"Clamshell Mode"

I don't think it's very good for the MBP to do that, I tried for word processing and internet browsing, and the computer was really hot ! I think the air intakes come from the holes on both sides of the keyboard, so if they are obstructed, air doesn't flow well.

 

Intake & exhaust location

I've never used the clamshell mode, but the intake & exhaust are located in the hinge area (the folding area between the screen & main body).

 

Yes, but MBPs also dissipate a little heat through the keyboard. I ran my MBP in a clamshell mode for several months with no issues. Lately though it's been sitting open on my mStand so that I can use it in a dual-screen mode. This is much more convenient.

 

I use my MBP mostly in clamshell mode all day long at work. No problems and it doesn't run hot. The fans only ramp up when viewing either Flash videos (damn you Adobe!) or if you have anything blocking the hinge edge of the MBP.

To get clamshell mode working, you need to have the power adapter connected and a keyboard and mouse connected, doesn't matter if they're USB or bluetooth, at least my Magic Mouse seems to wake the laptop just fine.

So essentially just have the laptop open so it's running, then close the lid, the laptop goes to sleep and then you hit a key or mouse button on the external input devices and it wakes up.

 

does the processor, harddrive or anything else in the macbook slow down when it's in clampshell mode?
I ask because I heard that if the macbook doesn't have a battery attached, then the processor or something isn't used at its full potential.

 

If nothing else - just dim the display and lower the lid most of the way.

 

Clamshell mode won't hurt it a bit, I use it on and off in it and it runs great.

So far been 3 months or so doing it.

If it hurt the computers Apple would have disabled it by now since Powerbooks have been able to do this...