dell monitor

[jb007]

First post in this forum.
Questions about setting up an external dell monitor 2408.

1. Do I need to use the usb cable provided? what benefits does it provide?
2. If I want to close my macbook while still working on external monitor, how do I do this? Currently, when I close my macbook - it automatically causes my external monitor to go blank / as my macbook sleeps.

Thanks.

 

[danny_w]

I don't have a 2408 but I did have a 2005fpw.

1. The USB cable us used for the built-in USB hub. Using it will give you extra USB ports on the monitor, so that you can plug everything else into the monitor ports.

2. If you have an external keyboard and mouse you can close the lid on the laptop, wait for it to go to sleep, and then press a key or move the mouse to wake it back up. You will then be operating on external display only. Note that this only works on AC power. Also, if you have a bluetooth kbd/mouse setup you need to enable wake from sleep via bluetooth in the bluetooth menu.

 

[plinden]

The USB cable provides access to the built in USB hub on the monitor.

The laptop will always go to sleep when closing the lid, but with an external keyboard and mouse attached, pressing a key or moving the mouse will wake it up again.

Edit: what that ↑ one said.

 

[jb007]

Thanks, I had to enable the bluetooth "wake" function for my KB/Mouse.
Works well now.