Do YOU use your MacBook as a "desktop"??

[DoFoT9]

Wait a minute...Are you telling me I can use my Macbook with say a wireless mouse and keyboard while my macbook itself is closed?!

I ask now cause I just hooked up my Macbook to my 37in. HDTV and looks amazing. I have the Macbook connected to the TV using an audio cable and also a mini dvi to dvi cable + dvi to hdmi cable.

I think it looks amazing and wouldn't mind using my HDTV as my computer...but I can do this with the Macbook closed?

Like I mentioned, I've just hooked up the Mac to the TV and last night watched a movie from Hulu.com and looked awesome. I tried surfing the web too but if I'm using the Mac's keyboard and trackpad might as well only use the Macbook...but....

!!!!!

?????

ya its easy, just plug/connect all of the wireless/wired peices when the computer is turned on, connect the monitor aswell. put the lid down on your MB, when it goes to sleep click your mouse or press the keyboard and it will turn back on, detecting only the external monitor.!yays

 

[HappyDude20]

Awesome! I might actually give this a try.

I just need to get a hold of a wireless keyboard and mouse. Thanks! eBay here we come!

I saw at Fry's a wireless mouse and keyboard for $30, but I don't want t spend that much this time around.

 

[bob2131]

i dont understand the concept of someone having a macbook.......
and then hooking up a external qwerty keyboard.......and monitor??

why dont they just buy a desktop??????

so the laptop would just be folded up and connected to big monitor screen and proper qwert keyboard???

am i missing something here??

 

[Itogator]

i dont understand the concept of someone having a macbook.......
and then hooking up a external qwerty keyboard.......and monitor??

why dont they just buy a desktop??????

so the laptop would just be folded up and connected to big monitor screen and proper qwert keyboard???

am i missing something here??

Here is why I do it:

Most of the time, I don't need to take my macbook with me so I use it as a desktop because it is much more comfortable. When I need to take it with me, I just unplug it and go. This way, I get the best of both worlds.

 

[bob2131]

Here is why I do it:

Most of the time, I don't need to take my macbook with me so I use it as a desktop because it is much more comfortable. When I need to take it with me, I just unplug it and go. This way, I get the best of both worlds.

so.........when you use it as a desktop.........are you not just happy using the laptop(with its built in screen and keys)...? .......

actually that sounds kinda cool!!

but wouldnt a mac monitor and keyboard and mouse = EXPENSIVE = like same almost the price of an imac?

so can you use ANY monitor.......or does it have to be an apple one??????

is it possible to get an external monitor........but still use the keyboard on the laptop......but disabling the laptop screen...........?

 

[DoFoT9]

so.........when you use it as a desktop.........are you not just happy using the laptop(with its built in screen and keys)...? .......

actually that sounds kinda cool!!

but wouldnt a mac monitor and keyboard and mouse = EXPENSIVE = like same almost the price of an imac?

so can you use ANY monitor.......or does it have to be an apple one??????

is it possible to get an external monitor........but still use the keyboard on the laptop......but disabling the laptop screen...........?

yes you can most definately do all of those things that you asked. macs arent only compatible with only other mac products. you can plug ANY monitor/keyboard/mouse into them. haha

 

[Techguy172]

so.........when you use it as a desktop.........are you not just happy using the laptop(with its built in screen and keys)...? .......

actually that sounds kinda cool!!

but wouldnt a mac monitor and keyboard and mouse = EXPENSIVE = like same almost the price of an imac?

so can you use ANY monitor.......or does it have to be an apple one??????

is it possible to get an external monitor........but still use the keyboard on the laptop......but disabling the laptop screen...........?

It does not have to be an apple display I would recommend Dell as an alternative. Yes you can use your Laptop's keyboard while the screen is off.

 

[bob2131]

It does not have to be an apple display I would recommend Dell as an alternative. Yes you can use your Laptop's keyboard while the screen is off.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

nice

how would i turn off the laptop screen? and just use the laptop qwerty...........(with external monitor)

external montior would run from the mains right? and not from macbook.....

 

[Techguy172]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

nice

how would i turn off the laptop screen? and just use the laptop qwerty...........(with external monitor)

external montior would run from the mains right? and not from macbook.....

Turn off your Mac plug the Monitor in close the Screen then once it fully loads open the Screen and the MacBook Screen Will remain off.

 

[bob2131]

Turn off your Mac plug the Monitor in close the Screen then once it fully loads open the Screen and the MacBook Screen Will remain off.

dude you need to put full stops in or commas.........

1 turn off mac
2 plug macbook to monitor
3 close the screen? its already closed as its turned off...........
4 fully loads? when do you swith it on...........

sorry.........can you be more clear please..............will this work with ALL models of external monitors????

what kind of wiring would i need???? one wire from macbook to my external monitor??????????????

 

[DoFoT9]

dude you need to put full stops in or commas.........

1 turn off mac
2 plug macbook to monitor
3 close the screen? its already closed as its turned off...........
4 fully loads? when do you swith it on...........

sorry.........can you be more clear please..............will this work with ALL models of external monitors????

what kind of wiring would i need???? one wire from macbook to my external monitor??????????????

youd do it like this...
1. plug in external screen make sure its on
2. plug in extneral keyboard/mouse
3. put laptop to sleep (make sure lid is down).
4. click mouse/hit keyboard button.

wala! its done.

youd need to purchase a mini-DVI to dvi converter (or a mini-DVI to VGA converter if your monitor is analogue). id recommend a DVI screen, get one of those.. its easier.

all monitors can be plugged into it, you just need the right converter cable.

 

[jmb667]

This is what I'm doing with mine, too. I have a 22" Hanns-G monitor that I run mini-DVI to VGA for the monitor (I don't use the monitor's DVI because my game consoles are plugged into that) and also have a Apple wireless keyboard and Mighty Mouse. Most of the time I use the Macbook independently, but it's nice to have the flexibility and size if I'm doing any photo work or multi-window work.

 

[ki2594]

i dont understand the concept of someone having a macbook.......
and then hooking up a external qwerty keyboard.......and monitor??

why dont they just buy a desktop??????

so the laptop would just be folded up and connected to big monitor screen and proper qwert keyboard???

am i missing something here??

My MacBook is my only personal computer. I got a laptop because i wanted my only computer to be able to be on the go. But the MacBook also has a good amount of power under the hood, so why cant it be used as both a portable when on the road, and a desktop when at home? Then you have a 2 in 1 which is great especially when its your lone computer. And the more pixels the better, no? I do a lot of Photoshop stuff in my spare time along with video editing and the more extra screen (i don't know how to word that), the better.

 

[ki2594]

And just a follow up, i am actually quite surprised at how many people actually do use there MacBook's as desktops!

 

[CWallace]

My 15" MacBook Pro has replaced both my 24" iMac and MacBook. I use it in desktop (closed lid) mode driving a 24" Dell with an Apple Aluminum Keyboard and wireless Mighty Mouse.

 

[bob2131]

this is all actually a really good idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the new apple qwerty keyboard is like WOW!!!!!!! so getting a big screen and apple keyboard.......is like using an apple desktop.........and then you can also unlug laptop and walk around the house..........

im really feeling this idea........ive been bedroom bound for 3 years with my deskop pc........buying a laptop never crossed my mind until one too many pc probs......

by the way....this forum is briliant.

 

[ki2594]

this is all actually a really good idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the new apple qwerty keyboard is like WOW!!!!!!! so getting a big screen and apple keyboard.......is like using an apple desktop.........and then you can also unlug laptop and walk around the house..........

im really feeling this idea........ive been bedroom bound for 3 years with my deskop pc........buying a laptop never crossed my mind until one too many pc probs......

by the way....this forum is briliant.

loll
i know it is a great idea and thats why if i ever run into the situation again that i can only have one main computer, it'd be a laptop that i'd use as a laptop AND a desktop.

I LOVEE the wireless keyboard. REALLY nice, idk how there gonna top it in there next keyboards

 

[bob2131]

loll
i know it is a great idea and thats why if i ever run into the situation again that i can only have one main computer, it'd be a laptop that i'd use as a laptop AND a desktop.

I LOVEE the wireless keyboard. REALLY nice, idk how there gonna top it in there next keyboards

wireless keyboard = no number pad.....number pad is the fastest way to type number just by touch.....also wireless = eats battery more of laptop....and also....say if the battery in the wireless keys dies.....and the shops are closed....

 

[DoFoT9]

wireless keyboard = no number pad.....number pad is the fastest way to type number just by touch.....also wireless = eats battery more of laptop....and also....say if the battery in the wireless keys dies.....and the shops are closed....

yea no number pad is a big down, lucky i have the old wireless

wireless eats laptop battery?? its only bluetooth its not gonna eat that much, maybe 30 minutes at the most.

get rechargable batteries for your wireless keyboard. its the best and easiest way. yes they may cost a bit initially but once you have them its way worth it.

 

[jjahshik32]

I use my macbook + 23" ACD in desktop mode probably 90%-95% of the time. It works great and especially with the macbook in closed clamshell mode it works like a charm.

 

[ki2594]

wireless keyboard = no number pad.....number pad is the fastest way to type number just by touch.....also wireless = eats battery more of laptop....and also....say if the battery in the wireless keys dies.....and the shops are closed....

I don't really need the number pad which is one reason i got the wireless. I also love portability. And i have plenty of packed batteries around the house. The battery life on it is great so its not a big deal. Also my MacBook is always on the charger when i'm using it with the external display, speakers, keyboard, and mouse.

And I already have a usb hub so i wouldn't need the usb's in the wired version.

 

[Jeonat]

Yes, it just sits on my desk with a mouse and bus-powered external hard drive attached to it and works great. When I want to go anywhere I can just sling all of the above in my bag and away I go!

It's great for desk use, not so good for portable use now it's over 2 years old and the battery is starting to die. Time for a new one at some point soon, I think.

I used to have an iMac and then I almost never used the MacBook at home, but sold the iMac and now just have the portable.

 

[zerolol]

Yes Its in desktop mode

 

[AAPLaday]

I suspect a lot of MBs/MBPs are used as a desktop replacement.