Is there a tweak out there that will disable the internal display while using an external monitor WITHOUT having to first close the lid on my macbook because I just leave my macbook plugged in for weeks a couple feet away from my desk and it's become a hassle to first close the lid, then move my mouse, then open the lid for better ventilation. I just want to leave it open and disable the display!
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How to disable internal display on macbook?
- Thread starter idonotliketostu
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You can't just turn the brightness all the way down? Or does that affect the external display, as well? It's been a while since I've used an external display with my MBP.
I just tested it. Plug in the external monitor and turn the brightness on the Macbook all the way down. Done!
I didn't want to do that because my mouse would sometimes go over to that internal display i'll go crazy looking for it.
That doesn't count as its still consuming powerand using Gpu cycles.
What difference would that make, if it's running on AC Power?
uses more electricity!
Unscrew one light bulb and you can run 3 MBPs for the same power!
Any reason not to use a small magnet positioned just above the sleep-switch (just below and to the left of the Fn key) ?
Thats what I do. Start up the MacBook and then just drop the magnet in place which sends the MacBook to sleep - then wake up the MacBook with the magnet still in place.
The result is that the case is open for better ventilation and the MacBook screen (and backlight) are turned off. I use one of the magnets from the MacBook display but any small magnet will work fine.
You will find the position for the magnet easily enough because you will see the sleep led turn on when it is in the correct position.
Thats what I do. Start up the MacBook and then just drop the magnet in place which sends the MacBook to sleep - then wake up the MacBook with the magnet still in place.
The result is that the case is open for better ventilation and the MacBook screen (and backlight) are turned off. I use one of the magnets from the MacBook display but any small magnet will work fine.
You will find the position for the magnet easily enough because you will see the sleep led turn on when it is in the correct position.
as long as it doesnt go near a mechanical hard drive or the screen for long periods of time it will be fine
Actually I tried that before making this thread. I have a magnet that came from an old macbook's lid. I though the switch was above the infrared receiver but that did nothing and gave up lol.
I found the switch and it's on the bottom right corner of the recessed keyboard which is between the hard drive and super drive.
The magnets used in the macbook are rare earth magnets coated a chromium like finish and it is super strong. Considering that the computer is able to operate when the lid is close with a magnet built in, i think it'll be pretty safe.
The reed switch in my 13" Mid 2010 MacBook Pro is located just in front of the audio port on the left side of the case.