Switching to clamshell mode while running

I like to switch between clamshell mode and using the powerbook as a secondary display quite often. But I can't figure out how to switch my powerbook into clamshell mode without first putting it to sleep by closing the lid, and then unplugging and re-plugging in the external display and input devices, which is a hassle (and cancels any current network transfers).
I know I can just dim the powerbook's screen until the backlight switches off, but the display is still active, and using up some of the video memory.
Is there any way to do this?
PowerBook G4 (15-inch) Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Thank you but that wasn't what I was asking.
I can run the powerbook in clamshell mode just fine. However, right now I have the powerbook open (and running) and an external display connected with the desktop spanned across both the powerbook monitor and the external display.
What I would like to do is run the powerbook in clamshell mode without putting it to sleep and waking it back up.
For example, if I'm transferring several gig over the network and decide I want to go into clamshell mode (from screen-spanning mode) I can't do so without cancelling the network transfer.

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Whenever I have my MacBook Pro in clamshell mode while using it with an external display, it seems that the speed of my internet lowers drastically, but when I open the laptop (while keeping it connected to the external display so that the attached screen remains off), the internet comes back full force... Is there any way to fix this, or is it not something that I can fix? Or maybe is it just a coincidence and it just happens that every time I try this, the internet is just generally slow? I use the clamshell mode a lot now, so it would be nice if the internet was as fast as if the laptop were open..

This is probably because on the MacBook Pro, the WiFi antenna is built into the hinge, so when you close the lid, the antenna's reception is severely impaired. This is a Homer Simpson "doh" moment for the Apple designers.
Here's some discussion of the problem:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=386891
Personally when running my MBP in clamshell mode I connect to my router with a USB cable, which totally eliminates the problem.

Improper change to clamshell mode

MBA, no bluetooth devices, on Wifi, no external keyboard or mouse. External monitor connected through Thunderbolt. USB devices: external hard drive, NeatWorks scanner. Behavior: when the lid is closed the MBA switches to clamshell mode (external monitor shows desktop). Expected behavior: go to sleep. Any ideas?

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HT3131 Are there any ventilation issues with running a macbook air in clamshell mode?

Are there any ventilation issues with running a macbook air in clamshell mode?

...that makes sense to me.
but, why do so many MBA users (on this forum and others) claim that ventilation occurs through the keyboard? Is this claim based on an old macbook design?
for example, here's a related discussion (although fairly old):
11-08-2010, 12:16 PM
#6 (permalink)
SP Forsythe
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Re: Is it safe to use MBP with screen lid closed? Leave charge on always?
Quote:
Originally Posted by tHE j0KER
Actually I you shouldn't close the lid while running on an external screen. The keyboard of the Macbook is an air intake for the fan. Close the lid, and it could overheat.
A common misconception of unknown origin. The intake and the exhaust for the cooling fan on the 13" MB and MBP are both located on the rear slot at the base of the hinge. In fact, you can actually see the divider that separates the intake flow from the output flow. If it were through the keyboard crevices, then an awful lot of overheats would result from people using impermeable keyboard covers, as well as Apple's warranty department would be flipping out over the Apple store carrying such covers. iSkin ProTouch FX Keyboard Cover for all MacBooks - Black Printed Keys on White - Apple Store (U.S.)
Does one think that Apple sells these only for use when the Notebook is off??? http://store.apple.com/us/product/TW...co=MTM3OTUwMDE Closing the lid, whilst operating the unit actually results in cooler operation due to reduction in power consumed by operating the display, which in supporting the on-board display generates heat far greater than simply powering the video port..
Does one think that Apple sells these for use only when the MacBook is off? http://store.apple.com/us/product/TW...co=MTM3OTUwMDEApples direction for use is specifically for when using with an external display.
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11-08-2010, 02:34 PM
#7 (permalink)
ajreynol
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Re: Is it safe to use MBP with screen lid closed? Leave charge on always?
once again, I've tried a few of these keyboard covers. the Moshi keyboard cover is the ONLY one I can recommend. the others are too thick or change the keyboard experience too much.
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11-08-2010, 03:34 PM
#8 (permalink)
doh123
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Re: Is it safe to use MBP with screen lid closed? Leave charge on always?
1. Closing the cover will cause more heat. This is not because of covering the keyboard very much (though it does help some heat be retained). It's mainly because of the shape of the hinge and the fact when closed it covers up the back vent a lot more. For the best cooling, it is best to have the screen open. Just run it as a dual monitor, but make the external the Primary monitor, and if you don't want to use the built in, just turn its backlight off and don't use it.
2. The thing you plug into the wall is not a battery charger. The actual "charger" is built into the computer. It knows when to charge and when not to. If the little light on the power plug is amber, then its charging your battery. When its green, its just powering the laptop and NOT charging your battery at all.
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11-08-2010, 03:38 PM
#9 (permalink)
Wolfpup
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Re: Is it safe to use MBP with screen lid closed? Leave charge on always?
I'd leave the lid open, at least partially...yes it may be fine not doing that, but you are making heat dissipate worse, of course could even theoretically hurt the screen.
As for the battery...well there's really only two choices, have it plugged in or not. As others mentioned, you can't overcharge the battery. It can be damaged a bit from heat, but of course the number one thing that's going to damage it is discharging it...so it's a no brainer-use it plugged in whenever possible, and try to charge it whenever possible when it's not plugged in.
11-08-2010, 03:45 PM
#10 (permalink)
SP Forsythe
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Re: Is it safe to use MBP with screen lid closed? Leave charge on always?
Quote:
Originally Posted by doh123
1. Closing the cover will cause more heat. This is not because of covering the keyboard very much (though it does help some heat be retained). It's mainly because of the shape of the hinge and the fact when closed it covers up the back vent a lot more. For the best cooling, it is best to have the screen open. Just run it as a dual monitor, but make the external the Primary monitor, and if you don't want to use the built in, just turn its backlight off and don't use it.
Nope. Apple would disagree with you on that one. Any "closure", which is, when compared to the amount of CFM, is insignificant. In fact, the opening size remains the same. it is only deflected at a slight angle when the lid is closed. Tilt your MBP and see. As well, shutting down the display lowers the heat being generated, even in the lower case. As I said, if it were a problem, Apple would not be selling stands designed to operate your unit in the closed position as the original poster of this thread proposes to do.
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I am using a mid 2012 retina MacbBook Pro running Mavericks in clamshell mode connected to an external monitor over HDMI with a Magic Mouse and Apple Wireless Keyboard over Bluetooth. Wifi works great while the lid is open on my mac but once I shut it completely, Wifi stops working. It shows full bars, but will not work. Since apple supports clamshell mode and says my Mac should operate normally in clamshell mode, why am I having this issue? Is there a solution besides opening my MBP lid?

Although I do appreciate your response, I will let you know that I posted my question based off of the support article you linked me to. That article is great for first time users in closed clamshell mode, but it does not explain why Wifi stops working. Everything else works fine so I know I am doing it correctly. I believe this is an issue with the wifi antennae when the MacBook Pro is closed. Once I open the lid a few inches the Wifi comes back but when it is closed completely and used correctly in closed clamshell mode (as Apple says they support) my wifi shows full bars but does not work. My workaround for now is to open my lid up but I would like to keep it closed on a shelf on my desk and use the peripherals I purchased to make this mode work. If anyone has had this issue and can give some insight, I would appreciate it!

Can running Macbook Pro in Clamshell Mode cause problems for Macbook Display?

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I recently got a new monitor (Dell U2711) and it is stunning when running at full resolution through a mini displayport to displayport adapter. However, i ran my MBP in Clamshell Mode and after rebooting (without the display this time) i had horrible lines across my screen. It was like a grid, but they were tiny, it was like i could see the individual pixels or groups of about 4. I turned it off straight away and when i came back to it (about an hour or 2 later) it was as normal.
I just want to know what is the regular behaviour of running in Clamshell? Is that to be expected? I know that Macbooks dissipate heat through the keyboard, so i wonder if it could be a heat related problem, and if that's something i should be worried about in relation to causing long term damage to my mac's display, or will it always sort itself out?
Sadly, i can't recreate the problem as i have a faulty monitor and it needs to be sent back (i will be getting the same model as a replacement though).
Does anyone have anything to say on this matter?
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Shootist007 wrote:
Is this a brand new, less then a year old, MBP? If it is then take it to a Apple care center and have them look at it.
It's a refurb late 2008 that i bought in late 2009, but i do have apple care until september 2012 i think, i guess if the problem happens again i can take it in and they can sort me out.
eww wrote:
MBPs don't dissipate any significant amount of heat through the keyboard. No matter how often that misconception is posted, it's still a misconception.
Ok, so it shouldn't be anything to do with heat then, i know the top left corner (closest to the screen) gets pretty hot too, just above the speaker, but from Shootist007's post, it would appear that heat doesn't have anything to do with it. I mean, i wasn't running intensive tasks, i was only browsing the internet.

How to switch on MacBookPro monitor instantly after being in clamshell mode

So I use Skype Video a lot, and I use a Samsung external monitor.
The problem is that I have my MacBook in Clamshell mode nearly all the time, and at the moment, when I get a Skype video call, all I can do is open the screen on the MacBook and just have a black screen, (all video goes to the Samsung) so that when I want to look at the person I am talking to, I have to look away from the camera because the MacBook sits to the side of the Samsung.
My question is, how would I instantly switch on the MacBooks screen when receiving a video call and then have the Skype Video immediately under the camera?
Would this involve writing a script of some kind or does anyone know of any apps to download?

I'm not sure that there's a reasonable fix for you. However, I would suggest that you use your MBP in a dual monitor mode. It gives you a ton more desktop space, and would immediately solve your problem. I use Skype video that way (although I have an Apple LED monitor, so it has an iSight camera on it).

Clamshell mode thinks internal display is running

I use my MBP with an external display. Unfortunately, it always thinks that the internal display is still running even after I detect displays. The MBP is closed and I use a USB mouse and keyboard. The pointer can easily get "lost" off the screen. I've reset and restarted but the problem always comes back.

I just open my MBP before plugging up the TB display. Then after the TB comes on, I close the MBP back into clamshell mode. Works better for me that way.
Does that work for you as well?
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Does Clamshell mode run slower for you?

I've seen people asking questions regarding mighty mice in clamshell mode and then noticing a difference in mouse performance when in open display mode, but thats not my issue. I have a 2011 13" 2.3ghz i5 MBP and using it in clamshell mode. i have a small app running in the background called ifreemem that shows how much ram is being used and right now with only itunes and safari (to write this) open, I'm showing 75% of ram usage of my stock 4gb. Granted, I'll soon be updating to 8gb, but I'm just wondering if this is normal. I'm using a mini dvi adapter to connect to my 19" LG LCD TV/Monitor. Any comments are appreciated.

To help with heating, place the MBP in the bookarc upside down, so that the fan vents (at the display's hinge) are facing up. This will help to avoid internal heat buildup towards the battery and HDD. Sure, the exterior apple logo will also be upside down as it stands, but it's also not light up and small price to pay for peace of mind.
Most of the heat from CPU intensive apps should be at the bottom case, towards the top side (hinge), and at the vents along the screen's hinge (from the fans), so less heat on the display itself through the keyboard. The heat will also go right out from the top of the MBP in this case, and not out from the bottom (if MBP is placed with apple logo right side up), which will help to keep the MBP cool in general.

HT3131 Will running the Macbook Pro 2011 in clamshell mode affect heat dissipation at all?

I'm worried about the heat not being able to escape when the laptop is closed.

I have used my new mid-2012 MBP in clamshell mode and monitored the temperatures and they were no different than when the lid was open, so it appears that the cooling system is unaffected. Very little heat dissipates upwards through the keyboard/upper case anyway, the heat is directed through the rear and underside of the case.

Problem running in closed-lid (clamshell) mode?

New 2.4 glassbook, upgraded to 4Gb Crucial ram, using bluetooth mouse and keyboard, with external Dell 2007FP monitor.
With my old MBP in sleep mode, I could connect the monitor, ethernet, and power, and when I plugged in usb with the lid still closed, the laptop would turn on and everything worked in lid-closed mode.
Now with new glassbook, do the same thing (using display port to DVI adapter), the machine whirrs up, the display turns on (without top menu), and then the laptop goes to sleep. Tried it on a different monitor, same problem.
Am I the only one with this problem of the glassbook not wanting to operate in lid-closed mode?
Thanks in advance.

Yes, same problem. Swapped memory chips back to Apple, same problem. Reset SMU and zapped pram, same problem. It's gonna suck if I have to exchange the laptop because I've spent a day migrating over. I'm hoping it's just a defective DP-DVI adapter. I've also noticed external display flashing (losing signal) as detailed in this thread: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1756755&tstart=0 This makes me worry it's not just the adapter but a problem (driver or hardware) with the 9400M. Can someone else confirm they can operate in clamshell mode without problems?

HT201343 Could I use Airplay while in Clamshell mode?

Hey every one, I hope some one could provide direction to me on this:
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