andypop said:
Hello.
Is it possible to plug in a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to my Powerbook and run it CLOSED as a desktop replacement?
I do this every workday, both at work and at home. I have external USB keyboards, external USB mice, and DVI monitors in both locations. I carry Bender around in a Waterfield sleevecase with D-rings, suspension strap and piggy back. It's a very lightweight and mobile configuration.
My tricks to get it working properly:
1. plug in everything first before booting - keyboard, mouse, monitor, power, etc.
2. When you power up the system, close the lid immediately. Press the power button and shut the lid fast.
3. Make sure the system is plugged into power before booting or it won't be able to use the external monitor. Otherwise, it goes directly into sleep mode after boot. This is understandable considering what the graphic processing and power requirements must be to push an external monitor.
4. I like to power the system down between work and home. The combination of different monitor configurations and different networking configurations is enough to justify a power-down. The system just can't handle sleeping between a home config with wireless networking and a 23" monitor, and a work config with wired ethernet, several nfs mounts, and a 20" monitor. Invariably I get a system freeze of one kind or another. Plus, I also noticed that when moving from a larger monitor to smaller, the Stickies program can put Sticky notes in places inaccessible from the smaller monitor configuration. Oops.
5. Buy and USE a lock! It's worth the expense to know that your system will still be there when you get back from the restroom. It's only a second or two extra to lock up the Powerbook when I'm already plugging in power and data connectors.
6. I also bought a little keyboard cushion to cover the keys when the monitor is closed. I suppose it isn't required, but a keyboard cover separating the keys from the monitor will prevent any previously discussed issues regarding keyboard imprints on the laptop monitor. Plus, it looks cute.
7. Oh yeah. I also have elevated coolpads in both locations. Elevating the machine to allow airflow under the system seems to go a long way in cooling it. I feel no heat on the top when it's closed but running - it's all on the bottom. I rarely hear the fan kick in as a consequence.
Anne Marie