I don't use a second screen when it have it open, so I prefer the space saving of clamshell mode. As for why not buy a desktop, a MacBook Air + external monitor is cheaper than an iMac, can have a larger screen, and as a bonus works great as a laptop when you need one...
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Why do people use clamshell mode?
- Thread starter LiE_
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Lot of people who were holding out for a Mac mini update just ended up buying one of the new MBPs instead. Myself included. And even now that the Studio is out I would still buy an MBP over it given the starting prices. Unless you really need the specs of the base Studio, I don't really see that many compelling reasons to buy it over the base MBP14 and just use that in clamshell most of the time. It performs nearly as well and you get the portability.
In clamshell mode you get a bit of a boost for graphics performance on the larger external screen.
I don't use clamshell mode. I have my 2018 15" MBP on a stand and open on my desk so that I can see the screen; it sits adjacent to a 24" LG 4K Thunderbolt 3 monitor. I use the monitor for everything, especially editing photographic images, and I find it handy to check the MBP screen to see how the image looks on that smaller screen. What may look fine on a 24" screen may be a bit too dark on the smaller 15" screen, not to mention on a small iPad or iPhone screen.
Aside from that, the primary reason I prefer to keep the machine open when using it is to prevent heat issues. I use a separate external Apple BT keyboard and Magic Mouse II so that I don't need to type on the computer itself. This setup works for me....
Aside from that, the primary reason I prefer to keep the machine open when using it is to prevent heat issues. I use a separate external Apple BT keyboard and Magic Mouse II so that I don't need to type on the computer itself. This setup works for me....
Maybe if the MBP folded 180 degrees flat when open like a tablet, then more people would use it as a 2nd display. Takes up a lot more room because it doesn't do that. And many people already have 2 or more displays. You can still use that "gorgeous screen" when you take your MBP with you on the go. Best of both worlds.
Except for some of us that doesn't make sense. For me I use my laptop as a laptop and a desktop. I plug my laptop in to two 27 inch displays when at the desk with my laptop in clamshell mode because there's just not room (or need) for a third display.
Once I decide to go work outside I pop the laptop out of it's dock and take my work outside with me. No hassle of transferring work between two computers, or having to set things up where I had them. I just take the computer I was working on with me.
I bought a Mac Studio system which made an annoying whistling noise.
So now, clamshell mode.
So now, clamshell mode.
I believe that is what "too small" means.
At least half the posts in this thread explain exactly that.
Let me try bolding som parts on either side of the part about the keyboard and mouse that you chose to latch on to:
Is it not clear from the context that all parts of the laptop that could potentially be useful, i.e. the screen, mouse and trackpad, have all been replaced by alternatives that suite me better, and that keeping the laptop out of sight therefore provides more benefit to me than keeping it on the desk?
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My personal Mac is a Mac mini. My work machine is a 13 MacBook Pro. Hard to take a desktop to meetings. But I have no need for a portable personal Mac. I use an iPad if I’m not at a desk or my iPhone for personal stuff.
A benefit of clamshell mode when taking screenshots is that it only takes one screenshot file—a screenshot of the external display. If the MacBook were not in clamshell mode, there would be two screenshot files for every one screenshot taken—a screenshot of the external display and a screenshot of the MacBook's display.
Just use Command shift 4. Then draw round what you want to screenshot. Rarely it’s the whole screen.
You can also use Command Shift 4 and hit the space bar instead of drawing a rectangle. You can then select a specific window for snapping.
I prefer using control as well so you can then paste it directly into an application etc rather than clogging up your desktop.You can also use Command Shift 4 and hit the space bar instead of drawing a rectangle. You can then select a specific window for snapping.
Simple. 90% of the time I'm at my desk where the MBP is in clamshell and its hooked to a hub that is running (2) 4K UltraFine displays, which are themselves large (24") and high quality displays. I certainly don't need the third smaller display in this configuration.
The rest of the time I'm away from the desk and using whatever screen is on the MBP. Yes it's a nice display, but is still very, very small. No matter how high quality the display is, it's still only 16", compared to the 48" I have to work with on my desk.
The DPI is different from your large monitors and I don't like to have to adjust my eyes going from the laptop to the monitor.
I have my M1 14in in clamshell mode about 65% of the time. I travel a lot on business so take it with me when I go. At home, it's hooked up to the ASD. it's a fantastic desktop as well. Nothing phases it, it never seems to get hot or bothered.
1) My Dual LG 5Ks are equally gorgeous and bigger.
2) Save my screen and backlight for longer life
I have a massive 4k 32' monitor I use with my 16' MBP. Clamshell mode works for me because I can put the laptop behind my monitor and leave my desk open for other items/computers. I've seen pictures of your setup and my desk is nowhere near 1/2 as great as yours.
However, I do not do clamshell mode because I've found I have better cooling with the lid opened AND my bluetooth headsets (AirPods) sound 3x better and last 4x longer when I set the mic to be my MacBook instead of the headset's mic.
But that screen... WOW. I'm using my MBP right now on my lap and this screen is heaven.
Feels like my 32' 4k monitor but on my lap. lol.