iMac G5 screen share from rMBP late 2013 with 11.7.8 Big Sur in clamshell mode

[tigerintank]

Would it be possible to use iMac G5 with Leopard to share the Big Sur rMBP 2013 video output with laptop lid closed?

If yes what software would you recommend for best performance?

 

[Doq]

The Screen Sharing app that comes with Leopard should work just fine with connecting to a system running macOS Big Sur if the Screen Sharing setting is enabled in System Preferences on the Big Sur system.

Keep in mind that Clamshell mode on MacBooks only works if connected to an external display. If the rMBP isn't connected to a display while closed, it'll just go to sleep.

 

[tigerintank]

Keep in mind that Clamshell mode on MacBooks only works if connected to an external display. If the rMBP isn't connected to a display while closed, it'll just go to sleep.

Thank you for the info. I didn't know this part at all. Any workaround available?

 

[theMarble]

Any workaround available?

No, as the whole point of clamshell mode is to use an external display/keyboard/mouse without having the laptop open.

 

[tigerintank]

No, as the whole point of clamshell mode is to use an external display/keyboard/mouse without having the laptop open.

Ok thank you

 

[Needleroozer]

Thank you for the info. I didn't know this part at all. Any workaround available?

I haven’t tested it, but it might be possible to use an EDID emulator like the one below to trick the MacBook Pro into thinking there is a display attached.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSZR7CG/

This sort of trick is used for some of the wireless screen-mirroring apps like Luna Display to enable graphics acceleration, so it’s definitely possible.

 

[tigerintank]

I haven’t tested it, but it might be possible to use an EDID emulator like the one below to trick the MacBook Pro into thinking there is a display attached.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSZR7CG/

This sort of trick is used for some of the wireless screen-mirroring apps like Luna Display to enable graphics acceleration, so it’s definitely possible.

That does look like it might do the job - thank you. I'm not ready to try this yet - but if/ when I do I'll report back on success / fail

 

[eyoungren]

I have a 2015 MBP that operates in clamshell mode and screen shares just fine.

Maybe that's because I have sleep set to 'Never'?

 

[AphoticD]

I have a 2015 MBP that operates in clamshell mode and screen shares just fine.

Maybe that's because I have sleep set to 'Never'?

Also confirming, I can connect from my PowerBook G4 12” (Tiger 10.4.11) via Remote Desktop v3.4, to:

1. MacBook Pro 13" (4TB3), 2018, Monterey 12.6.7
2. MacBook Pro 13" Retina, Late 2013, Big Sur 11.7.7

While the lid is closed — with "Wake for Network Access" enabled.

Just to confirm, I was able to initiate the screen sharing session, then close the lid and continue to work on:

1. MacBook Pro 13", Early 2011, Catalina (Unsupported) 10.15.7

However, I can't wake this one via WiFi, even though the "Wake for Network Access" setting is enabled. So if the session ends, I need to open the display to connect again. This could be due a limitation of the unsupported OS though, so maybe this feature would work under High Sierra.

 

[tigerintank]

Thanks for the additional follow up - all sounds positive.

My rMBP 2013 has the WiFi & Bluetooth faulty so I'd need to use fixed Ethernet (or replace the WiFi card...) but that shouldn't be an issue I don't think.