Macbook with external monitor + Magsafe

[johny5]

Is there any reason why I cannot use an external monitor with my macbook WITHOUT the psu plugged in?

I just like to cycle the battery now and again and don't really want the power plugged in to the macbook all of the time otherwise I fear the battery (even though it is lithium) might get lazy.

Hence the reason why I want to use it for a few hours without the battery.


anyone?

 

[Osarkon]

You can do that just fine, but you have to be using the external screen before unplugging the power. I know you can't use clamshell mode with the macbook if it's running off battery power when I do it.

However if you get it working on mains power and then unplug it, all is fine.

 

[johny5]

Lol, I knew I shouldnt have listened to you, I quickly read your post and unplugged it. Everything went blank and the macbook went to sleep!

Bring it back to life.....

Ok my macbook is permanently closed and I only use the external screen when I am at home.
So then I read your post again and realized that it wont work if the clamshell is closed.
So I opened it, and tried again (must note that the macbook screen is blank and I am still only using the external monitor) wahey, it works! thanks

Although begs the question..... why the hell do I have to have the clamshell open to run off battery when I am not even using the macbook internal display???

a bit daft if you ask me.

thinking about it, it makes sense. The fact that you cant have the macbook powered up whilst the clamshell is closed AND the magsafe is disconnect is a fail safe against it been powered up whilst you are carrying it in a sealed laptop case.

 

[Osarkon]

Heh sorry, I wasn't that clear about the clamshell bit.

I think it's some power saving idea, having an external screen plugged in drains more power and so if you're using it in clamshell mode the assumption is that you'd have it plugged in because you're using it as a desktop.