MacBook Pro External Monitor

[Cybiker]

Is there a way in which I can hook my mbp up to an external monitor and a keyboard and mouse..and be able to close the mbp and use the external monitor? I tried doing this with a DVD earlier and it wouldn't work as when I shut the mbp it would put the other display to sleep...any settings/workarounds anyone has found?

Another question I have is...is there a way I can also close my mbp say at night but stay connected to the internet so I can still have my away message on iChat up/continue downloading?

Thanks for any help

 

[WildCowboy]

With an external keyboard, mouse and monitor connected and the MBP plugged into an outlet, you should be able to wake it back up after shutting the lid by tapping a key on the external keyboard.

This will also allow your network activity to continue (obviously) since it's awake. If you want the MBP to stay awake and connected to the network with the lid closed but not connected to externals, you'll have to use a third-party solution like SleepLess.