MacBook can be use in 'clamshell mode' only occasionally or also as extensive mode?
I did remember that on older model I wasn't recommended because it could cause over heating
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MacBook Pro as desktop replacement?
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MacBook can be use in 'clamshell mode' only occasionally or also as extensive mode?
I did remember that on older model I wasn't recommended because it could cause over heating
I'm using mine in clamshell connected to 4k 32", It replaced a 5K iMac and I love it. I dongle, connects USB Hub, 7Hard drives, monitor and power all under the desk so it looks great/more bench space. No performance problems other than needing to open it to power it up, one tip I've read is to schedule powering on and off to the hours you will work to save having to open it to power it on each time.
Actual overheating would be where the laptop turns off because it couldn't handle the heat anymore, that has never happened in the 4+ years that I've used my laptop like this.
Usually these last few months I take it with me for work where I use it 'open' and I have it plugged in in clamshell mode in the evening at home. On weekends however, it's plugged in all the time.
Keep in mind it's not sealed off or anything when closed, there's still ventilation from the sides and out through the hinge. Maybe it's less, but not in a catastrophic way. I've not heard stories about overheating closed MacBook before actually, though I could find some other threads from concerned people. Might be worth looking into if you're still unsure.
I found that heat is an issue in running in clamshell mode. Additionally, I saw some reports of a person's display having issues because of the heat build up between the keyboard and the display. That might be a rare occasion, but tbh, its not worth the risk - not after paying close to 3k for a laptop
I have a 2016 MBP in the office, been used every day on the desk in clamshell (bought a week after release in 2016), never had an issue. When I do need to take it away for the day the battery still lasts most of the day and performs fine.
Someone will be along soon to quote an instance where there have been issues and money, value, not worth the risk but I know a lot that uses the MBP this way without issue on a pretty much permanent basis.
Could it cause an issue? Sure, there is always a possibility you are that one. But I don't personally believe the risk is any higher than getting a faulty keyboard (ok maybe that is high).
Intending to hammer the CPU for long periods? Then that would significantly increase the risk.
Someone will be along soon to quote an instance where there have been issues and money, value, not worth the risk but I know a lot that uses the MBP this way without issue on a pretty much permanent basis.
Could it cause an issue? Sure, there is always a possibility you are that one. But I don't personally believe the risk is any higher than getting a faulty keyboard (ok maybe that is high).
Intending to hammer the CPU for long periods? Then that would significantly increase the risk.
Well I've already said that Apple even supports this mode, so I wouldn't change the entire plan based on 'rare occasions'. What's the real-life situation, how many are using it closed with succes? How about products like this that are made for this mode?
I don't see the added value of using your MBP in clamshell mode? Why not buy a laptop stand and use it as a secondary or tertiary display?
You paid a lot of money for the built in display, so why not use it?
I use my 13" MBP connected to two external 24" displays, with the built in display being a supporting display (e.g. spotify, messaging, ...) I find having three displays to be awesome.
You paid a lot of money for the built in display, so why not use it?
I use my 13" MBP connected to two external 24" displays, with the built in display being a supporting display (e.g. spotify, messaging, ...) I find having three displays to be awesome.
because I would buy a wide display and the open macbook would not probably fit on the desk
Personally, I like the focus of using one screen (and my 32” 4K is plenty big).
More importantly, it costs extra power driving more than one display. Ironically, this means that while airflow may be worse, clamshell also causes less stress on the system and less heat that way.
I have a 2-16 MBP 15" that I use in clam shell mode almost 24/7. I have my set off to the side of the desk so that I get extra desk space for paperwork. I am a developer and I also participate in the World Community Grid project (Distributed Computing). This app runs in the background whenever my computer is idle for more than 10 minutes and at times it run for several hours at a time. I have had ZERO heat related issues whatsoever.
I tend to travel a lot, not work related, so I wanted to have a computer that could serve as both a desktop replacement when I am home but also mobile when I travel. This MBP has been great and I would have to think really hard about ever going back to a Desktop only setup.
By the way, I drive a 20" 1080P monitor, I don't really care about 4K being that I don't do any art or video production ever. As for tryinh to use the laptop display as a second monitor, for my setup this doesn't work. The 15" display is small compared to the 21" LCD and also off to the side making it ever harder to use in a practical way.
I tend to travel a lot, not work related, so I wanted to have a computer that could serve as both a desktop replacement when I am home but also mobile when I travel. This MBP has been great and I would have to think really hard about ever going back to a Desktop only setup.
By the way, I drive a 20" 1080P monitor, I don't really care about 4K being that I don't do any art or video production ever. As for tryinh to use the laptop display as a second monitor, for my setup this doesn't work. The 15" display is small compared to the 21" LCD and also off to the side making it ever harder to use in a practical way.
I was aiming to run a similar set up, had 2 24" Lg panels and my 15" MacBook Pro. I found I only really needed 2 at most and when I upgraded to the 4k 32 I only needed 1, can easily run another window within the space to be like 2 monitors, it even allows for dual input PIP so could run it as 2 monitors both at 4k if needed.
Yes, I use it flat on a table now and used to have a BookArc by Twelve South.
On rare occasions you need to open the lid for something and that’s easier when it’s on the table. Also, I have plenty of space. BookArc does look cleaner though...
Probably, much more air flowing than when a few mm from a table. I thought they used to mention that on the website too, but maybe they removed it.
this video show a setup similar to what I would like
that monitor is way to expensive for me, but the macbook under the desk seem a great idea ( around minute 2:45 )
that monitor is way to expensive for me, but the macbook under the desk seem a great idea ( around minute 2:45 )
I sold my 2015 iMac 2tb fusion a few weeks back and purchased a Dell 38" U38 4k monitor. I have my 15" 2017 running as a desktop in a book arc. I really like the setup and have not noticed any heat issues. It runs in the 40's Celsius sometimes 50's but well with in its limits.
Its a clean setup and I can use my monitor as a USB hub. I have no worries about running in clamshell mode 24/7.
I have a 2016 13" MBPtb and after going back and forth which one to use I chose to couch with the 13" and travel with it as well. Leaving the 15" as a desktop replacement.
Its a clean setup and I can use my monitor as a USB hub. I have no worries about running in clamshell mode 24/7.
I have a 2016 13" MBPtb and after going back and forth which one to use I chose to couch with the 13" and travel with it as well. Leaving the 15" as a desktop replacement.
That’s a great tray, I’ve been looking for something like that. Little worried you’ll bump into it when you’re sitting, but works well on a standing desk of course.
Not real world but Geek Bench Scores
The 2018 Mini is the same iGPU as my 2017 15" and scores 20,000's Compute
My 2017 dGPU 560 Radeon scores in the high 40,000's
My 2016 iGPU 550 scores in the 30,000's
My old M395 iMac scored in the 70,000's
So yes the iMac does have a desktop dGPU and will perform better in certain areas, but for me and the occasional video editing It is not an issue. It's not how I make my money.
Recently I purchased a 2019 15" MacBook Pro base model 2.6/16/256/hexa-core
I was using a late 2013 rMBP 2.6/8/256 for almost 6 years.
During that time, I found myself constantly trying out different external monitors, but never really being happy with the setup. I found the screens were just not the same quality as my retina, and often times I would find that I like moving my desktop setup around which was a hassle.
But now that I have a 15", I don't find myself craving a desktop setup anymore. It hasn't even crossed my mind to by the LG 4K and 5K monitors Apple is selling.
If I had gotten a 13" version, I would likely have gotten the LG monitor because I always felt like I needed a bigger screen.
I was using a late 2013 rMBP 2.6/8/256 for almost 6 years.
During that time, I found myself constantly trying out different external monitors, but never really being happy with the setup. I found the screens were just not the same quality as my retina, and often times I would find that I like moving my desktop setup around which was a hassle.
But now that I have a 15", I don't find myself craving a desktop setup anymore. It hasn't even crossed my mind to by the LG 4K and 5K monitors Apple is selling.
If I had gotten a 13" version, I would likely have gotten the LG monitor because I always felt like I needed a bigger screen.
I use a 15 inch MBP, never needed more power even when video editing. Only issue is sometimes I wanna game/stream but I get over it fast. (wouldn't wanna do that on a laptop this thin) But it handles general gaming just fine. I do miss a monitor sometimes, may have a setup available for when I wanna set something like that up (with as few wires as possible) but yeah imo these days laptops are just fine for most all work except maybe 3D type stuff. Even then it can probably handle it with the right hardware, fans just may get annoying.
My MBP 2016 15” has replaced my desktop entirely for me. I do have a setup on my desk with a monitor, keyboard and mouse that I use as my usual setup. I also will occasionally disconnect the laptop and take it with me wherever I need to.
I am a software developer and it has handled what I throw at it well. Most of my work is either iOS development, web development or 3D graphics using boot camp. I haven’t had any issues doing any of the above. I plan to keep this laptop as long or longer than my 2008 unibody MBP.
I am a software developer and it has handled what I throw at it well. Most of my work is either iOS development, web development or 3D graphics using boot camp. I haven’t had any issues doing any of the above. I plan to keep this laptop as long or longer than my 2008 unibody MBP.