MBP Clamshell mode: n00b questions

[Blue Velvet]

I've got a new 17" MBP to replace my dual 1.4 G4; it's my first laptop.

However, I bought it mainly to save on physical space — my flat is very small — and to provide a decent amount of power for design. I can also move it around the flat if I need to and may use it for external presentations from time to time.

95% of the time, it's running from mains power in clamshell mode, hooked up to an external monitor and keyboard/mouse. So two questions:

1) In the long-term, what's the best way to look after the battery in this situation? And...

2) Running almost permanently in clamshell mode; this won't damage the machine, will it?

For now I'm running Quark 6.5 and CS1 in Rosetta — it's about the same speed as the G4 — for the next couple of months until planned upgrades to those two core suites, and have noticed the fans going crazy, especially when using Photoshop. Should I lift the machine off the desk, get some air circulating around it?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[bigandy]

1. If you're not using the battery, take it out and store it. Give it a full charge/discharge around once every six weeks and it'll be spiffing.

2. It shouldn't... especially if you're moving to CS3 etc in a few months.

I would definately recommend having as much airflow around it as possible - if you've got the space, keep the lid open even if you're not using the screen, and get an iCurve to raise it up - the iCurve works wonders for my MBP.

 

[robbieduncan]

BV,

I know it's probably a done deal, but why a 17" to run in clamshell mode? A 15" would be basically the same given this usage pattern!

1) Agree with the above: ensure you fully charge and discharge it at least once a month or so: it'll be OK then.

2) Should be OK.

Photoshop is a bit of a killer on Intel. I'm certainly not a pro user like yourself but I get similar on my MBP. If possible lifting the machine, even a few mm, would allow all round airflow which will help...

 

[Blue Velvet]

I know it's probably a done deal, but why a 17" to run in clamshell mode? A 15" would be basically the same given this usage pattern!

It is a done deal. I'm typing on it now... I bought it off the shelf and as a stock configuration at Regent St. and wanted the bigger screen for when I'm occasionally working in the kitchen and also for the 160gb hard drive.

Thanks for the battery tips, I'll try to look after it and for now I'll put some CD cases or something similar under its feet.

 

[aquajet]

Removing the battery is not a good idea, at least if you want top performance.

Apple recommends cycling the battery at least once a month. And if you do remove it, it should be stored at half charge.

Apple's recommendations

 

[Blue Velvet]

Removing the battery is not a good idea, at least if you want top performance.

Thanks for the links and for tolerating my laziness to find them myself.

 

[aquajet]

Thanks for the links and for tolerating my laziness to find them myself.

No trouble at all.

Also, you might consider an iCurve or something similar and using it in a dual-monitor setup. Imagine all that extra screen real estate you'd have for your design work.