Macbook - External Display - Closed Lid

Hi there,
I know full well that the powerbooks and the macbook pro run monitors in lid closed mode... but does the Macbook?
I would only do this without a hack as I do not want to destroy warranty.
If it doesn't, it may be time for me to look into a 12" powerbook G4.
I had to sell my iBook and I want something for presentations and to travel with. If I sell my iMac, I'll need a big display as I am not going to just look at a laptop display all day.
Thanks, Martin

"it'll run in closed book mode with the external display. it may overheat however, so i'd be careful."
I don't want to sell my iMac and then break a macbook...
I used to have an iBook G4. Then I bought an iMac. Now I want a laptop, but know that if I get one, I'll want a desktop again...
What monitor do you use? I can't find any white ones...
20" iMac G5 REV A, 160GB HD, 1GB RAM, Mighty Mouse Mac OS X (10.4.6) 12" iBook G3, 20GB HD, 640MB RAM, 2GB iPod Nano White, 20GB iPod 3G

Similar Messages

System hangs after using external display with lid closed

I often use my MBP with the lid closed with an external display and Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. When done in this mode, I put the system to sleep using the apple menu, then disconnect the monitor. I found some info on the apple site explaining that this was the recommended procedure for exiting the lid-closed mode.
However, sometimes the system doesn't go to sleep. Opening the lid, the LED goes out, but the display remains off. If I then try reconnecting the external monitor, nothing happens. It appears that it has gone into some mode where it is active, but no displays are enabled. My only resource at this point is to power the system off and back on, at which point everything is ok.
I'm wondering if turning off my bluetooth devices after selecting the sleep menu item is causing the system to reawaken at a bad time, causing this state to occur.
I have also run into problems when connecting an external projection monitor. On several occassions I have connected the external display adapter before turning on the projector, or before connecting it to the adapter, and the system locked-up hard (no mouse movement, etc). My only recourse was hard power off.
Any ideas? Is this a broken system or are these known OSX or MBP issues?

Try SleepLess…
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/17893
… or InsomniaX…
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/30315

External Display with Lid Down?

I'm figuring out how to get an external display connected to my MacBook
So far, so good. I'm sitting at a big 20" wide-screen display as I type this.
Now, I want to be able to close the lid on the MacBook when I'm working on this big display... But, as currently configured, when I close the lid, the display on the MacBook goes dark and takes the external display with it.
Probably an easy solution... but damned if I know what it is...
Thanks,
--PS

When you close the screen, the MacBook will go to sleep. That's as designed and there's no way to prevent it that I know of. But you should be able to just press a key on your external keyboard and wake the system back up again.
That's working. Is the screen "on" when the lid is closed this way and I'm working from an external monitor? Seems to me that might not be such good thing.
Now, here's the only remaining problem: getting audio out of my Mac and into my stereo receiver?
The only audio out on the Mac is the earphone jack; the only inputs on my stereo are standard stereo line-in inputs.
I can connect them that way, but there's an impedance mismatch which = hum. Is there an adapter or something that can overcome that?
Thanks for the help,
--PS

MacBook & external displays

I am looking at a system upgrade and am tempted by the new MacBook. However, it is not immediately evident whether (as per the MacBook Pro) you can use the MB with the lid shut and connected to an external (larger) keyboard and larger display. Does anyone know what the answer is?
I would like to combine the portability of the MB with the ability to hook it up to a larger VGA/DVI screen. Any views on the merits of the more expensive DVI monitors?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can respond to these questions.
iMac DV 400 Mac OS X (10.2.x)

Hello
Glad to help.
First up, if you take a look at the main specification page, it confirms the MacBook will drive an external display, either as the main display (with MacBook closed) or as an extended display (with MacBook open).
It will work at these resolutions:
Extended desktop and video mirroring: simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 1920 x 1200 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colours.
You will need to also purchase a Mini DVI-DVI cable or a Mini DVI-VGA cable depending on what external monitor you plan to use.
I have tried a lot of monitors;
Apple Cinema - superb, but you pay for it.
NEC 20WGX2 - looks nice, horrible display.
CTX - I forget the model number, but nice.
Belinea 10 20 35W - absolutely superb and stunning value.
Link:
http://www.jigsaw24.com/proddesc.asp?ITEM=X670AKA
hope this helps.

External display with lid shut

I have a MacBook Pro, blue tooth keyboard and mouse, and hooked up to a HDTV with the DVI cable. So when I have all that hooked up, why when I shut the lid does it go to sleep? I have read thru these forums, and cannot find a clear answer. Some say that if you hook up an external display and a usb keyboard and mouse, it will work, but I'm not using a "monitor" and not USB mouse and keyboard. Is there something I can change that I'm not finding so that when I shut the lid, the screen will shut off, but will show on the HDTV? I read in one post how it could overheat, but I think they were referring to if you turned off the sleep mode, and shut the lid so that the LCD would still remain on (not hooked up to an extarnal display). Which honestly I wouldn't see the point in that. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,
I don't have the exact set up as you, but I do use a bluetooth mouse and keyboard with an external monitor.
Here's what I do:
Shut the lid of your MBP, wait until the sleep light flashes, and then press any key on your keyboard. That should wake up your external monitor and get you functional.
Amy

Early 2011 Macbook external display issues after firmware update

I have a 2011 MBPro 15". After performing the firmware update in late April, I have continual issues when I connect my monitor. The screen is blank and I can move the mouse tap the keyboard etc. The display may come up for a scond and then it will close and the machine goes back to sleep. More wiggling and the process starts over.
If I raise the lid it may bing up the external display. Restarting is the only sure fix.
I also was unable to make a presentation today because the projector I was connected to would not show the MBP display.
I tried all the key combinations, detect display etc. and nothing.
Can I somehow go back to the prior firmware? Other solutions?
SMC Version (system): 1.69f1
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.521

I recently did a software update to my MacBook pro and had a similar issue, on restart it gets to the apple logo then just shuts off, after multiple hours on the phone with apple care they told me that it was coincidence that it happened at the same time as the update and it would be costly to repair as it was either something to do with display or logic board. I took my MacBook into my retail location I bought it from and was told that they have had MULTIPLE people bring in macbooks with the SAME issue (I live in a really small city so the amount of people is quite large proportion wise) and that they could fix the issue by remotely resetting the MacBook at a cost of $130-$150. Relatively cheap considering what I was fearing, but if this is a common problem related to Apples update why are we paying to fix it and why is apple support saying its something major???

MacBook external display problem with Panasonic projector

MacBook (September 2006, Intel 945) with Boot Camp and XP Pro won't display externally from Boot Camp to a Panasonic PT-DW5000U projector using VGA (via the MiniDVI-to-VGA adapter/dongle). I tried 640x480x8-bit and 800x600x16-bit and 1024x768x16-bit. I tried unplugging and replugging the adapter. I tried shutting down and restarting into Win XP while all video cabling was connected. I tried pressing F7, Fn+F7, Shift+F7, FnShiftF7, as well as other key combinations involving F7. I tried checking the checkbox called "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor." I installed Apple Software Update 2.1. None of these troubleshooting attempts worked. It works fine in OS X to the same projector (using the same VGA dongle). And, while Win XP starts in Boot Camp, the projector displays the Windows XP startup screen (black background and blue progress indicator), but after about a minute that disappears, I get a login dialog on the laptop screen, and the projector then displays only a blank blue screen.
Other displays: It works fine with Boot Camp to a Samsung SyncMaster 940T monitor using DVI (via the MiniDVI-to-DVI adapter/dongle). It works fine with Boot Camp to a Panasonic LC50 monitor using VGA (via the MiniDVI-to-VGA adapter/dongle).
We also have Panasonic PT-D5500 projectors, but I haven't tried them yet.
1. Is this a problem in the Intel drivers supplied with Boot Camp?
2. Are there settings on the projector that need to be set to make it work?
3. I'm also now missing the Intel system tray icon that looks like a slanted computer screen -- how do I get it back?
Any suggestions? Thanks!

Based on the substantial research I've done regarding this issue, here's what the problem could be (without me knowing more):
If your working with an integrated graphics card (Intel 945?), chances are that it doesn't support the "resolution" of the projector - which is information embedded in to your other devices. Furthermore, the "refresh rate" is another piece of information usually "embedded" in to the device your connecting to, and the projector may not have either piece of information accessible to your card, or, vice versa.
Additionally, the drivers required by XP to make it all happen while using your particular video card, may not be installed. Basically, it could be a driver issue as well.
I wish I had a solution for you, however, everything I've read seems to conclude that XP within boot camp has little or no support for external displays (especially when talking about larger resolutions).
Humorously, when I addressed the "Mac Genius" at the Apple Store regarding this question, he told me to go buy a PC - so I did. Already have a Mac Pro, needed a laptop...

Macbook External Display

I've replied to a similar problem to this in one of the other catagories, but I thought I'd make a new thread in the display catagory.
I've been reading about people having issues with external displays not showing up on macbooks, for no apparent reason in some cases. That seems to be my issue as well but I have two points that people may find interesting.
Point 2 in particular I think should get some attention! Something "just works" in XP but not OS X?
Firstly the issue is with a Macbook black c2d late 2006, and a 19" xerox monitor connected using a mini-dvi connection into a vga apapter to the monitor's integrated dvi connection (the vga adapter is there because the mini-dvi to dvi adapter doesn't fit. The monitor has a dvi-i connection - it has extra pins and doesn't fit into the apple mini-dvi to dvi connection (this is dvi-d), which I discovered after I had already bought the useless connection!)
1. When I did initially connect the monitor the screen did show up, but while I was arranging the monitor and macbook around the desk I knocked out the mini-dvi adapter. I could never get the screen back after that, but it still does show up in the Display Preferences Panel. (no it's not damaged, see point 2.) No amount of pressing F7, rebooting, switching resolutions, or changing Display profiles seem to bring it back.
2. I'm a switcher (Macbook black c2d - really impressed by the way, just this one issue) so to smooth the process I used bootcamp to put xp on a small partition. The screen works perfectly in XP, in various different resolutions. Which is very annoying - I didn't buy a macbook to use xp!
I think that I have addressed all the obvious ways to pick up the display, and I have gone through the suggestions from other posts, but nothing. Not even a flicker. I don't have another Mac to test the screen on, but I do have another XP laptop, and again that works fine.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Macbook Black c2d, early 2007 Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Update: Well unfortunately my credit card has taken enough of a hammering lately (I'm only home from my honeymoon a few weeks), so not having an apple care plan on the Macbook I didn't get too far with Apple support.
The new plan of action is... give up. I have to assume that the issue is just something to do with OSX not liking the mini-dvi -> vga adapter -> dvi adapter that I had to use, and MS just doesn't have a problem with it. A pain, but it is a nice monitor so I don't think I will have a problem giving/selling it to one of my MS using mates.
I'll mark this one answered - kinda
Macbook Black C2D (late 2006) Mac OS X (10.4.10)

External display with lid closed wont work

I have a PB G4 Ti and have connected it to a second display. I have followed the articles on this site but nothing will wake the PB when the lid is still closed. has anyone got any ideas as to why this might be?
Thanks

I'm not sure what the articles say, but here's what I do to make mine work:
1) With the Powerbook shut down, connect the second display
2) Start it up - both displays should be working
3) log in and put the Powerbook to sleep by closing the lid
4) Wake the Powerbook by clicking a mouse that is connected directly to the Powerbook
Hope this helps,
Matt

Start both MacBook & External Display simultaneously?

Hi there,
Was wondering if someone could provide some advice. I have a 13.3 MacBook connected to a very old non-widescreen display (plan to update soon!) - The problem I have is that while I can connect the display to my MacBook once the MacBook is booted etc. - this can prove to be a frustrating process! Even if I start my MacBook with the DisplayPort/VGA Cable connected, I have to remove the cable and plug it back in (sometimes repeatedly) to get a connection...
Can someone tell me if there is a way of having both start simulataneously - i.e - have the screen connect as the MacBook starts to boot?
Many Thanks!

Sure. To be honest, I've never actually seen graphics performance decrease for any system in a dual display scenario over a single display. Basically it'll work or it won't work in dual display extended desktop mode.
The MacBook does so you should expect the same performance all round.

Audio & video via HDMI to an external monitor with lid closed.

I would like to run a Macbook Pro Retina (2014) with the lid closed and all video and audio via HDMI routed to an external monitor (Samsung Syncmaster from 2010). Is this possible? When I try this, no sound is transferred to the external monitor and I cannot operate the Macbook Pro with the lid closed. As soon as I close the lid, it cuts the signal to the external screen.
I’ve tried looking for previous posts but they’re about MCP’s connecting via Thunderbolt or DVI. Any ideas?

Seems like there may be two separate questions here. Audio working in either configuration and video from HDMI when lid closed. First, you are doing this with the Mac running off of AC, not battery, right?
Audio:
Is the HCMI cable you are using able to carry the audio? Some cables don't.
The only way I've ever used external displays with lid closed is with the thunder port (or DVI) adapter, not with the HDMI. I see the specs from Apple:
HDMI video output
Support for 1080p resolution at up to 60Hz
Support for 3840-by-2160 resolution at 30Hz
Support for 4096-by-2160 resolution at 24Hz
So have you tried varying the screen res to determine the results? I can find no specs regarding what ports remain operational in clamshell. Like you, I would have assumed all of them.
I suspect only the thunderbolt port would support your desired config -- try a thunderbolt/hdmi adapter.
Finally, clamshell mode doesn't allow the MBP to cool efficiently. Heat kills electronics, so if it's too warm or the fans really kick in, you might want to reconsider this setup.

DVI to VGA Adapter Closed Lid Mode Distorted Picture on TV

Hi
I managed to hook up the DVI to VGA adapter and view on my Sanyo TV. Nothing fancy just a older TV.
I am feeding through the Yellow Video output into the video input on the TV. (Also tried s-video)
Viewing with the macbook lid open no problems. Remembered that I could close the lid.
Followed the instructions online about connecting, closing the lid and waking up using my bluetooth mouse.
First time things went well - able to use Front Row and View Slideshows etc. also steaming video from Safari, (TV Land for my kid)
Then the screen began to flash - and change to black with rolling images.
Like you used to have in the 60-70's black and white TV - multiple images rolling past over and over.
I tried rebooting - starting new connections, using different cables, using both VGA and S-Video directly into the TV and not through my reciever.
Any ideas!
I can't use closed lid mode at all. I must instead, dim my screen.
Help?
Thanks
Buddy

Thanks, BSteely, I have the latest QT and iTunes already. Closing the lid seems to kick the MacBook external display into some special mode that Front Row can't display videos in. For example, you get the Front Row interface, but as you select movies/TV shows, the preview window on the left side is blank. Open the cover, and have both displays going, and you can see the previews fine (and of course, you can see the movies/TV shows play fine as well when you click on them)
Running Quicktime Player full screen works fine without Front Row in either open or closed lid mode. So it is apparently something wrong with Front Row itself.

IChat and Closed-Lid Mode

I found something very interesting in iChat 4.0.8 and Leopard 10.5.7. I run my MBP in closed-lid mode with an external Apple Cinema Display. When in iChat, I cannot do audio chats at all - i.e. no sound input with either of my external interfaces (Apogee Duet via FireWire and Mbox 2 Mini via USB). Of course video doesn't work at all, as the built-in iSight is not accessible. If I open the MBP display, they both work normally. As soon as I close the display, wake the MBP and run in closed-lid mode, I cannot get any input whatsoever. The devices work normally in QuickTime Player Pro, Soundtrack Pro, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, etc. In either mode there IS an input level in System Preferences > Sound as well. I even tried to "trick" the system by using Audio Hijack Pro and Soundflower, but the issue remains. No combo of settings in the Sound preference pane and iChat preferences will allow a signal input.
Anyone else running a MacBook or MacBook Pro in closed-lid mode? Does this issue happen on your Mac as well?
VERY strange,
C

Well...Snow Leopard seems to have fixed this issue.

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

Macbook Lid closed External Display

1) I have the Core 2 Duo Macbook with an external samsung display, bluetooth mouse/keyboard. When I close the lid on the macbook, I get the max resolution which is cool. How ever, I cannot remove the powercord. As soon as I remove the power cord, the external display cannot be detected. Why is it?
2) Is there any thing specific with home and end keys on the external/internal keyboard? When I hit the home key it doesnt take me to the start of the line or to the end of the line with end key. I tried with the command+home/end option. It didnt work. Any ideas?
3) I got this 25 days before. One of my co worker was telling me that I will get Leopard upgrade free. Is that true?
4) Is there any website which points me to windows shortcuts and equivalanet mac key board short cuts?
Thanks

4) Is there any website which points me to windows
shortcuts and equivalanet mac key board short cuts?
Not that I know of, but we will be glad to help you. Here are some of my favourites:
Cmd+m minimises windows
Cmd+q quits apps
Cmd+h hides apps
Cmd+tab pops up a list of apps that you can cycle through in a way similar to windows' alt+tab
Cmd+` cycles through running apps
Cmd+esc starts Front Row
Option+volume opens sound preferences
Option+brightness opens displays preferences
CmdCtrleject reboots with NO confirmation
CmdCtrl+Opteject shuts down with NO confirmation
Thanks

Macbook - External Display - Closed Lid

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