Why do people use clamshell mode?

[0906742]

It is always connected to a charger, so I have no idea how the battery is doing.

What MacOS says about battery health percentage?

Those marks are typically always from pressure applied to the laptop in a bag or such, you'll never see this from clamshelled operation unless you are also using your laptop as a bookshelf.

Yeah, that’s what I assumed but I was wondering whether heat adds another variable to this, like if display panel or keyboard slighty changes shape due to heat and makes them contact. Good to hear it is not happening.

About docking M1 Pro 14”, if using vertical stand, which way MacBook should be? I see most product photos show that trackpad side is upwards which seems a bit odd to me because cooling fans are then on the lower side, so basically I think chassis will heat more inside due to heat moves upwards. I’d rather place trackpad side down so that cooling fans have clear air path away from any obstacles and the least scattered hot air inside the chassis naturally due to this position. Not sure if there are other reasons why it should be installed certain way, unless there is something structural thing that could cause certain damage or warping if trackpad side is down…?

 

[Arctic Moose]

What MacOS says about battery health percentage?

Health Information:
Cycle Count: 25
Condition: Normal
Maximum Capacity: 94 %

I’d rather place trackpad side down so that cooling fans have clear air path away from any obstacles and the least scattered hot air inside the chassis naturally due to this position.

I have it sitting vertically on a shelf with the vents facing up.

 

[lostPod]

I'm a freelance designer and i've ben using a 27" iMac as my main and a 13" MBP for my travel setup for a few years now. I recently bought a 14" MBP to replace both. I do need portability, but it's pretty infrequent, which means before any trip, I would have to spend time to update the MBP and make sure my OS and all my programs were all up to date, which isn't hard, but just time consuming. I'll be using the new MBP with a monitor most of the time, but I do love the idea that I'll be able to just "pick up and go" from now on.

For file syncing, I actually just use a portable SSD (that I would keep all my files on) that I would plug into my iMac and when I'd travel, just unplug the drive and take it with me. Worked great! And the drive I have is pretty small (like half the size of my phone), so it was easy to just put it with the rest of my travel stuff (ie: travel phone/watch charger, USB cables, etc).

Do you have an iPad? I recently tried forcing my self to only use an ipad for design with photoshop and affinity on the ipad. Its not that easy haha. But it does help on the fly

 

[0906742]

Health Information:
Cycle Count: 25
Condition: Normal
Maximum Capacity: 94 %

So battery health has dropped already 6% in just 25 charge cycles? And this is from system information and not directly read from terminal or app which report even lower value.

For how long you have had your machine?

Makes me think again whether to replace my MBA and Mini with single MacBook used as desktop most of the time...

I have it sitting vertically on a shelf with the vents facing up.

You don't use any specific vertical stand at all?

 

[iceknyght]

Do you have an iPad? I recently tried forcing my self to only use an ipad for design with photoshop and affinity on the ipad. Its not that easy haha. But it does help on the fly

I do have an iPad, but for the type of design I do, I need a computer/mouse. I have tried using the iPad for my purposes, and it is definitely not easy and everything just takes longer. If I was doing more photo stuff, I *might* be able to get away with it, but I am doing lots of precise vector/Illustrator stuff that is just easier/faster on a computer...

 

[Arctic Moose]

And this is from system information and not directly read from terminal or app which report even lower value.

System information.

For how long you have had your machine?

Ordered release day, delivered late October IIRC.

Makes me think again whether to replace my MBA and Mini with single MacBook used as desktop most of the time...

Why? A battery replacement (if you ever need it) is a lot cheaper than a second Mac.

You don't use any specific vertical stand at all?

No, not unless you consider this a stand:

MALMBÄCK Display shelf, white - IKEA

MALMBÄCK Display shelf, white. Of course the things you like you want on display. This display shelf is a perfect way to show paintings, photos and other favorite items.

www.ikea.com

(I have it mounted on the wall underneath my desk so I never have to see any of it.)

 

[lostPod]

I do have an iPad, but for the type of design I do, I need a computer/mouse. I have tried using the iPad for my purposes, and it is definitely not easy and everything just takes longer. If I was doing more photo stuff, I *might* be able to get away with it, but I am doing lots of precise vector/Illustrator stuff that is just easier/faster on a computer...

I 100% understand -- i tried to force myself to do some design work only on the ipad and it wasnt working out ... But i feel with illustrator / vector type work the pen would be a lot easier on the ipad. Honesty i like the pen tool in Affinity Designer better than Illustrator

 

[spiderman0616]

I do have an iPad, but for the type of design I do, I need a computer/mouse. I have tried using the iPad for my purposes, and it is definitely not easy and everything just takes longer. If I was doing more photo stuff, I *might* be able to get away with it, but I am doing lots of precise vector/Illustrator stuff that is just easier/faster on a computer...

I have moved my Affinity Designer project work over to my MacBook Pro and I have to say I agree here. I learned the software on iPad Pro and Apple Pencil and thought that had to be the best way, but I was pleasantly shocked to discover it’s faster on the Mac. I’m not a pro designer by any means, but I do have skills in that area and use them when necessary. Just seems a lot faster with mouse and keyboard while I’m doing vector work.

 

[iceknyght]

I 100% understand -- i tried to force myself to do some design work only on the ipad and it wasnt working out ... But i feel with illustrator / vector type work the pen would be a lot easier on the ipad. Honesty i like the pen tool in Affinity Designer better than Illustrator

For drawing, sure! But I am just not very good with precise stuff with the pencil and I do a lot of it for my work. It's so much easier with a mouse...

I have moved my Affinity Designer project work over to my MacBook Pro and I have to say I agree here. I learned the software on iPad Pro and Apple Pencil and thought that had to be the best way, but I was pleasantly shocked to discover it’s faster on the Mac. I’m not a pro designer by any means, but I do have skills in that area and use them when necessary. Just seems a lot faster with mouse and keyboard while I’m doing vector work.

Yep! I mean, I've been doing design work since the 90's, so I am pretty entrenched in the computer world vs. the iPad world, but it's nice to hear other people having similar experiences! I bought my iPad a few years ago hoping I could incorporate it more into my work flow, but still haven't been able to reliably... I still use it from time to time for work stuff (if I need to do some illustrations or even sketch out some ideas), but for my "normal" workflow, a computer and mouse is just so much easier/faster for me!

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Curious why people use clamshell mode, especially on the new 14/16 MBP with those gorgeous screens. You are paying for that lovely screen which can be used as an additional screen, but instead decide to run in clamshell mode.

My MBP (Intel) isn't in Clamshell mode, it's open - behind my primary display 🤣 so that I can reach under the display to use Touch ID once in a while. It's amusing when I go into a video conference occasionally, e.g. if I've been un-docked, because it'll default to the built-in camera and show the back of my primary display until I change it.

Apple's keyboard with Touch ID would be AMAZING, if I had Apple Silicon 😭

 

[jahala]

I'm not asking why people prefer to use the larger screen over a laptop screen, but rather why people decide to waste the extra screen on the laptop when driving an external monitor.

I normally connect two 2 external monitors to my MacBook Pro and still use the laptop keyboard and trackpad because I honestly prefer them over other keyboards and mice; however, I do run in clamshell mode sometimes. Ergonomics is the driving factor in the decision. Keeping the laptop closes removes the need/temptation to look down or way over to the side to see my apps and content.

 

[Ifti]

I never run in clamshell, but I do use an external keyboard and mouse - it just allows me to place the laptop further back on my desk, and I can then move the external keyboard/mouse around as I want/need to - I just find it more comfortable this way.

I just sold my MacBook Pro 16 2019 model - no glossy keys etc as the keyboard had never been touched!
Now I have the magic keyboard with TouchID for my M1 Max MBP, and will do the same again - the MacBook keyboard never gets touched! lol
I guess a Mac Mini or iMac would suit my uses better, but I need to be able to move things around and clear my desk etc for work regularly, so its easier to move the MacBook around rather then a computer!

 

[0906742]

System information.

OK, so actual reading is probably around or just below 90%.

Ordered release day, delivered late October IIRC.



Why? A battery replacement (if you ever need it) is a lot cheaper than a second Mac.

Yeah, I realize battery is replacable and I can do it myself. But still I would like to keep battery condition good and hearing that with such low battery charge cycles in about 9 months battery health has dropped about 10% (I mean the reading you get from terminal or apps that read it directly). Battery is rated for 1000 charge cycles so comparing to that makes me worry. For instance my over 18 months old MBA M1 with about the same charge cycle amount as yours is still 100% battery health in System Information and above 99% checking actual reading in terminal. I never used mine in clamshell mode or kept it plugged to charger all the time. Just using on battery and charging when needed.


BTW. Those who have used their MBP M1 14" in clamshell mode for a long time, does the display gasket stick?
I would imagine heat could cause that. I even noticed on my MBA M1 that if I had it in a cabinet for a 2 to 4 weeks unused and opened it there was noticeable sticking, actually needs some force to open the lid.

 

[spiderman0616]

OK, so actual reading is probably around or just below 90%.


Yeah, I realize battery is replacable and I can do it myself. But still I would like to keep battery condition good and hearing that with such low battery charge cycles in about 9 months battery health has dropped about 10% (I mean the reading you get from terminal or apps that read it directly). Battery is rated for 1000 charge cycles so comparing to that makes me worry. For instance my over 18 months old MBA M1 with about the same charge cycle amount as yours is still 100% battery health in System Information and above 99% checking actual reading in terminal. I never used mine in clamshell mode or kept it plugged to charger all the time. Just using on battery and charging when needed.


BTW. Those who have used their MBP M1 14" in clamshell mode for a long time, does the display gasket stick?
I would imagine heat could cause that. I even noticed on my MBA M1 that if I had it in a cabinet for a 2 to 4 weeks unused and opened it there was noticeable sticking, actually needs some force to open the lid.

My MBA M1 had the sticky gasket issue. Have not had the same problem with either of my MBPs, though I mostly only use the 16” in clamshell.

 

[rocketbuc]

System information.



Ordered release day, delivered late October IIRC.



Why? A battery replacement (if you ever need it) is a lot cheaper than a second Mac.



No, not unless you consider this a stand:

MALMBÄCK Display shelf, white - IKEA

MALMBÄCK Display shelf, white. Of course the things you like you want on display. This display shelf is a perfect way to show paintings, photos and other favorite items.

www.ikea.com

(I have it mounted on the wall underneath my desk so I never have to see any of it.)

@Arctic Moose, could you take a picture of how you use that Ikea stand? Thank you in advance!

 

[0906742]

My MBA M1 had the sticky gasket issue. Have not had the same problem with either of my MBPs, though I mostly only use the 16” in clamshell.

Did you use your MBA M1 also in clamshell mode and was it or did it get stickier due to that?

Mine is not really bad but I can hear and feel it is somewhat sticky when it is unused for longer time. I have never used it in clamshell mode nor I have much ever ever touched the gasket with anything and never used any fluid on it what so ever.

 

[spiderman0616]

Did you use your MBA M1 also in clamshell mode and was it or did it get stickier due to that?

Mine is not really bad but I can hear and feel it is somewhat sticky when it is unused for longer time. I have never used it in clamshell mode nor I have much ever ever touched the gasket with anything and never used any fluid on it what so ever.

I did here and there, yes.

 

[OS X Dude]

I always run mine with the display open! I run my calendar and to-do list on there so they're always accessible, then work on my main external display when I'm at the desk.

 

[Arctic Moose]

Yeah, I realize battery is replacable and I can do it myself. But still I would like to keep battery condition good and hearing that with such low battery charge cycles in about 9 months battery health has dropped about 10% (I mean the reading you get from terminal or apps that read it directly). Battery is rated for 1000 charge cycles so comparing to that makes me worry.

Or just get AppleCare+ and have Apple replace it for you if your maximum capacity drops below 80% within three years.

Those who have used their MBP M1 14" in clamshell mode for a long time, does the display gasket stick?

No.

@Arctic Moose, could you take a picture of how you use that Ikea stand? Thank you in advance!

As I said it's not really a stand, but rather a shelf:

It is currently a bit messy because I am rethinking the cable management, but I'm sure you still get the gist of it. (There are three of them mounted here, two next to each other for the two laptops, and one below for the drive and dock.)

 

[BigMcGuire]

When not in clamshell I use my laptop stand to bring the laptop monitor more eye level and to give it a bit more breathing room. It also lets me put more stuff on my desk too (under the laptop). I am not known for clean desks.

I go back and forth between clamshell mode and on stand. I prefer stand. Extra monitor, easier access to the laptop, and I can tell a bit of heat is ventilated through the keyboard when I'm doing certain things.

 

[MrGunny94]

I have dual 4K displays... When I'm at home in the morning I'm working in the terrace or the sofa.. Only during the afternoon do I connect to my displays.

I love clamshell mode because I get the both worlds between an iMac and a MacBook Pro.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I have dual 4K displays... When I'm at home in the morning I'm working in the terrace or the sofa.. Only during the afternoon do I connect to my displays.

I love clamshell mode because I get the both worlds between an iMac and a MacBook Pro.

Someday... Someday I will have a dual 4k setup. <drool>.

 

[MrGunny94]

Someday... Someday I will have a dual 4k setup. <drool>.

Actually getting rid of one to get an Apple Studio Display tired of having to scale on my main monitor lol

 

[BigMcGuire]

Actually getting rid of one to get an Apple Studio Display tired of having to scale on my main monitor lol

I got one cheap $300 Samsung 32' 4k monitor and I'm pretty happy with it. I would like to think that 2 would be better but ... that's a lot of head turning - grass is always greener... lol

 

[MrGunny94]

I got one cheap $300 Samsung 32' 4k monitor and I'm pretty happy with it. I would like to think that 2 would be better but ... that's a lot of head turning - grass is always greener... lol

It's pretty good for multi-tasking, couldn't see doing heavy lifting work with multiple servers at once without two monitors to be honest.