MacBook questions

[a morning view]

i have a few questions about the macbook, as i might be buying one soon...

-are there any issues with overheating if you are hooked up to an external display with the macbook's lid shut? i plan on using an external display quite frequently at home.
-If i buy the new apple keyboard to use as my external keyboard, will the USB ports on the keyboard be good for anything? can i sync/charge my ipod or connect a digital camera to view/edit photos?

also, does anyone have any suggestions on what keyboard/mouse to buy for external use besides the apple keyboard and the kensington bluetooth notebook mouse that apple carries in their store because those are the two options i plan on going with if i do indeed purchase the macbook (2.16 ghz white model).

 

[devilot]

-If i buy the new apple keyboard to use as my external keyboard, will the USB ports on the keyboard be good for anything? can i sync/charge my ipod or connect a digital camera to view/edit photos?

Yes, however, the two USB ports (one on either side) are NOT powered. That means whatever device you plug in must either draw very little power, or have it's own power source (ie. iPod and digicam will use it's own battery life).

 

[BillyBobBongo]

-are there any issues with overheating if you are hooked up to an external display with the macbook's lid shut? i plan on using an external display quite frequently at home.

Nope...no issues there!

 

[CalBoy]

-are there any issues with overheating if you are hooked up to an external display with the macbook's lid shut? i plan on using an external display quite frequently at home.

I would suggest using a stand like a Griffin Elevator so that your macbook gets good circulation. Also, if it's going to be used in clamshell mode most of the time, remember to calibrate your battery.

Yes, however, the two USB ports (one on either side) are NOT powered. That means whatever device you plug in must either draw very little power, or have it's own power source (ie. iPod and digicam will use it's own battery life).

Interestingly, Apple's site mentions that you can plug in cameras and such into the keyboard, but doesn't mention anything about the power constraints. I can't even find the "learn more" link that's usually around. Seems like false advertising to me. Linky.

 

[dukebound85]

I would suggest using a stand like a Griffin Elevator so that your macbook gets good circulation. Also, if it's going to be used in clamshell mode most of the time, remember to calibrate your battery.



Interestingly, Apple's site mentions that you can plug in cameras and such into the keyboard, but doesn't mention anything about the power constraints. I can't even find the "learn more" link that's usually around. Seems like false advertising to me. Linky.

most cameras have a charger to plug in as well as the usb. well mine does at least lol

 

[CalBoy]

most cameras have a charger to plug in as well as the usb. well mine does at least lol

So does mine. An iPod however, would be different. Note that the page mentions that you can plug the iPod into the keyboard, but that any mention of power is omitted. A little wrong on Apple's part I think; at least a link with more details would let people know this. They shouldn't have to come to a forum or find out the hard way

 

[dukebound85]

So does mine. An iPod however, would be different. Note that the page mentions that you can plug the iPod into the keyboard, but that any mention of power is omitted. A little wrong on Apple's part I think; at least a link with more details would let people know this. They shouldn't have to come to a forum or find out the hard way

yea i see what you are saying. i wouldnt plug into keyboard anyways though as its only 1.1. are the new ones 2.0 these days?

 

[CalBoy]

yea i see what you are saying. i wouldnt plug into keyboard anyways though as its only 1.1. are the new ones 2.0 these days?

Yeah 2.0 is the standard for the most part. The new Apple keyboard has two USB 2.0, thus making it even worse for someone who tries to plug in an iPod, because for the layman/woman who knows nothing about technology (which happens to be Apple's focus), it can seem like a great way to charge and sync the iPod without hogging up precious ports on the computer's body.