Bad display, use only external montior?

I recently acquired a PB Ti with a bad display. Further, both hinges were cracked off entirely so the screen was only attached by the wires. I'm heading out of town and wanted to get this machine set up for a friend to upgrade from their iMac G3. My thoughts were that i'd just cut the wires from the PB screen, thus removing it completely and attach an external montior.
Now, i only get a black screen on the monitor - no sign of life. The PB boots up fine (and when the display was attached it did support multiple displays) Is there a way to get around this? It seems as though the motherboard needs that electrical loop to know it has a display before it can send a signal to an external display. Anyone with experience please comment - thanks in advance!

You might try seeing if "closing the lid" on the TiBook will cause it to completely ignore the built-in display. I realize you can't close the lid since it is gone. But the way the TiBook thinks that there is a closed lid is through a magnetic sensor located under the trackpad. Depending on which model it is, the mag sensor is either to the left or right side of the trackpad. What I would try is this: Boot the Mac to a point where you are pretty sure the OS is running. Take a magnet off your fridge and slide it around slowly on the trackpad. At some point, the sleep light should come on meaning you have located the mag sensor. Now, try attaching an external display and waking the TiBook by plugging a USB mouse in. Make sure the TiBook's AC adapter is connected. Hopefully the external screen will now light as the primary screen and the missing lid will be ignored.
Another thing you might want to check, if you really did just cut the wires off, is that there aren't shorted out wires at the point where the cuts are. Sometimes on narrow pitch ribbon wire and other wire with closely spaced conductors, cutting through them will cause adjacent lines to short together. You might need a magnifying glass to check that and clean up the rough cut if necessary.

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Use only External Display?

I have a external display (Apple Cinema Display) hooked up to my Macbook Pro (model with the volume keys on F10-12) (and PowerBook G4), and I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get ONLY the external display to work. I can get the displays to clone, and I can move the desktop to the cinema display, but I want to be able to close the laptop (maybe) or at least disable the laptop display completely. I feel dumb for not being able to figure this out, can anyone share some knowledge on this topic.

You need an external keyboard and mouse, and you'll need to close the lid and let the MBP sleep with monitor/keyboard/mouse connected and then wake it up, at which point only the external display will be active.
Follow the instructions in the linked kbase articles for USB or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Hope this helps...

Macbook with bad display and an external monitor

Hello,
Since the Macbook's display is broken and unusable I thought I might still be able to use it as a desktop connected to an external monitor. The monitor is an Insignia 19" and I'm getting a "mode not supported" error. I've tried many different things based on what I've read in the forums. There were some suggestions that I should change the display resolution but I can't get to that point to read it.
Any ideas?
Thank you
dj

Hi dj1111,
You can try using the machine in clamshell mode to see if that works. It'll involve connecting a USB mouse & keyboard or a Bluetooth mouse & keyboard with the lid closed and the monitor connected. Given the fact that the internal display doesn't work, I'd recommend the USB option because if you have to manually pair the Bluetooth peripherals it'll be a bit trickier.

Installing from Tiger to Snow Leopard using only external monitor?

Backstory: I currently have a mac book pro which i procured from a friend after he dropped it and broke the screen. He promptly went to the apple store and bought a new one and had them swap the hard drives. After hearing this I told him he could most likely still use the old one with an external monitor even if the screen was broken. I hooked up an external monitor myself and what do you know the Tiger set up screen came up and i proceeded to set up this mac book pro for use.
The issue:
I now wish to upgrade this laptop to snow leopard or to leopard than snow leopard. The problem being when I insert the Snow Leopard disc into the drive and click install os when the computer reboots and reaches the set up screen it uses the second monitor as an extended desktop, not as a duplicate.
This means i cannot see the install screens and therefore cannot upgrade.
The F7 shortcut seems to do nothing which is sad because it worked in the initial setup of tiger.
Does anyone know a workaround so I can duplicate the screens? Why would this not be the default behavior? What is the point of extending the desktop DURING setup?
Also it seems some people are reporting problems with external monitors not being properly recognized once 10.6.3 is installed. Is there certain external monitors which avoid this?

You could boot the laptop in target mode and install the OS from another computer onto the laptop drive.

Totally disable internal laptop screen to use only external

Hi,
I have a laptop with a 8600M GS graphics card (yup, still alive) and a cracked LCD. I hooked up an external display with nvidia's drivers but I can't see how to totally disable the internal LCD. The reason I'd like to do that is that everything displays on the broken and now removed LCD rather than the external monitor
Any advice?
Thanks,

flipper T wrote:
Have you got nvidia-settings installed ?
If so, first enable the external display then set then internal display resolution to "off"
Then save these settings (you may have to launch nvidia-setting as root from a terminal)
This is what I am getting over SSH
lgp300 ~ $ nvidia-settings -q all
ERROR: The control display is undefined; please run `nvidia-settings --help` for usage information.
Last edited by ForeverAgo (2013-02-10 18:46:45)

Help MacBook Pro (2011) doesn't recognise internal display but only external display

Screen has been replaced but that didn't solve anything. MacBook connects fine to any of my TVs but doesn't display anything on its own screen. Have seeked professional help to no avail. Someone please help.

Start your mac up by holding the alt key. That is boot from function.
If its empty then you might have a hard drive issue. Due to your hard drive being picked up but not the partition on the drive. This will most probably be a OS X reinstall.
Erase the drive and reinstall the OS X or run a recovery mode.
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How to wake up opened MacBook from sleep -x only external display running

How to wake up opened MacBook from sleep - only external display running? I dont shut down my MacBook and I am using only external monitor. Lid closed it is not good idea, sometimes is MacBook and main MacBook display to warm. So I must six times per day open and close my MacBook. Any solutions?

Sure, the added heat sink and dissipator will help. Although a gel pad has a lot of heat capacity, meaning it has the ability to absorb a lot of heat, eventually it will saturate with heat from the MB and reach a point of stasis. Then it gets rid of heat the same way the Mac does, namely radiation and conduction into other things around and in contact with it, including air. Of course the Mac has a fan if it needs it. The gel pad doesn't.
If the gel pad is sitting on a metal surface, like a steel file cabinet or something like that, it helps to drain the heat away from the pad, and by extension, the Mac. The aluminum cookware worked like that. I had heat capacity of its own, but more importantly, it added to the surface area that was performing convection cooling. So, yes, both together give a better result.

How do I use an external monitor as my only display?

I have a MBP early 2011 with a thunderbolt to HDMI connector for a samsung LED monitor. I want to use the samsung as my only monitor when I am at my desk at home. I have an external keyboard/trackpad and would like a bigger workspace. As we all know Lion and full screen apps take a lot of usefulness out of extra monitors, but I just want one larger external display.
The display will work as a mirror, or an additional display, however it wont work by it self with the MBP closed. It just stays on as a secondary display.
Any and all help would be appreciated.
Thanks

yeh you need at least an external mouse or keyboard connected to the mac when the lid is closed and mac is sleeping, then use it to wake the mac up. At this point it should use only the samsung monitor. So for example in the pic below im using bluetooth mouse and keyboard paired with my mac pro 17", i dont really need to let it sleep either, can just connect the monitor while the mac is on, then close the lid and the samsung will change from external monitor to primary monitor.
hope this helps.

I want to use my external display only...

Hello
I have the white MacBook and a 32'' panasonic TV connected via mini-DVI/DVI/HDMI, I have both wireless Apple Keyboard and Mouse (by bluetooth). How can I close the MacBook's screen without getting it to sleep mode and use the external display only while the MacBook's screen is closed??
Please help.

Click here and follow the instructions.
(47126)

How can I use an external display with my MBP lid closed and disconnected to power?

I know that I can use an external display when my MBP lid is closed and it is connected to power. I was wondering why it does not work when the power cable is removed.
I only use an external display when I am at home so my MBP acts like a Mac Pro or Mac Mini in that way, but it is not good to leave the battery charging constantly on a MBP so I want to disconnect the power and use external display and have the lid closed. Is this possible or do I have to leave my lid open when running on battery power?

I'm plugged into my wall socket at least 90% of the time - probably more. I always make sure that I take my MBP off mains about once every two weeks and let it run down to about 30-40% and then plug it back up. This keeps the ions flowing and the battery healthy. My MBP will be one year old on March 20, 2013, and my battery health is still at 99%. I run in clamshell mode most of the time now - since I bought a 27" Apple Thunderbolt Display. Only occasionally am I off mains - and then because I'm exercising my battery, usually.
Don't worry about running of mains most of the time - just be sure and unplug about once every two weeks (or twice a month) and let your battery dip to the 30-40% mark and you'll be fine.
Good luck,
Clinton

I've got a MacBook pro 15' running 10.6.6. I want to use an external monitor for my graphic design work running Adobe software and thought I'd try an HD TV. I ran a Mini Display to HDMI lead to the TV but the picture quality was disappointing.

I've got a MacBook Pro 15' running 10.6.6. I want to use an external monitor for my graphic design work using Adobe software and thought I'd try an HD TV. I ran a Mini Display to HDMI lead to the TV but the picture quality was disappointing. I also tried a Mini Display to VGA lead and that wasn't much better. I tried all variations of resolutions in System prefs - Displays but nothing helped. Am I getting something wrong? Thanks all.

In addition to pixel density, you are up against the translation driver card in the TV.
If you read the fine print of computer-resolution-capability in the TV user guide, you will see a chart as tall as the manual page. At the top is the smallest resolution capable, at the bottom is the full use of the 1080p in the TV.
Mac falls into the top 25% of the page, maxing out at 1366x768 often. This is because the TV control card is expected to do too much of the work, but is not designed for computer-monitor processing.
I looked at the resolution charts on 2 TVs before deciding to buy a 1080p LCD monitor that has a TV interface/connector. Computer monitor first, TV second. But the thing is only 27 in. Good thing TV is not as important to me as it is to others.

HT3131 Why doesn't Apple mention using the Display control panel's "Arrange" feature to move the menu from the Macbook's display to the EXTERNAL display? THAT'S the real answer to make Clamshell mode work, but it's not mentioned in any Apple documentation

After a recent OS update, Clamshell mode quit working. I couldn't find any Apple documentation
that would help. So many people were stabbing around in the dark, until I finally found the following information
that is lacking from any Apple documentation that I've been able to find.
Here's what I found to be the most helpful:
Forcing a MacBook to use the External Monitor:
I tried about everything: Rebooting, switching off completely, removing and inserting the Thunderbolt->HDMI adapter etc.
The only thing that finally worked was the following:
1. Take it out of the dock and connect to Power and HDMI to the TV.
Shut down the Mac. Turn it on and close the lid. It will now boot up on the external screen.
Log onto the Mac, and put it in sleep mode (Option-Command-Eject).
Put it back into the dock and wake it up with the spacebar.
It should be OK now... until the next update...
Note: One indication that you’re going to have extreme trouble with this is when (occasionally and without reason) the Mirroring Options icon shows up on the top icon bar.
Other useful commands:
“Command + F1” puts PC in Two-Screen MIRROR mode.
If it’s REALLY being stubborn, do the following (Clamshell Must be open
to see the arrangement tab.):
In System Preferences > Display on the MacBook screen there should be an Arrangement tab when you have the MacBook hooked up to the TV and both screens working. When you click the Arrangement tab do you see two monitors side by side? One of them will have a Menu Bar at the top. Just click on the Menu Bar and drag it to the second monitor (Yes, I know, it’s hard to grab ahold of it...) That will make your EXTERNAL monitor your main screen.
You can now use your MacBook in Clamshell Mode with a wired or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131 When you disconnect from the TV, make sure it’s asleep (Option+Command+Eject buttons) or your Menu Bar will automatically change back to the MacBook.

After a recent OS update, Clamshell mode quit working. I couldn't find any Apple documentation
that would help. So many people were stabbing around in the dark, until I finally found the following information
that is lacking from any Apple documentation that I've been able to find.
Here's what I found to be the most helpful:
Forcing a MacBook to use the External Monitor:
I tried about everything: Rebooting, switching off completely, removing and inserting the Thunderbolt->HDMI adapter etc.
The only thing that finally worked was the following:
1. Take it out of the dock and connect to Power and HDMI to the TV.
Shut down the Mac. Turn it on and close the lid. It will now boot up on the external screen.
Log onto the Mac, and put it in sleep mode (Option-Command-Eject).
Put it back into the dock and wake it up with the spacebar.
It should be OK now... until the next update...
Note: One indication that you’re going to have extreme trouble with this is when (occasionally and without reason) the Mirroring Options icon shows up on the top icon bar.
Other useful commands:
“Command + F1” puts PC in Two-Screen MIRROR mode.
If it’s REALLY being stubborn, do the following (Clamshell Must be open
to see the arrangement tab.):
In System Preferences > Display on the MacBook screen there should be an Arrangement tab when you have the MacBook hooked up to the TV and both screens working. When you click the Arrangement tab do you see two monitors side by side? One of them will have a Menu Bar at the top. Just click on the Menu Bar and drag it to the second monitor (Yes, I know, it’s hard to grab ahold of it...) That will make your EXTERNAL monitor your main screen.
You can now use your MacBook in Clamshell Mode with a wired or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131 When you disconnect from the TV, make sure it’s asleep (Option+Command+Eject buttons) or your Menu Bar will automatically change back to the MacBook.

Is there a way to use an external display while keeping the Macbook open?

I'm trying to use my external display as my primary (and only display). I would be operating in clamshell mode, but this can lead to overheating issues. Is there an easy way to leave the Macbook open but turn its screen off manually when another display is connected?
I've found that by closing the macbook, plugging in a mouse, waiting for the macbook to start in clamshell mode, and then opening the display, I can do this. Is there an easier way (i.e., an option to tell the macbook display to turn off)

could you not just connect it with the vga adapter and then turn the brightness of your screen all the way down so there is no light? i had to do that for my ibook g4 when i cracked the lcd, but thankfully i have my macbook now.

Using only the external monitor in Snow Leopard?

Greetings,
I primarily use an external monitor with my macbook (latest gen.) Is there an easier way turn off the laptop screen when connected to an external screen (e.g. a key combination that will turn off the laptop screen to switch to external screen-only mode)?
My current song-and-dance involves:
- turn on laptop (with mains power connected)
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I was hoping snow leopard would have finally addressed this pain with a simply key combo?! This is one thing that is easy in the PC world
Thas

If you have an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse connected, it will shut off the main screen when you close the lid. If you open the lid, it will turn the display back on.

Bad display, use only external montior?

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