open the lid and the computer will reactivate the internal display.

Some DVI displays, including Apple's aluminum-framed DVI displays, can be unplugged without putting the computer to sleep. If you aren't sure whether your display supports this feature, put your computer to sleep before unplugging the display.

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.

Now, if there were any serious side effects from doing this sort of computing, apple would have to specifically indicate it, lest there be frivolous class actions brought against them.