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babond

macrumors member
Original poster
So my gf got me an external keyboard and mouse for xmas so i can sit comfortable and keep my laptop on my desk. im now liking the idea of getting a 19-20in external monitor and running this thing like a desktop. my only concern is it will get really hot in clamshell mode. anyone have experience with this? would it be worth investing in a fan to sit my laptop on while i work in clamshell mode?
 
nice. i might still get a thing to keep it cool cause im anal when it comes to my cpu 🙄

also would you guys recommend getting a dock station to place the laptop in and all that or do you guys feel it isnt really necessary. and last but not least i need a recommendation on a good monitor in the $300 price range.... around 19-22in (whatever a mb can handle best). thanks!!!!
 
nice. i might still get a thing to keep it cool cause im anal when it comes to my cpu 🙄

also would you guys recommend getting a dock station to place the laptop in and all that or do you guys feel it isnt really necessary. and last but not least i need a recommendation on a good monitor in the $300 price range.... around 19-22in (whatever a mb can handle best). thanks!!!!

A dock station? Don't waste your money, if its a 'desktop' machine then you won't be removing any cables very often.

I don't know about monitors.
 
i like the lg 22 inch screen. forget name but im partial to lg

as far as a dock station, i personally wouldnt bother but then again ive never used one
 
I've been running mine in clamshell mode for months without any problems. I went with a Dell 22" monitor - great deal.

Desktop and laptop, best of both worlds.
 
making laptop a desktop

I have an Acer 22" display (model AL2216W) connected to my 5-6 year old powerbook G4 with a paltry 16 MB VRAM on the video card. It drives this monitor (at 1680 x 1050, millions colors, 60 Hz) easily, in clamshell or using both the monitor and laptop LCD display in extended desktop mode. Occasionally it runs a bit warm, so I have a targus laptop cooler (powered, with built-in 4 port USB hub) underneath the laptop. Since all my USB peripherals are plugged into the targus device, it acts like a docking station of sorts. The above mentioned monitor is very good, with VGA and DVI input, and can be had for around $180 if you search on dealmac.com
 
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