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Cheetah223 · Jan 5, 2005, 07:50 PM

I've seen a few pics of it before, but can't figure out how to pull it off. How do you run a Powerbook with an external monitor (that part's easy) and have the Powerbook closed but still operating?

gobears · Jan 5, 2005, 08:36 PM

if you plug in an external USB keyboard while the computer is asleep, closed, and has an external monitor connected, you should be able to use it closed - I don't do it because I'm afraid of screen/heat damage though it would be sweet to drive my 19" LCD with all 64 mb of vram

Cheetah223 · Jan 5, 2005, 08:57 PM

That's it? Heh, that seems a lot easier than I was expecting. Does that work if the keyboard's plugged in through the monitor's USB? I'd assume so since it's just a hub, but it's worth asking.

anamexis · Jan 5, 2005, 11:23 PM

Originally posted by gobears:
if you plug in an external USB keyboard while the computer is asleep, closed, and has an external monitor connected, you should be able to use it closed - I don't do it because I'm afraid of screen/heat damage though it would be sweet to drive my 19" LCD with all 64 mb of vram

The PowerBook is designed to do this quite well, and I have not heard of anyone getting screen or heat damage from running their PowerBook in clamshell mode. You should go ahead and do it.

Simon · Jan 6, 2005, 02:33 AM

Originally posted by Cheetah223:
That's it? Heh, that seems a lot easier than I was expecting. Does that work if the keyboard's plugged in through the monitor's USB? I'd assume so since it's just a hub, but it's worth asking.

Yes, I use it that way with my 20" ACD.

All you have to do is remember to plug in AC power to the PowerBook and closed-lid mode will work like a charm. As soon as there is no AC power the PowerBook will go to sleep.

iREZ · Jan 6, 2005, 12:31 PM

Connect everything and hit mouse button or keyboard key while PB is closed and it should run in clamshell mode. I know that you could keep your PB closed but after the external is running, I open up my PB just so it could cool down a bit more then if it was closed. All you really need is a usb mouse, and after the external startsup you could open up your PB and use the PB keyboard and your mouse or trackpad. It won't hurt your system and everything I do intensive Photoshop or Illustrator work, I always work in clamshell mode to dedicate all of my measley 32MB of VRAM (12" Rev B) to one screen.

Cheetah223 · Jan 6, 2005, 05:10 PM

Hmm, I'm probably gonna get a bluetooth mouse, but who knows. Thanks for clearing it up for me though.

Marid · Jan 6, 2005, 05:30 PM

I have a BT mouse and keyboard. I start my PB up and then close the lid. It goes to sleep. All I need to do is touch a key or the mouse and my PB will fire right up.

BTW, the Logitech MX900 is pretty good but it has to be charged every three days or so. Why they didn't put a power switch on it is a mystery. It works well in games, but not so good for very fine work. I wish Logitech would support it with their software.

My Apple BT Keyboard is still running fine on the original batteries (more than six months so far).

Cheetah223 · Jan 6, 2005, 05:59 PM

So they don't have to be USB then? If BT'll work I'll definately get that, wire's are the spawn of satan.

tooki · Jan 6, 2005, 06:52 PM

Originally posted by gobears:
if you plug in an external USB keyboard while the computer is asleep, closed, and has an external monitor connected, you should be able to use it closed - I don't do it because I'm afraid of screen/heat damage though it would be sweet to drive my 19" LCD with all 64 mb of vram

The last PowerBook model that relied on the screen being open for cooling was made in 1998. Your AlBook will work just fine closed, with no damage.

(In fact, no current Mac will allow itself to overheat to the point of damage; if running the fans can't cool it enough, it will go into sleep mode until it's cooled off enough.)

tooki

gobears · Jan 6, 2005, 07:22 PM

well I'll be... hehe I just reviewed the manual on the powerbook and it says it's okay - COOL!

johnzoidberg · Jan 6, 2005, 07:26 PM

Is it possible to run a PowerBook with an external display, mouse, and keyboard, while the lid is still open, and is external display is the only one being used, while the built-in display is off?

ddma · Jan 6, 2005, 07:41 PM

Originally posted by johnzoidberg:
Is it possible to run a PowerBook with an external display, mouse, and keyboard, while the lid is still open, and is external display is the only one being used, while the built-in display is off?

Yes, read iREZ message above.

Blue Flame · Jan 7, 2005, 12:20 AM

will it be fine to do this with a TiBook 500? I've got one with a gibbled screen, but if it's fine I may just get an external.....

tooki · Jan 7, 2005, 12:29 AM

Of course it is. As i said just a few lines up, only the models from 1998 and earlier can't run with the screen closed.

tooki

Blue Flame · Jan 7, 2005, 01:20 AM

Originally posted by tooki:
Of course it is. As i said just a few lines up, only the models from 1998 and earlier can't run with the screen closed.

tooki

thanks for the info.....it's my dad's old computer so i wasn't sure what year it was made, hence my question.