External monitor works differently if MBP open or shut...why?

I have a new 23 inch LG HD external monitor for my MBP (connected via mini to vga). Using all latest software.
If connected to the MBP, and you start the MBP, and shut the lid (i.e. screen down), the LG external monitor comes up in 1920x1080 and covers the entire screen. This is what I would expect.
The same as above, but leave the lid on the MBP up (i.e. screen is visible), the monitor comes up in 1920x1080, but letter boxed (i.e. two 1" black vertical bars, one on each side). The makes the usable screen real estate much smaller.
Any idea what is going on?
Is there a way to turn the MBP built in monitor off with screen/lid up?
thanks
bob

BobInIndy1 wrote:
I have a new 23 inch LG HD external monitor for my MBP (connected via mini to vga). Using all latest software.
If connected to the MBP, and you start the MBP, and shut the lid (i.e. screen down), the LG external monitor comes up in 1920x1080 and covers the entire screen. This is what I would expect.
The same as above, but leave the lid on the MBP up (i.e. screen is visible), the monitor comes up in 1920x1080, but letter boxed (i.e. two 1" black vertical bars, one on each side). The makes the usable screen real estate much smaller.
In the "Arrangement" tab of the "Displays" panel of System Preferences, is "Mirror Displays" checked? It wouldn't surprise me if things worked differently depending on that setting.
Is there a way to turn the MBP built in monitor off with screen/lid up?
Someone else will have to answer that question.

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