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Closed lid = Melting the screen?

W

WaterW0lf

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 28, 2011
23
0
I got a Macbook Pro 15" 2011, and a external monitor. I really want to have a closed lid to make more room.

The computer gets rather hot, when I work in my intensive applications, and I don't want to melt my screen. So the question: Is it recommended to have the lit closed, and still work on the external monitor?
 
WaterW0lf said:
I got a Macbook Pro 15" 2011, and a external monitor. I really want to have a closed lid to make more room.

The computer gets rather hot, when I work in my intensive applications, and I don't want to melt my screen. So the question: Is it recommended to have the lit closed, and still work on the external monitor?
Click to expand...

Its perfectly safe to use it with the lid closed.
 
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The MBP doesn't generate temperatures high enough to melt glass. I use mine mainly with the lid closed while using an external screen.
 
Well actually, I did what you did with a 2010 MBP, and the trackpad actually "imprinted" itself onto the screen (theres a faint but still visible outline of the trackpad). This was the glossy screen. Took it to the apple store to get it fixed, so they replaced my whole screen, but it happened again so I just said whatever and let it melt the screen. Not much you can do about it.
 
I have the NON-glossy screen. I dont think I have a glass infron of the screen. Or do I ?
 
If you got the matte display you paid extra for it. How could you possibly not know? Can you see yourself in the screen?
 
As for operating your computer in clamshell mode; I personally would not do this but many people will tell you to go ahead. Will it break your computer or melt your screen (lol)? Generally, no. However, the keyboard provides some ventilation for your computer so it will indeed run hotter with the lid closed.
 
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WaterW0lf said:
I have the NON-glossy screen. I dont think I have a glass infron of the screen. Or do I ?
Click to expand...

If you have the screen protector/keyboard cover that it ships with just leave it there when working with the lid closed. I left mine in there on my MBPi5 and it has not left a mark after 10 months.
 
gakuran hitori said:
As for operating your computer in clamshell mode; I personally would not do this but many people will tell you to go ahead. Will it break your computer or melt your screen (lol)? Generally, no. However, the keyboard provides some ventilation for your computer so it will indeed run hotter with the lid closed.
Click to expand...

The keyboard is cut off from the mother board. The keyboard has no play in ventilation.
 
Macsavvytech said:
The keyboard is cut off from the mother board. The keyboard has no play in ventilation.
Click to expand...

The keyboard exposes more surface area and so the computer cools faster. Heat does not have to travel through the screen to dissipate into the surrounding air.
 
gakuran hitori said:
As for operating your computer in clamshell mode; I personally would not do this but many people will tell you to go ahead. Will it break your computer or melt your screen (lol)? Generally, no. However, the keyboard provides some ventilation for your computer so it will indeed run hotter with the lid closed.
Click to expand...
The keyboard provides no ventilation at all. All the hot air is funneled through the fans on the back.
 
gakuran hitori said:
As for operating your computer in clamshell mode; I personally would not do this but many people will tell you to go ahead.
Click to expand...
Apple wouldn't give instructions on how to use clamshell mode if it was in any way potentially harmful to your Mac.
Apple Portables: How to use your computer in closed clamshell (display closed) mode with an external display
There's simply no reason not to use clamshell mode, if you have a need for it.
gakuran hitori said:
Will it break your computer or melt your screen (lol)? Generally, no.
Click to expand...
Not "Generally, no." Absolutely no!
gakuran hitori said:
However, the keyboard provides some ventilation for your computer so it will indeed run hotter with the lid closed.
Click to expand...
There is no ventilation through the keyboard, which has a solid sheet under it to prevent airflow. All ventilation is through the rear, near the hinge. While heat radiates in all directions, including the keyboard and base, these are not used for ventilation and are not the primary methods for cooling a Mac notebook.
 
Leave part way open

gakuran hitori said:
Okay, fair enough. I was wrong :eek:
Click to expand...

If you are worried do not close it all the way. My 17" MBP 2010 model will close to about a finger width of the keyboard and the the screen goes off and my external 32" stays on. Problem solved.
 
No it wont melt. LOL. But if it bothers u fashion some sort flat rigid sheet of something to place in between with rubber feet of course to give it a gap. Sounds like the old plastic cover on the nice leather couch though.
 
BluAffiliate said:
Well actually, I did what you did with a 2010 MBP, and the trackpad actually "imprinted" itself onto the screen (theres a faint but still visible outline of the trackpad). This was the glossy screen. Took it to the apple store to get it fixed, so they replaced my whole screen, but it happened again so I just said whatever and let it melt the screen. Not much you can do about it.
Click to expand...

I would CARE if I spent so much on a Mac Book Pro and to have a imprint on it...NO I WOULD NOT LIVE with it..Not sure why you would...I would get it replaced right away...I dont understand how ppl here can say NOT MUCH I can do or I will live with it...if its broken take in to get it fixed SIMPLE as that...cheers!
 
WaterW0lf said:
I got a Macbook Pro 15" 2011, and a external monitor. I really want to have a closed lid to make more room.

The computer gets rather hot, when I work in my intensive applications, and I don't want to melt my screen. So the question: Is it recommended to have the lit closed, and still work on the external monitor?
Click to expand...

Plastic will liquify around 200C.

It might start to warp at a lower temperature, but considering the 2011 MBP's screen is protected by glass... and the plastic used in the keyboard's keys isn't warping, and those keys are much closer to the CPU and GPU than the screen ever would be...

No worries.

simsaladimbamba's link is good to read as well. :)

But others do make a good suggestion, if you're so inclined, to put something in between keyboard and monitor...

----------
cirus said:
The keyboard exposes more surface area and so the computer cools faster. Heat does not have to travel through the screen to dissipate into the surrounding air.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I'd keep the lid up, for that reason. The more ventilation (in general) the better. Anything that traps are is not going to be good...
 
Mac-Tech said:
I would CARE if I spent so much on a Mac Book Pro and to have a imprint on it...NO I WOULD NOT LIVE with it..Not sure why you would...I would get it replaced right away...I dont understand how ppl here can say NOT MUCH I can do or I will live with it...if its broken take in to get it fixed SIMPLE as that...cheers!
Click to expand...
Don't tell me what to do.
 
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