External display only with lid open?

I feel like I must be missing something really obvious, so I apologize in advance, but I'm trying to use my external display (23" cinema display) without using the MBP display yet still keeping the lid open (mainly for the isight camera).
The first time I plugged the cinema display into the MBP it worked that way, but after I put it to sleep and then woke it up, both displays are on and I can't figure out how to turn off the MBP display without closing the lid.
I see no option for it in System Preferences > Display and the Apple key+F7 only toggles between mirrored and extended desktop modes.
Can someone point me in the right direction?
TIA!
15.4" MacBook Pro 2.16ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Try this:
Plug in your external monitor. Once the Mac recognizes it and you see your desktop on the external display, close the MacBook's lid. Once both displays turn off and the sleep light starts to pulse, wake up your Mac by either clicking a button on an external mouse, or pushing the play button on your Apple remote. The external display should come on. When it does, you can open the MacBook lid and its display will stay off.

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External Display only with VGA Adapter working

Hello, I'm german so sorry for my bad english
After updating to Leopard 10.5.2 and installation of the Leopard Graphic Update, my external Display isn't working with DVI anymore. If I plug it in, my desktop flashes and I also get the monitor information tab of my external Display (Name and Settings correct). But the Screen stays black as in power saving mode. If I use the DVI -> VGA Adapter, everything works fine...
Could that Problem be realted to the new Updates?
I've also checked every hint of that Forum (PRAM reset, deleting Preference Files, trying to boot with closed MBP, ...), nothing worked for me. The Problem also occurs in Bootcamp! The external Display is recognized fine, but will not display any image, only if I use the Adapter.

According to Apple support, it is "expected behaviour" under Lion for the MBP's internal display to reactivate upon opening the lid, even if you want to use only your external display. A new version of the clamshell mode-related knowledgebase article (replacing HT3131) is due shortly confirming this.
This is despite:
- the obvious temperature-related benefits that were achievable (under Snow Leopard) by opening your MBP lid whilst continuing to output solely to a 27" cinema display
- the waste of energy and inefficient use of graphics processing power in needlessly running two active screens (ie if running your MBP in clamshell mode would otherwise make it too hot and/or noisy)
- the negative longer-term impact on the battery and other components from running the MBP hotter than it needs to be.
If you would like to have the previous behaviour restored, please consider lobbying Apple to change how Lion handles clamshell mode. Options available to Apple include changing Lion's expected behaviour or adding a user-selectable option within System Preferences.
Feedback should be submitted here:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html

How do I display external monitor as sole display, rather than mirroring, with lid open?

How do I display external monitor as sole display, rather than mirroring, with lid open?

sudo nvram boot-args="iog=0x0" restart to take effect

HT3131 Macbook pro + external display sleeps when lid closed and 'clicking' noise

Hi all, new mid-2012 macbook pro non-retina user, I have an PC external display with Microsoft USB wired keyboard and mouse pair (the keyboard and mouse are wireless but connected via a USB desktop receiver) but even when all connected up, shutting the mac lid always turns off external display too and no amount of pressing keys or mouse clicking wakes up the display again. External display only wakes up when I open the lid again. There's also a clicking noise from the mac every time I close the lid with external display connected. Any ideas? I've tried a number of things, wondering possibly if my cheapo (non-Apple) VGA external display to Minidisplayport adaptor is the culprit? Also, everytime I connect the display I have to go to display settings to get it to recognise the external display. I haven't installed any software for the USB mouse and keyboard , the macbook recognises it ok.

Hi Itsfixed,
It sounds like you are having issues running your MacBook Pro in closed clamshell mode (computer closed but awake, connected to an external display). If possible, you may want to see if it behaves as expected when connected to a wired USB keyboard and mouse as outlined in the first section of the article; wireless USB (non-Bluetooth) keyboards may not be recognized by the system the same way for the purposes of running with the display closed.
Regards,
- Brenden

Satellite L500 - How to show external display after closing lid?

Hi,
i`m using the Satellite L500-120 Notebook, and before installing Windows 7 the laptop had a very comfortable function, when i applied an external display.
When i closed the lid of my notebook, the desktop was shown on my external display (with the native resolution of the external display), so i didn`t have to
switch anything at the Control Panel. In Windows 7, i`m missing this function. I already tried to use the Control Panel, but there are no settings, which fits
with the earlier ones. I can duplicate the display, in order to see my desktop screen at my external display, but with the notebook resolution of 1366 x 768.
If i extend the displays, then there is only the background image at the external display, but this time with the native resolution.
So my question is, how to conifgure Windows to recognize that i closed the lid, and that the desktop screen has to be shown on my external display?
Or do i have to install one of the Toshiba applications, which i had before, that realized this function?
Thanks for any help!

Hi
Im not a Windows 7 user because I will wait until it will be released offical but I hope I can help you a little bit:
First of all in Power Management you can choose the action what happens if you close the Lid (e. g. sleep, turn off, etc.). This action should be disabled because otherwise the notebook will shut down or something else.
Then I think you have to install the display driver for your notebook. You can try the Vista driver because the most of them are work on Windows 7.
Then you should be able to set the correct screen resolution for external monitor.
A working display driver is important for clone or extends monitors so check this!!

MacBook Pro will not sleep with lid open, but now solved, very odd.

I bought a 2.4 GHz MBP about a week ago, as soon as I got it home I reinstalled the OS and zero-out the drive. Everything appears to work perfect until I noticed that the MBP will not sleep with the lid open.
But...
Close the lid, it sleeps.
Select sleep from menu, it sleeps.
Let the battery drain down with lid open, laptop sleeps.
Whent thru painful troubleshooting process, reseting things, permissions, what is installed, running programs...blah blah blah, nothing no difference.
So, backup the drive using superduper to external firewire and reinstall all over again, just like i did when i first got home, except I did not let it connect to the internet. I went thru and setup everything then connected and performed each update, one at a time looking for what might hinder the sleep process.
And the result is a big fat zero.
Same install process as i did the first time, and same updates as the first time. But now the laptop sleeps perfectly.
Gotta love computers, so very consistant
Just my .02 input on this wacky issue.

Try trashing these 3 .plist preferences and reboot. Reset your Energy Saver preferences.
HD > Library > Preferences > SystemConfiguration > com.apple.AutoWake.plist & com.apple.PowerManagement.plist
User > Library > Preferences > com.apple.systemuiserver.plist
Also, look at your system logs in your Console application and see what is causing the "wake event." It could be hardware-related. Do you have any external devices attached, such as a mouse or hub? I've seen Bluetooth problems with wireless BT mice.
Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support' (designed exclusively for an iPhone/iPod touch)

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.
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External Display Problem with x301

Hi everybody,
I have a external display Problem with my x301.
Ether direct attachment or via Lenovo USB Display Port Device, the external monitor (22" Benq LCD) starts to flickr after a couple of minutes and the external display shuts off.
Any ideas on this?
Thanks a lot
Chris

i have the same problem with X200 and the X200 ultrabay Docking station.
No idea yet ...

15.4" with lid open + external display

Hi there. I have a lovely new MacBook Pro 15.4", and have bought a Dell 20" UltraSharp external display. The Dell monitor has 1680 x 1050 resolution which is great. The only problem is I have inconsistent resolutions: when I close the lid of my Mac, and use it in closed lid mode, the resolution is great - 1680 x 1050. Everything's nice, clear & clean. But when I open the lid, the resolution reverts back to the Mac display resolution - ie, 1440 x 900. Everything looks bigger, slightly fuzzy and the icons on the desktop get all re-arranged. This is a hassle. If I push F7, the external display just comes up with the desktop background, which means I can't use it. I'm frustrated - could anybody point me in the right direction? Thanks very much.

What you're experiencing is normal when using the displays in mirror mode. The resolutions must match, which means that the monitor with the lowest maximum resolution will control, which in your case is the MacBook's internal display. To use the external display at it's maximum resolution, you need to run the displays in Extended Desktop mode; turn off Mirroring in the Displays system preference.
If I push F7, the external display just comes up with the desktop background, which means I can't use it.
Sure you can. Just drag your application windows over to that screen (which direction you have to drag will be controlled in the Displays -> Arrange system preference).
For more information, try searching your Mac Help for "multiple displays".
Hope this helps.

External display only works with Macbook open?

I have an Acer AL2623W which works fine as an additional or main screen, but a second after you close the laptop the screen goes blank and it shows an 'input not supported' error. The Macbook stays on, it just doesn't drive the monitor alone. Re-open the Macbook and both work normally!

Hello Siôn Dafydd,
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
I understand that you are using an external display with your MacBook Pro and when you close the display on your MacBook Pro, the second display turns off. It sounds as though your MacBook Pro may not be connected to power while using with display closed. Please read over the attached article for information on using a second display in closed-clamshell mode.
How to use your Mac notebook computer in closed-clamshell (display closed) mode with an external display - Apple Support
Have a great day,
Joe

Internal display off when lid opened?

Hey guys!
Just installed Lion and one thing I immidiately noticed is the way Lion handles internal display when external display is plugged in. I use a big 24-inch display with my early 2011 MacBook Pro. I like to open the lid for better WiFi connection but dont really like the display to turn on. In Lion, it automatically does so I have two displays.
Is it possible to open the lid but still keep the internal display off and only the external one on?
Thanx!

Support are quoting Apple's engineers as saying it is "expected behaviour" under Lion for the MBP's internal display to reactivate upon opening the lid, even if you want to use only your external display. A new version of the clamshell mode-related knowledgebase article (replacing HT3131) is due shortly confirming this.
This is despite:
- the obvious temperature-related benefits that were achievable (under Snow Leopard) by opening your MBP lid whilst continuing to output solely to, say, a 27" cinema display
- the wifi connectivity benefits of having the lid open
- the waste of energy and inefficient use of graphics processing power in needlessly running two active screens (ie if running your MBP in clamshell mode would otherwise make it too hot and/or noisy or you need it open for wifi)
- the negative longer-term impact on the battery and other components from running the MBP any hotter than it needs to be.
If you would like to have the previous behaviour restored, please lobby Apple to change how Lion handles clamshell mode. Options available to them include changing Lion's expected behaviour or adding a user-selectable option within System Preferences.
Feedback can be submitted here:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html

Why Does Retina MacBook Pro (2012) Suddenly Hibernate With Lid Open?

I'd like to know why my Retina MacBook Pro (2012) at certain times suddenly go into Hibernate mode when I'm actively using it with the lid open and what I can do to prevent this.
I know this is hibernate because of what I see in the Console logs and the fact that I can't trigger a wake by using the keyboard/trackpad/mouse. Only the power button causes it to wake up.
This usually happens when I wake it from sleep and plug it into an external monitor via HDMI to HDMI connection.   The lid is open and I use both displays.    This happens about 30 seconds to a minute after I wake from sleep. At the time I'm not plugged into the power supply because I believe it's generally a good idea to let the batter drain and the recharge it. The last time this happened it was about 35% to 40% charged.
Hardware Overview:
Model Name:    MacBook Pro
Model Identifier:    MacBookPro10,1
Processor Name:    Intel Core i7
Processor Speed:    2.6 GHz
Number of Processors:    1
Total Number of Cores:    4
L2 Cache (per Core):    256 KB
L3 Cache:    6 MB
Memory:    8 GB
Software:
OS X Yosemite (all latest updates installed)
{some 3rd party software}
Let me know if you need more information.
For the gory details of what I see in system.log, read on:
This is about the time the hibernate happens. I've replaced my laptop's name with {COMPUTER NAME}
Mar 20 18:29:26 {COMPUTER NAME} identityservicesd[375]: <IMMacNotificationCenterManager: 0x7f87d510c9e0>: notification observer: com.apple.iChat   notification: __CFNotification 0x7f87d5210a90 {name = _NSDoNotDisturbEnabledNotification}
Mar 20 18:29:26 {COMPUTER NAME} identityservicesd[375]: <IMMacNotificationCenterManager: 0x7f87d510c9e0>:    NC Disabled: NO
Mar 20 18:29:26 {COMPUTER NAME} identityservicesd[375]: <IMMacNotificationCenterManager: 0x7f87d510c9e0>:   DND Enabled: YES
Mar 20 18:29:26 {COMPUTER NAME} identityservicesd[375]: <IMMacNotificationCenterManager: 0x7f87d510c9e0>: Updating enabled: NO   (Topics: (null))
Mar 20 18:29:26 {COMPUTER NAME} WindowServer[218]: device_generate_desktop_screenshot: authw 0x7fba81c2e940(2000), shield 0x7fba81c35bd0(2001)
Mar 20 18:29:27 --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Mar 20 18:29:27 {COMPUTER NAME} WindowServer[218]: device_generate_lock_screen_screenshot: authw 0x7fba81c2e940(2000)[0, 0, 1920, 1080] shield 0x7fba81c35bd0(2001), dev [1920,1080]
Mar 20 18:29:27 {COMPUTER NAME} com.apple.xpc.launchd[1] (com.apple.xpc.launchd.domain.user.502): Service "com.apple.xpc.launchd.unmanaged.loginwindow.72" tried to hijack endpoint "com.apple.tsm.uiserver" from owner: com.apple.SystemUIServer.agent
Mar 20 18:29:30 --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Mar 20 18:29:30 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: PM response took 4741 ms (30, powerd)
Mar 20 18:29:30 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: ARPT: 1632.007298: AirPort_Brcm43xx::powerChange: System Sleep
Mar 20 18:29:30 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: ARPT: 1632.007302: wl0: powerChange: *** BONJOUR/MDNS OFFLOADS ARE NOT RUNNING.
Mar 20 18:29:30 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: [0x1b014fb000, 0x19000000]
Mar 20 18:29:30 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: [0xd8ec7000, 0x19000000]
Mar 20 18:29:30 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: [0x1369ac0000, 0xe000000]
Mar 20 18:29:30 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: [0x0, 0x0]
Mar 20 18:29:31 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: hibernate image path: /var/vm/sleepimage
And when I wake it up by repeatedly pressing the power button:
Mar 20 18:30:09 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: hibernate_newruntime_map time: 0 ms, IOHibernatePollerOpen(), ml_get_interrupts_enabled 0
Mar 20 18:30:09 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: IOHibernatePollerOpen(0) 19 ms
Mar 20 18:30:09 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: hibernate_machine_init reading
Mar 20 18:30:09 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: PMStats: Hibernate read took 355 ms
Mar 20 18:30:09 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: hibernate_machine_init pagesDone 212628 sum2 2c66736a, time: 355 ms, disk(0x20000) 447 Mb/s, comp bytes: 57749504 time: 55 ms 985 Mb/s, crypt bytes: 157388800 time: 67 ms 2228 Mb/s
Mar 20 18:30:09 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: Wake reason: EC.PowerButton (User)
Mar 20 18:30:09 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: vm_compressor_fastwake_warmup (7450 - 12878) - starting
Mar 20 18:30:09 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: Previous sleep cause: -60
Mar 20 18:30:09 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: Previous shutdown cause: 5
Mar 20 18:30:09 {COMPUTER NAME} kernel[0]: AppleThunderboltNHIType2::prePCIWake - power up complete - took 0 us

This happened again at about 31% power, again unplugged.   Previously, I had plugged in the power before pressing the power button, but this time I pressed the power button before plugging in. The display showed me the out of power icon. Only on plugging it back in was I able to power up the laptop again.
Is it possible there's a bug either with the displayed power or how remaining power is detected?

External display problems with snow leopard

I just upgraded from Leopard to Snow Leopard on my Macbook and it's created lots of problems with my LCD external display:
- The display won't work at its native resolution (1680x1050) - it will flash up an image for 1/10 of second and then go black. I can only get it to work at a lower resolution, which looks AWFUL.
- If I try to start up my Macbook with the lid closed and the display connected, the display won't work at all (it jams on the start up screen). It only works if I keep both of them running
I never had these problems when using Leopard. I've searched lots of forums and found that many people are having similar problems with external displays. Apple still haven't fixed the bug after repeated efforts from people to get if fixed.
Here are some threads (now closed) on this if you're looking for solutions:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2132912&tstart=0
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2136455&tstart=1
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2132837&tstart=0
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10084332
Common suggested fixes are:
- Force OS X to use LCD font smoothing (does not work for me)
- Clear the PRAM on start-up (does not work for me)
- Delete /Library/Preferences/com.apple.windowserver.plist (does not work)
- Change energy management setting to high performance (only works on graphics cards in Macbook 15" and 17").
From reading these forums it appears that this is a well-know bug. Has anyone else got any suggestions to fix this? And why hasn't Apple fixed this yet after so many people bringing it to their attention? It's clearly a bug that wasn't in Leopard.

I'M FED UP WITH APPLE! They've always been a little shady, but the last half of 2010 took the cake!
First it was the iPhone 3g "upgrade" to IOS4 which was garbage and killed my ability to use the 3g until I figured out how to crack the software, wipe the thing clear then reinstall the original software. Next up was purchasing the iphone 4 as a Christmas gift for someone running tiger on their mac, only to find out that the iphone 4 doesn't work on tiger when they tried to sync their contacts - and then having to rush out and purchase snow leopard so that they could enjoy my gift. Then I install Snow Leopard (note - I purchased the family pack) onto my own leopard-running(10.5.+) powerbook only to have the external LCD display I've been using for years suddenly stop working.
Oh, okay, to be fair, it works IF I RESIGN MYSELF TO SET it to "mirror image" (which defeats the purpose of having multiple displays) and drop the resolution down to a pathetic, unsharp, nearly distored setting that is almost painful to look at knowing that this monitor was just A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO showing me crystal clear images.
Then I exhaust myself trying to find a fix only to discover that APPLE in their infinite brilliance (AKA - their torture of loyal customers) knows of the issue - worked it out - then created an update that created the issue all over again. I'm so done! No more macs. I'm going back to the evil land of PCs. At least there, you know you're getting crap, it doesn't sneak up on you after getting you to trust it time and time again.

Using External Display Only - Gaming

Hi,
I want to be able to connect my HP w2207h 22inch widescreen external LCD to m'y Macbook Pro running leopard to allow me to play games such as SPORE and The Sims 3. I have already set the external monitor as primary in os x but every time that I start the games that I want to play, the whole screen goes blank (both of them) and the external screen turns itself off. I then have to unplug it to get the picture to appear on the macbook again so I can exit. I still have no idea how to play these games on the external display with this problem.
I have been able to solve this problem in bootcamp however, with the function to turn off the macbookpro display and keep the external by itself. I really want to play these games in os x and on my external display.
Does anyone know how to do this or how to make it so that the macbookpro screen isn't used at all (i.e. the external display is the only one in use)?? Some third-party application?
Cheers
Tim

Timmy, that doesn't seem logical, buddy. If you use the MBP keyboard, I'm quite sure that it thinks u wanna use the MBP display as well. It would seem an inconvenience, to me, to have it open while using another display, anyway. I'm with the idea of using another keyboard & mouse. That's what I do.
I have a ? for ya. U mentioned that u know how to get the external display to be primary while using BootCamp XP. I have done that in the past with no problem. However, it quit working. If I close my MBP, the display turns off & XP will not allow me to do anything until I open the MBP & log back in. If I try to leave the MBP open off to the side & use the Cinema Display as primary XP laughs at me & will only open the game on the MBP display. In XP Settings, the option to uncheck the MBP display as primary is grayed out & there is no option to turn on mirroring for either display or set the Cinema Display as primary. How were u doing what ever u did to use your external display for gaming on BootCamp XP?

Not Reliably Going To Sleep With Lid Open?

I've had my new MacBook Pro for a few days. I think it is absolutely brilliant. However, last night I left it running on battery with the lid open and returned to find the battery dead. It will go to sleep if you shut the lid or select sleep from the Apple menu.
I called Apple and they talked me through numerous procedures including resetting the SMC, PRAM, deleting various plists and finally a permissions repair on the disk. The latter seemed to make it work.
However, I've found this evening that it still does not reliably go to sleep with the lid open and I really can't work out why. It doesn't seem to be linked to a particular application. Sometimes even if I only have the finder running it will not go to sleep.
When it does work, the computer takes 2-3 minutes to go to sleep after the display sleeps.
I'm running Snow Leopard with all the available updates.
Please can anyone suggest what I might do next?

Hi,
I've been struggling with same issue too, idle timer sleep just didn't work most of the time. I am a recent convert from Windows world and there were never issues with PC to go to sleep after idle timeout. With SL it was not so easy.
However, I found a reason (Or two actually) why it was not sleeping, after going through my applications and web pages one by one.
One of them is flash plugin in browsers, if I had any page open with flash, the computer would not sleep. Apparently flash somehow makes SL think it is not idle. Solution to this was to set up flash blockers to browsers. Which is not bad thing overall, flash is mostly adverts anyway on the pages I visit.
Other one was facebook, even with flash disabled. Something in their real-time updating of statuses again prevents sleeping. I tried disabling java and java script too, it might help but then facebook does not work at all. Solution is to always close facebook after using it. Not a really good one, it's easy to forget running.
Hope this helps!

External display only with lid open?

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