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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > MacBook with external display?

MacBook with external display?
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JMan09
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Jan 21, 2011, 11:07 PM
 
I just got a Dell 23.5 inch HD monitor to use with my MacBook in my sig. Which it works great with, the MacBook recognized it right after I plugged it all in.
But my question is using the external display with the MacBook being left open and the screen off?

I searched and saw that it can be done by closing the lid and awakening it with an external keyboard or mouse, then you can open the screen and it will stay off.

Is there any other way to do this without opening and closing the lid each time? I want to leave the screen open since I get better wifi with open.

Or should I try to relocate the router and leave the screen closed?
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chabig
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Jan 22, 2011, 02:18 AM
 
I don't think there is any way to do what you want to do.
     
ajprice
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Jan 22, 2011, 06:28 AM
 
Leave the screen open and use it as a 2nd display, it's what I do with my MacBook and Dell 2407 24". You can switch in the display settings between the desktop being mirrored and displaying separate screens.

It'll be much easier if you just comply.
     
brassplayersrock²
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Jan 22, 2011, 06:51 AM
 
or also put it into mirrored and turn the brightness down all the way on the mb.
     
JMan09  (op)
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Jan 23, 2011, 03:32 AM
 
Thanks for the suggestions, I didn't think there was any way to do it. Currently I'm using it as the 2nd screen but with menus and dock on the external, and also turn down the brightness on the MacBook.
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Spheric Harlot
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Jan 23, 2011, 06:01 AM
 
Just close it to connect the external monitor and wake it up, and then open it back up when it's running.

Mirroring won't work, as that limits the resolution to the smaller of the two displays AFAIK.

Nothing like running an external 24" monitor at 1280 x 800.
     
Salty
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Jan 30, 2011, 03:31 AM
 
Or better yet, get a better WiFi router...
     
sixstringsg
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Feb 15, 2011, 12:21 AM
 
There's an app called secondbar that can put the menu bar on both if you want it to be.
     
   
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