[Chimpmaster]

Hi,

I have searched thoroughly and realise this question has been discussed in depth about the older models.

But with the brand new G4 ibook, the 12" model for example, can you plug it into an external LCD monitor (via the vga adaptor) and run it with the lid closed, using a bluetooth keyboard and mouse (assuming you have the bluetooth module installed)?

I cant seem to find hard evidence either way in the mac forums both here and at apple support.

My intention is to use the ibook when on the road, then dock it at my workstation, plugged into my firewire superdrive and hard disk, usb printer & scanner, and operate it with a bluetooth mouse & keyboard and view it with an external 17" LCD monitor via the vga display adaptor.

Can this be done? Ive done it before with pc laptops and the like. I know in the old days powerbooks could do this and ibooks couldnt, but has this changed with the new release?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[pat++]

I suspect this is a PowerBook feature only... Not sure though, but they only talk about PowerBooks here :

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300562

[jld]

I looked for some info the other day about this. The only info I could find regarding clamshell mode was for the Dual USB white iBook (circa 2001), and it said it was definitely not recommended.

You can see the info here.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=88199

Granted this info is old, but I probably wouldn't recommend it.

[gcvt]

Current iBooks are designed to vent heat through the keyboard, thus running them with the lid closed is not recommended.

[SkaGoat]

I don't think current iBooks are designed this way, it's not really that smart, because it won't cool down right away so if you've just been working the notebook hard and the close the lid to let it sleep, it would still kill stuff while it's asleep.

also my keyboard doesn't even get warm while in operation, and all the vents are on the back, or side. I'd assume the only reason it doesn't allow you to run it closed is because the PowerBook does.

But if you are concerned about heat, run a program that will allow you to keep an eye on temps.

[damosan]

Originally Posted by Chimpmaster

Hi,

I have searched thoroughly and realise this question has been discussed in depth about the older models.

I think it's a PB feature. Having said that you can pop the lid like an inch or so and get the same effect can't you?

[Chimpmaster]

Originally Posted by damosan

I think it's a PB feature. Having said that you can pop the lid like an inch or so and get the same effect can't you?

Originally Posted by damosan

I think it's a PB feature. Having said that you can pop the lid like an inch or so and get the same effect can't you?

Yeah good point.

Well I purchased yesterday and went for the 14" model anyway, so screen size isnt a major issue and I wont worry about an external monitor for now.

Sometime in the future perhaps though

[MARINEOSX]

There is a hack that opens the feature in the iBook I have used it. It also opens up spanning as well it is nice to have a second monitor running to give you more work space. It even will work with a TV too. Look for the hacks via google or what ever search engine you prefer and you will find it. It was on this site as well. That is where I got it. Sorry I can't remember. I also run 1.128 GB of ram so heat is even more of an issue for me. I personally have not had probs. Not to say that you will or will not.

[tooki]

Originally Posted by gcvt

Current iBooks are designed to vent heat through the keyboard, thus running them with the lid closed is not recommended.

Just rumor. No doubt some heat does dissipate that way, but the last Apple laptop designed to vent through the keyboard was in 1998.

tooki

[Chimpmaster]

Originally Posted by tooki

Just rumor. No doubt some heat does dissipate that way, but the last Apple laptop designed to vent through the keyboard was in 1998.

tooki

Hmm thanks for the info guys. This is something I will look into further down the track.