MacBook With External Screen, Does it matter leaving the laptop screen closed?

[MiniMan.]

Hi i have my MacBook connected to an external display.

Most of the time i sleep my laptop then wake it with the external keyboard so that only the external screen is on.

Usally i then open the laptop screen for better air flow even tho its off!

Is it bad to leave the laptop screen closed whilst i use the external screen?

Thanks.

 

[Eraserhead]

no it's designed to be used closed.

 

[grum]

I've been using mine mostly closed for a few months now and no problems.

 

[VinceVegaUK]

They're 3 ways you can use your dvi port to use an another screen with your macbook.

1. macbook closed external screen used.
   
2. macbook open duplicate screen (see the same image on the macbook screen and external screen) useful when plugged into a projector or HD tv so you can see what your doing on the macbook screen.
   
3. macbook open second screen duel mode, you can use your external screen as your main screen and the macbook screen as extra space good for photoshop, browse thumbnails and keep you pallets on your macbook screen and use the extrnal one for the main application.

now need go to buy a mini dvi cable myself so i can set this all up

later

vv

 

[TDM21]

If you are worried about heat dissipation, then do what I do with my PB. This should work with your MacBook:

1) Plug in your monitor and keyboard to your MacBook
2) Put the system to sleep
3) Close the lid
4) Wake the system up using the keyboard or mouse
5) Finally, open the lid back up.

If it works like my PB then you should have the external monitor as the main display and the screen on the MacBook is still off. So now you are saving the screen from unnecessary use and the heat and escape from the system. Note this only works if you have the power supply plugged in, also.

 

[grum]

If you are worried about heat dissipation, then do what I do with my PB. This should work with your MacBook:

1) Plug in your monitor and keyboard to your MacBook
2) Put the system to sleep
3) Close the lid
4) Wake the system up using the keyboard or mouse
5) Finally, open the lid back up.

If it works like my PB then you should have the external monitor as the main display and the screen on the MacBook is still off. So now you are saving the screen from unnecessary use and the heat and escape from the system. Note this only works if you have the power supply plugged in, also.

yeah that works with my Macbook too

 

[emw]

I used mine closed for an entire work day on average 2 times a week when I'm in the office. I've done this with my PB and now my MBP for about 5 years. I've never experienced any screen or heat problems as a result.

 

[MiniMan.]

If you are worried about heat dissipation, then do what I do with my PB. This should work with your MacBook:

1) Plug in your monitor and keyboard to your MacBook
2) Put the system to sleep
3) Close the lid
4) Wake the system up using the keyboard or mouse
5) Finally, open the lid back up.

If it works like my PB then you should have the external monitor as the main display and the screen on the MacBook is still off. So now you are saving the screen from unnecessary use and the heat and escape from the system. Note this only works if you have the power supply plugged in, also.

This is what i have been doing for the last year! BUT i was just wonderin if i could use it closed cas it looks more pro if i use it closed infront of clients!

Thanks for every1's help though

 

[Socorso]

another related question

I've read the thread here and have been wondering if you can keep the screen closed and start up from an external keyboard and screen.

I'm considering buying a MB or MBP but use a desktop often as well. If I can use the MB as a 'processor' only while I'm at my desk with full keyboard and large flatscreen then I could forego the desktop.

 

[emw]

Yep, it's possible, and in fact what I think the OP was talking about. I run this way all the time without any problems.

 

[mantic]

On my MBP you can dim the screen till it turns off. Can you not do that on the MB?

 

[johny5]

Yep, it's possible, and in fact what I think the OP was talking about. I run this way all the time without any problems.

How do you resume using the keyboard?
I have a macbook plugged into a DVI monitor with a BT mouse and BT keyboard but when I send it to sleep it wont wake up using either device?
The only way I can get it to wake is to open the display a little and then close it.

Also just checked my wake from bluetooth device option and its fine? ALTHOUGH it does wake up if I have it connected to the mains?
So I guess you cant wake up from sleep with an external BT device when youre running from battery?