When I am connecting my MacBook Pro to an external display, can I just be using my external display as the only viewing display, or do I have to use both displays together (MacBook and ext display)?
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MacBook & ext display
- Thread starter zoran
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xraydoc
Contributor
If you connect an external keyboard and pointing device, you can keep the laptop's lid closed. If the laptop is open, it will use the laptop's display as well as the external display. Some people like to use the laptop's keyboard and trackpad and treat the laptop's screen as a secondary display.
xraydoc
Contributor
None. I have a 14" M1P MacBook Pro and it sits on a little shelf, connected to a Thunderbolt docking station, two external monitors, keyboard, mouse, external SSD, CD/DVD burner and ethernet. Most of the time it pretends to be an M1 Pro Mac mini. Lid closed. No issues.
A few people might say that if you're maxing out the CPU and GPU to 100% for continuous extended periods of time, the heat created could potentially impact the built-in display with the lid closed (since some heat will rise though the keyboard). It's rare that someone's workflow would do this, but something to consider. My machine barely rises above body temperature, so I have no concerns.
What kind of a little shelf is that? Are you talking about those metallic bases that are for placing laptops?
xraydoc
Contributor
I use this. Laptop sits in the little right-hand side bottom shelf.
Desk Shelf
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