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How NOT to put the MBP to Sleep when closing the Lid

M

manapple

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 28, 2011
59
0
Okay, so how do I ensure that the MBP is still running and continuing operations even when I put down the lid of the computer. This is important, cause my work involves downloading large files all day, and I leave the comp on and I dont want the screen to gather dust as the lid is open. Then everyday it gets dusty.

thanks.
 
Attaching an external display allows it be used with the lid closed, so I'd assume temperatures won't raise that much?
 
Attaching an external display allows it be used with the lid closed, so I'd assume temperatures won't rise that much?
 
GGJstudios said:
The air venting is located in the rear, near the hinge. Apple notebooks are designed to operate in clamshell mode, with the lid closed. There is no airflow through the keyboard. It also doesn't hurt the screen at all.
Click to expand...

This is true. I have my MBP in clamshell right now at the office and it's been that way for several months. I use it everyday and there is nothing wrong with it all.
 
GGJstudios said:
The air venting is located in the rear, near the hinge. Apple notebooks are designed to operate in clamshell mode, with the lid closed. There is no airflow through the keyboard. It also doesn't hurt the screen at all.
Click to expand...

Good to know! I read different from other sources. So i guess other sources were wrong.
 
svkrzn said:
Good to know! I read different from other sources. So i guess other sources were wrong.
Click to expand...
There's a solid sheet under the keyboard, preventing any meaningful airflow. The fans, intake and exhaust are all located near the hinge, close to the primary furnaces, the CPU and GPU. This basic layout is essentially the same for all Apple notebooks.

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Thanks for the explanation GGJstudios. This site is where i got the wrong info:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=9373772
and here:
http://osxdaily.com/2010/04/15/how-...lid-closed-and-hooked-to-an-external-monitor/
Important notes on running a MacBook or MacBook Pro with the lid closed in clamshell mode:
Both the MacBook and MacBook Pro use the keyboard as a way to aid in the dissipation of heat, keeping the machine in clamshell mode reduces the cooling efficiency so be sure that the MacBook/Pro has adequate ventilation otherwise. The ideal situation of running a Mac with the lid closed is to use a laptop stand or something similar that increases the airflow around the machine. Insuring adequate airflow will reduce the likelihood of the machine overheating. You may notice the fans on your machine running more often when the computer is operating with the lid closed.
Click to expand...

Some people say the heat dissipates through the speakers and keyboard.. Plus with insomniax if you close the lid the screen remains enabled generating more heat. THat's different if you use your MBP in clamshell mode without insomniax because if you close the lid the screen turns off.
 
svkrzn said:
Some people say the heat dissipates through the speakers and keyboard.. Plus with insomniax if you close the lid the screen remains enabled generating more heat. THat's different if you use your MBP in clamshell mode without insomniax because if you close the lid the screen turns off.
Click to expand...
Heat radiates through the keyboard just like it does through the solid base, but neither is used for heat venting. All venting that is required to keep the notebook cool is located at the rear, near the hinge. I'm sure you know by now that not everyone who posts in a forum knows what they're talking about.

The display of the MBP generates no measurable heat, so running with the display on and the lid closed still won't create a problem.

The OSXDaily article is simply false. (I've posted a comment on that site, correcting the misstatement) If a laptop stand were required for cooling in clamshell mode, Apple would specify that in their instructions. They don't. Apple isn't going to publish instructions on how to do something that would cause harm to a computer that they would have to replace under warranty.

Apple Portables: How to use your computer in closed clamshell (display closed) mode with an external display
 
Last edited:
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