Using macbook air in clamshell mode

I have a MBA running Lion, and when I try to use it in clamshell mode, the screen on the external monitor doesn't do anything. There is a Logitech USB keyboard and mouse plugged in, but nothing happens when I move the mouse or type on the keyboard when the MBA is closed. I've read that this SHOULD work, but I'm not having any luck. Ideas?

Hi
This is a low-tech solution and way out of the time-frame, but, because this is the discussion that surfaced when I went looking for a solution to the problem, I'm going to add to the discussion.
I'm a low-tech but persistent person so when all the instructions and advice didn't work and my external monitor screen went black 10 seconds after closing MacBook air cover, I looked again at the instruction which said, with computer turned on, connect external monitor and then close lid on MBA. Humh, what it should say is with POWER SOURCE CONNECTED and computers turned on, connect external monitor and then close lid.
Happy person

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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.
Currently using:
Apple MacBook Air 13" mid 2011 1.8GHz Core i7 4GB 256 GB SSD Lion & Ubuntu Linux via Fusion
MacBook Air 11.6" late 2010 1.6 GHZ, 320M, 4GB 180 GB SSD Upgraded OWC), OS X Lion
11-08-2010, 02:34 PM
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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
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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
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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.
Currently using:
Apple MacBook Air 13" mid 2011 1.8GHz Core i7 4GB 256 GB SSD Lion & Ubuntu Linux via Fusion
MacBook Air 11.6" late 2010 1.6 GHZ, 320M, 4GB 180 GB SSD Upgraded OWC), OS X Lion

Hi - How do I connect an HDTV as a second monitor to Thunderbolt display with macbook pro in clamshell mode?

I have a Late 2011 Macbook Pro in clamshell mode connected to a Thunderbolt Display with the built in Thunderbolt cable. I want to then connect an HDTV via the Thunderbolt port at the back of the Thunderbolt display. I already had a cable that I thought would work which turns out to be a MiniDisplay port to HDMI cable and therefore not compatible with Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt (Mini DisplayPort not being the same technology although it uses the same port - although I'm not an expert !!) So far a web search has provided me with the only solution being using a Thunderbolt dock or storage that has multiple Thunderbolt ports and then using that to daisychain inbetween the Thunderbolt Diplay and the HDTV. The cheapest solution I can find for this would be about £250. Surely not ??!!!!
Many thanks for any comments - Nik

You could also use aThunderbolt dock with HDMI, such as:
<http://www.belkin.com/uk/F4U055-Belkin/p/P-F4U055/>
<http://www.caldigit.com/thunderboltstation/>
<http://www.elgato.com/en/thunderbolt/thunderbolt-dock>

I Just purchased a used MacBook Air but it has no OS, how can I re-load the OS?

I Just purchased a used MacBook Air but it has no OS, how can I re-load the OS?

It depends on which operating system was on it when it was released. Older MBAs need disks or a special thumb drive to boot for OS recovery.
Let’s assume it is new enough that it has a recovery partition built in. You can try this and see if it works and if it doesn’t work then it is old enough to need he aforementioned recovery media.
It is simple. First you format the system disk and then you install OS X.
You will need to be in an area with a good wireless Internet signal.
Boot in Recovery Mode:
Power it on and when you hear the bong hold down the Command and R keys simultaneously.
Format the system disk:
> Disk Utility
> Select your system drive.
> Partition
> Partition Layout: 1 Partiton
> Options...
> GUID Partition Table
> OK
> Name: Macintosh HD
> Format: Mac OS Extended (journaled)
> Apply
> Disk Utility > Quit Disk Utility
Install OS X:
> Click on Install OS X and follow the instructions.

Used Macbook Air- How to wipe clean

I just got a used Macbook Air and I want to clean the computer so that there is nothing left over from the person who gave it to me. Can I do this myself or should I just take it to the apple store and let them clean it off for me? If I can do it myself please walk me through the steps.

The first thing you should do with a second-hand computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. How you do that depends on the model. Look it up on this page to see what version was originally installed.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) installation disc, which you can get from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller — not from eBay or anything of the kind. If the machine has less than 1 GB of memory, you'll need to add more in order to install 10.6. I suggest you install as much memory as it can take, according to the technical specifications.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the installation media that came with it: gray installation discs, or a USB flash drive for some MacBook Air models. If you don't have the media, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To boot from an optical disc or a flash drive, insert it, then reboot and hold down the C key at the startup chime. Release the key when you see the gray Apple logo on the screen.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, you don't need media. It should boot into Internet Recovery mode when you hold down the key combination option-command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a spinning globe.
Once booted from the disc or in Internet Recovery, launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the internal drive — not any of the volume icons nested beneath it. In the Partition tab, select the default options: a GUID partition table with one data volume in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. This operation will permanently remove all existing data on the drive, which is what you should do.
After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. When the installation is done, the system will automatically reboot into the Setup Assistant, which will prompt you to transfer the data from another Mac, its backups, or from a Windows computer. If you have any data to transfer, this is usually the best time to do it.
You should then run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. If you want to upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, get it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the previous owner. He or she can't legally transfer it to you, and without the Apple ID you won't be able to update it in Software Update or reinstall, if that becomes necessary. The same goes for any App Store products that the previous owner installed — you have to repurchase them.
If the previous owner "accepted" the bundled iLife applications (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) in the App Store so that he or she could update them, then they're linked to that Apple ID and you won't be able to download them without buying them. Reportedly, Apple customer service has sometimes issued redemption codes for these apps to second owners who asked.
If the previous owner didn't deauthorize the computer in the iTunes Store under his Apple ID, you wont be able toauthorize it under your ID. In that case, contact iTunes Support.

Can I use macbook air for ios app development?

I would like to know if i can use macbook air for ios app development or macbook pro is only option?

Just to reinforce what shldr2thewheel says - be very sure what size memory you want if you get a Macbook Air. There is *no* way to change after purchase. My advice is to go for the 4GB option - especially if you want to do app development.
The internal storage (solid state drive) of the Air can be upgraded if required but it will probably be an expensive option. If you don't think the storage will be enough then maybe using a USB connected drive to hold non-essential files is an option.
As to deciding between the Air and Pro you are basically making a decision between portability (Air) and expandability/bigger screens (Pro). What is more important to you?
Mark

HEY, i have some issue i am using macbook air i5...the problem is that without doing anything 1.5gb of ram out of 2gb always in use ..please help me how to make it normal.

HEY, i have some issue i am using macbook air i5...the problem is that without doing anything 1.5gb of ram out of 2gb always in use ..please help me how to make it normal....
and my battery back up is max 3 to 3.5 hours in normal use with web ....is this normal or need some betterment!!!!

ADEEL UR REHMAN wrote:
...the problem is that without doing anything 1.5gb of ram out of 2gb always in use
No computer can do a thing without using memory. 1.5 GB is very little. It's normal.
3 or so hours from a full charge may also be normal, for what you are doing. As batteries age, they don't last as long on a full charge as they did when they were new. All batteries eventually wear out, and are easily replaceable.

I bought a used macbook air, it didn't come with the flash drive to do a factory reset. Can I download the info needed and save it to my own flash drive and then do a factory reset? If not what can I do?

I bought a used macbook air, it didn't come with the flash drive to do a factory reset. Can I download the info needed and save it to my own flash drive and then do a factory reset? If not what can I do?

If it originally shipped with Mac OS X 10.6.8 or earlier, click here, phone Apple, and order a replacement.
If it originally shipped with Mac OS X 10.7 or newer, restart it with the Option, Command, and R keys held down.
(113079)

I bought a used macbook air, with reinstalled the OS without iMovie. How can I get iMovie on App free of charge as a default in macbook air ?

I bought a used macbook air, with reinstalled the OS without iMovie. How can I get iMovie on App free of charge as a default in macbook air ?

Unfortunately, as recommended by the lady from CA, as long as the Mac is still associated with the Apple ID of the original owner, you can't even buy those iLife apps with that Mac. You will always get the alert to download them with the original owner's Apple ID.
As suggested by the chavo from España, you need the original owner to contact Apple Care* and request that the OS and the iLife apps be disassociated from his Apple ID. Then you should be free to OS X Recovery to resinstall the most recent version of OS X that shipped with the Mac and install the iLife apps. Afterward, before using any of the iLife apps you need to open the Mac App Store (MAS) to the Purchases pane and Accept these apps into your MAS account's Apple ID. If you use any of the iLife apps before you have accepted them into your account, as per the app's Terms of Use, they all become one-trick-ponies that can not be downloaded onto another Mac or updated.
OS X Recovery -
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718
*If you bought the Mac from a 2nd hand shop and don't have access to the original owner, you may need to provide Apple a purchase receipt to offer proof of sale.

I am using macbook air, after upgrading to os x mavericks, i am not able to mount my 1 tb seagate go flex hard drive , any solutions , also iPhoto is not upgrading , every time i try to upgrade, it shows an error.....

i am using macbook air, after upgrading to os x mavericks, i am not able to mount my seagate 1 TB go flex hard drive, also iphoto upgrades crashes mid way ... what to do ?

What exactly crashes? iPhoto upgrades to a library or the application?
What format is the external HD?
OT

When i update my facebook status using macbook air. It should say "updated via Apple Macbook Air". How is it possible?

When i update my facebook status using macbook air. It should say "updated via Apple Macbook Air". How is it possible?

It's upto Facebook to put tags like that or People can post API keys to allow you to post using 'updated via Apple Macbook Air'.

Used MacBook Air came with admin password that I cannot change.

I bought a used MacBook Air that came with an administrator password, and someone's name in the upper right corner, and I cannot change it. He didn't have the password either.

Here's how to reset the password. Once in, I would reload Lion and start fresh.
http://osxdaily.com/2011/08/24/reset-mac-os-x-10-7-lion-password/

Used macbook air, trouble downloading iphoto with my apple id

I bought a used macbook air and want to download iphoto, but it was downloaded previously with a different apple id by the previous owner. It says I must purchase again with my id but I can't find the purchase option anywhere in the app store. It only says "accept" where it would normally say the price.

Since you bought this second hand, you will now have to contact iTS to sort out the problem. Only they can unadopt the ownership.
iTunes Store Support
http://www.apple.com/emea/support/itunes/contact.html
I'm also curious, did the previous owner manually install Lion, or did it come pre-installed that way?

What if i have a used macbook air and it has the password of the old person to logout?

what if i have a used macbook air and it has the password of the old person to logout?

You need to completely repartition the drive and install a suitable version of OS X that you own. What is the exact year and model of this MBA you have? Did it come with installer discs? If it's a 2010 or later model you can accomplish this using Internet Recover: About OS X Recovery.
Install Mavericks, Lion/Mountain Lion Using Internet Recovery
Be sure you backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive because the following procedure will remove everything from the hard drive.
Boot to the Internet Recovery HD:
Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND-OPTION- R keys until a globe appears on the screen. Wait patiently - 15-20 minutes - until the Recovery main menu appears.
Partition and Format the hard drive:
Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
After DU loads select your newly installed hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed. Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion. Mavericks: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion, Mavericks and click on the Install button. Be sure to select the correct drive to use if you have more than one.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.
This should restore the version of OS X originally pre-installed on the computer.

Bought used macbook air and do not have previous users password. how do i change admin settings without that?

I have purchased a used Macbook Air and am trying to clear previous user account data from system. Previous user gave me his password but it does not work and he has no other ideas. If/can I reboot somehow and not loose the programs that he had installed?
System is MacBook Air 11-inch Mid 2011
1.6 Ghz Intel Core i5 processor
Memory 2GB
Graphics Intel HD 3000 288 MB
Software OS X 10.8.3 (12D78)

You have to erase the drive and reinstall under your ID etc.
Previous user gave me his password but it does not work and he has no other ideas. If/can I reboot somehow and not loose the programs that he had installed?
Unless you bought those programs under your account they are not yours and you have no rights to use them, you will also be unable to upgrade or reinstall them.

Using macbook air in clamshell mode

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