Is it true that better to leave MBP open than in clamshell for ventilation?

[croooow]

I would not worry about it. It is designed to run in clamshell mode.

I would think that a notebook computer is designed to run with the built-in monitor open and operating, that is why it's there. The design of the notebook includes that screen.

But, by that same logic, it is also designed to allow for an external monitor to be connected, and since Apple's current line of monitors are so much bigger than the notebook's screen, I would think the design is to use that one instead when available (when you are at your desk) with the clamshell closed. Doesn't make much sense to have a 13 or 15 inch screen next to a 27 inch one as part of the same work space.

 

[dim1014]

for people talking about intake in the computer:

I'm pretty sure there is an intake in the keyboard in my i7 15" macbook pro.

I purchased one of those rubber keyboard covers to keep my keyboard clean when I am out and it definitely makes a difference. When I am doing something intensive such as outputting video to my 56" tv, the temperatures on average are at least 10 degrees higher (C) with the cover on, than they are off.

Is there any other explanation for this? If there are no vents there, this should not be making a difference since the keys are plastic(and would not be diffusing heat) anyway.

 

[GGJstudios]

I have my MBP hooked up to a 24" LCD and when I close it, the display turns off. I just always assumed there was no way to get it external display only, closed.
How do you get it to work?

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

Doesn't make much sense to have a 13 or 15 inch screen next to a 27 inch one as part of the same work space.

Yes it does make sense, if you use extended desktop mode, instead of just having the second monitor mirror the first.

Setting up multiple displays as an extended desktop

I'm pretty sure there is an intake in the keyboard in my i7 15" macbook pro.
I purchased one of those rubber keyboard covers to keep my keyboard clean when I am out and it definitely makes a difference.

There is not an intake in the keyboard. Heat will radiate to the keyboard, in the same way it radiates to the solid aluminum panels of the body, and the keyboard cover could trap some of that heat, but it's not ventilation (airflow) that the MBP uses for cooling. If it required the keyboard for cooling, Apple would tell you it can't operate in clamshell mode and they would tell you that keyboard covers void the warranty, neither of which are true.

 

[Bill Gates]

for people talking about intake in the computer:

I'm pretty sure there is an intake in the keyboard in my i7 15" macbook pro.

I purchased one of those rubber keyboard covers to keep my keyboard clean when I am out and it definitely makes a difference. When I am doing something intensive such as outputting video to my 56" tv, the temperatures on average are at least 10 degrees higher (C) with the cover on, than they are off.

Is there any other explanation for this? If there are no vents there, this should not be making a difference since the keys are plastic(and would not be diffusing heat) anyway.

There's no way that the temperatures are 10C higher with the keyboard cover on. I did some testing of my own with the CPU at full load and saw a negligible difference with the keyboard cover on, and only a slight difference of 2-3 degrees in clamshell mode.

 

[croooow]

Yes it does make sense, if you use extended desktop mode, instead of just having the second monitor mirror the first.

Setting up multiple displays as an extended desktop

Thanks for the link but I am well aware of using multiple monitors as extensions for desktops. I am on a computer with 2 monitors now (Windows, but same concept.) I do know it's possible and I'm sure a lot of people do it, but I would not really like to have a desktop with a 13" section and a 27" section. I would think that many people would prefer to have multiple monitors with the same size screens (or at least close in size) so that their desktop layout can be changed quickly when needed. Moving windows between screens as your needs change.

I have used larger monitors with my current laptop and it always bugs me. Of course this is just my opinion. If a 13/15 inch monitor section next to a 24/27 inch one works for you then that is great, more desktop is always better!

 

[GGJstudios]

I have used larger monitors with my current laptop and it always bugs me. Of course this is just my opinion. If a 13/15 inch monitor section next to a 24/27 inch one works for you then that is great, more desktop is always better!

The point is, there are situations where it makes sense to use both the internal display and an external one, regardless of the sizes. They don't have to be the same size for it to "make sense" for many people, whether you prefer it or not. As you said, it's only your opinion, and not shared by everyone else.

 

[croooow]

...it's only your opinion, and not shared by everyone else.

That statement should be put onto the top of every internet forum page.

 

[Demosthenes X]

Thanks for the link but I am well aware of using multiple monitors as extensions for desktops. I am on a computer with 2 monitors now (Windows, but same concept.) I do know it's possible and I'm sure a lot of people do it, but I would not really like to have a desktop with a 13" section and a 27" section. I would think that many people would prefer to have multiple monitors with the same size screens (or at least close in size) so that their desktop layout can be changed quickly when needed. Moving windows between screens as your needs change.

I have used larger monitors with my current laptop and it always bugs me. Of course this is just my opinion. If a 13/15 inch monitor section next to a 24/27 inch one works for you then that is great, more desktop is always better!

The smaller monitor is great to keep things like an IM client, Twitter, and iTunes running and visible while you use the bigger screen for productivity work.

More desktop space is never a bad thing...

 

[dukebound85]

I would think that a notebook computer is designed to run with the built-in monitor open and operating, that is why it's there. The design of the notebook includes that screen.

But, by that same logic, it is also designed to allow for an external monitor to be connected, and since Apple's current line of monitors are so much bigger than the notebook's screen, I would think the design is to use that one instead when available (when you are at your desk) with the clamshell closed. Doesn't make much sense to have a 13 or 15 inch screen next to a 27 inch one as part of the same work space.

bah you know what I mean

However, I never run clamshell. If I have two monitors, I run both. Not sure why one would just run one screen if one had the oprion personally

 

[Eddyisgreat]

However, I never run clamshell. If I have two monitors, I run both. Not sure why one would just run one screen if one had the oprion personally

Because there are situations that don't require dual screens?

I have a hi res 17" AG and a 20" Alu Cinema Display. The 17" has a much higher resolution, but I spend much of my desk time using only the 20". Having dual screens is great, but it's only a distraction unless you're using the extra space for _________. I rarely have iTunes open while I work, and I don't use IM. I used to have outlook running in a seperate window, but I can just check mail via the 'new mail' popup box. No reason to run dual if i'm just on MR or trying to focus on a single app.

 

[AlphaDogg]

There's no way that the temperatures are 10C higher with the keyboard cover on. I did some testing of my own with the CPU at full load and saw a negligible difference with the keyboard cover on, and only a slight difference of 2-3 degrees in clamshell mode.

Degrees fahrenheit or degrees celsius?

 

[Bill Gates]

Degrees fahrenheit or degrees celsius?

Celsius.

 

[miata]

That's because the so-called "Genius" is giving his personal advice, as opposed to "Apple" advice. Clamshell mode is fine, as are keyboard protectors.

The real "Geniuses" are the ones convincing us we need an iPhone, an iPod Touch, an iPad, a MacBook Air, an MacBook Pro AND an iMac for different use cases.

 

[dukebound85]

Because there are situations that don't require dual screens?

I have a hi res 17" AG and a 20" Alu Cinema Display. The 17" has a much higher resolution, but I spend much of my desk time using only the 20". Having dual screens is great, but it's only a distraction unless you're using the extra space for _________. I rarely have iTunes open while I work, and I don't use IM. I used to have outlook running in a seperate window, but I can just check mail via the 'new mail' popup box. No reason to run dual if i'm just on MR or trying to focus on a single app.

I just can't comprehend turning down screen real estate is all!But to each his own .

 

[karsten]

I would not worry about it. It is designed to run in clamshell mode.

The following Apple portables support the use of an external display or projector while the internal display is closed.

MacBook Pro
MacBook
PowerBook G4
MacBook Air

(from Apple). I game on a 27" display with the display closed, it works fine. i was worried about it too but your fans will ramp up if it gets too toasty. don't worry about it.

 

[lickitysplit]

When I'm at home my MBP is always in clamshell mode in my book arc. I play games on it while in clamshell every single day. Don't worry about it.

 

[miata]

Is it recommended that a closed MacBook Pro be oriented flat, vertical or inclined?

 

[fernando.kreutz]

I would advice to leave it open when using on high load, like watching a movie. Not because it's internals, but the display and the glass, since the heat could damage the display and cause weakness or cracking on the glass (on extreme conditions). Some may disagree, but i don't want to spend hundreds in a cracked glass or damaged display.

 

[MisterFeeney]

Is it recommended that a closed MacBook Pro be oriented flat, vertical or inclined?

It works vertically, horizontally, and at an incline. Not sure about upside down though.

I would advice to leave it open when using on high load, like watching a movie. Not because it's internals, but the display and the glass, since the heat could damage the display and cause weakness or cracking on the glass (on extreme conditions). Some may disagree, but i don't want to spend hundreds in a cracked glass or damaged display.

I am not sure if that is possible or not. Some people do not have glass there (antiglare) and those who do shouldn't run into a problem as it was designed to always work like that. Then again, you may be better off safe than sorry.

 

[miata]

It works vertically, horizontally, and at an incline. Not sure about upside down though.

Any idea which is best for reliability? I'm guessing that one requires less fan use than the others. And fans are one of the most likely components to fail. Even if you are not using the fans the lower the temperature the better for reliability.

 

[MisterFeeney]

Any idea which is best for reliability? I'm guessing that one requires less fan use than the others. And fans are one of the most likely components to fail. Even if you are not using the fans the lower the temperature the better for reliability.

No, I do not know the best way. I believe the ones I mentioned all work nearly the same.

 

[fernando.kreutz]

I am not sure if that is possible or not. Some people do not have glass there (antiglare) and those who do shouldn't run into a problem as it was designed to always work like that. Then again, you may be better off safe than sorry.

MBP's with glossy screen also have glass in front of the display.

 

[MisterFeeney]

MBP's with glossy screen also have glass in front of the display.

Yes, glossy displays have glass, antiglare displays do not.

 

[fernando.kreutz]

Yes, glossy displays have glass, antiglare displays do not.

oh, now i got it

 

[ejosepha]

I would advice to leave it open when using on high load, like watching a movie. Not because it's internals, but the display and the glass, since the heat could damage the display and cause weakness or cracking on the glass (on extreme conditions). Some may disagree, but i don't want to spend hundreds in a cracked glass or damaged display.

You may be right. I have the anti-glare without glass display. When I download a film or transfer large files the computer on the left side and rear, behind the keyboard, get rather hot. A bit more than 60C. Sometimes reaches temps of over 70 to 80 C. I can't imagine that this is great for the exposed display covering these areas. Maybe the best rule is to leave closed for day to day work and open for heavier loads.