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How Many Use the cMBP 15 as a Desktop?

R

Radiating

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Dec 29, 2011
1,018
7
Just wondering, how many of you use a cMBP 15 as a desktop? Meaning you keep it in clam shell mode 90% of the time.

How have you found the experience?

Is Bluetooth, and heat dissipation good?

What about fan noise? Are they always running?

I'm considering getting a cMBP as a desktop replacement just to clear out some desk space. I looked at the Mac Mini but it doesn't have the performance I'm looking for due to the lack of discreet graphics, and I'm using my own high end display so the iMac is out too.
 
Radiating said:
Just wondering, how many of you use a cMBP 15 as a desktop? Meaning you keep it in clam shell mode 90% of the time.

How have you found the experience?

Is Bluetooth, and heat dissipation good?

What about fan noise? Are they always running?

I'm considering getting a cMBP as a desktop replacement just to clear out some desk space. I looked at the Mac Mini but it doesn't have the performance I'm looking for due to the lack of discreet graphics, and I'm using my own high end display so the iMac is out too.
Click to expand...

I use my 15" cMBP in clamshell mode maybe 50% of the time. It kind of depends really. I have my monitor + trackpad and keyboard on my desk, but other times I like laying on the couch/bed and using it (like now).

I've had no problems with bluetooth or heat dissipation. I think the fans only began running when I tried playing a game.

I also have the i7 quad core mini, but that got relegated to HTPC duty.

Great computers, both of them.
 
I use mine in clamshell mode about 25% of the time but mostly keep it open. It's kept open for a variety of reasons such as allowing the display to be on and often turning on the backlit keyboard. I switch back and forth.

I do this just to give it some exercise. Kind of like running your car at 6o MPH every once in a while because it helps keep it in tune. So to speak.
 
i got a 2010 cmbp that runs in clamshell 100% in the garage i use it for my beat labratory with a plain monitor connected to it
 
I have a 2011 15" which is in clamshell mode ~25% of the time - used with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and it's perfect.

Heat dissipation also seems fine, nothing unusual. I do have it on a Rain mStand which may improve air circulation.
 
2012 cMBP, hooked up maybe 60-70% of the time as it's hooked up to my ASUS 23in 1080p Monitor in the dorm. Use a plain-jane logitech wireless mouse and a wired apple keyboard with numeric pad.
 
Early 2008, over 35K operating hours it`s spent the vast majority of it`s working life in the dual-view desktop role, running 24/7. It`s been through the Middle East, Tropics and now on the way to the sub Tropics, still runs great on SL; Apple Bluetooth keyboard & Magic Trackpad.
 
I also use my 15" in clamshell (all the time) and had no problems. I put it in the twelve south bookarc 95% of the time. Other 5% would be when I'm doing some more intesive work - then I put the MBP flat on the desk with the lid slightly lifted (just so the internal display doesn't turn on) - I don't really know if it's needed or I'm just being over protective:)
Anyways I didn't notice fans working loudly (by loudly I mean that I notice them working) except maybe for when I have 10 apps opened with flash videos on youtube playing or when I'm watching some high def movies. Other than that (like in Photoshop or InDesign) the fans stay quiet.
I've tested the bookarc mode just now: if I use Photoshop, inDesign, Word, Safari & iTunes with the MBP in the bookarc then the fans do kick up sometimes, but only for a minute or two, then they go quiet after doing their job:)
As for the bluetooth: When I had a Dell display I noticed that:
when I turned the MBP > plugged in the display > closed the lid > turned the trackpad on - sometimes it wouldn't "catch up" and I had to open the lid and manually connect it. Thus the best way was to turn the trackpad on before or just after turning on the MBP. But since I have had the TDB I didn't notice this inconvenience.
 
I have a 2012 cmpb that's basically in clamshell mode when I'm in my apt all the time. The only time it's not is when I go to class with it. While in clamshell mode, I have it sitting on a laptop cooler, which I turn on when needed for games and high def videos. Usually, during normal usage like work, web browsing, and sometimes netflix streams it runs fine. Don't really hear the fans hum unless the room is warm.
I have plugged to it a dell 24 inch widescreen via mini-display port, usb hub, and speakers, M10. Often I have a portable hd plugged in for time machine or other stuff. The hub has my blackwidow keyboard and cyborg rat 7 mouse plugged in. The hub also has its own power supply. Never had any issues with my setup.
 
13" 2011 Core i5 here. In closed clamshell mode 99% of the time. Fans aren't audible in the quiet room, except when using handbrake, when I open the lid to allow better cooling. The fans do seem to be noisier if its under load and shut.

Also have a 2012 i7 13" at work. In closed clamshell 99% of the time. No issues.

Both using Apple Bluetooth keyboard and Bluetooth Magic Mouse. No issues with pairing from sleep or power off.

Hope this helps.
 
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