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When Using an External Monitor - Clamshell or Open?

When using an external display, is your laptop:

  • Open w/ the display off

    Votes: 8 27.6%

  • Closed, in clamshell mode while running external display

    Votes: 21 72.4%
  • Total voters
    29
A

amabo

macrumors member
Original poster
May 2, 2009
44
0
Hello, as I'm going to be buying the Mini-DVI -> DVI cable tomorrow I just wanted to get a general consensus of what most users do when they're running with an external monitor. Usually I like to use just 1 screen (with spaces, 2 displays gets confusing) but when using just 1 display I tend to leave my laptop "open" so that there aren't any heating issues (as I guess is recommended).

What do you do? Closed in clamshell or open with the display turned off?
 
amabo said:
Hello, as I'm going to be buying the Mini-DVI -> DVI cable tomorrow I just wanted to get a general consensus of what most users do when they're running with an external monitor. Usually I like to use just 1 screen (with spaces, 2 displays gets confusing) but when using just 1 display I tend to leave my laptop "open" so that there aren't any heating issues (as I guess is recommended).

What do you do? Closed in clamshell or open with the display turned off?
Click to expand...

There is no recommendation from apple advising to avoid clamshell, actually they have a page in apple support giving instruction about how to use it:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131

I use clamshell mode very often and never any heating problems.
 
Clamshell... cannot get used to the PPI difference between the uMB and my Dell 2407. Plus, there's just not enough space on there!

And I like the sleek look when closed!
 
I have mine closed all the time, I just opened it today and unplugged the power cord to runt he battery down, I do it every so often to cycle the battery, but when I opened it I put my hand near the keyboard to check for heat and it was fine.
 
Because that's not the question the poll is addressing - it is when you're using an external display as the display to your laptop, is your laptop closed or open.
 
amabo said:
Because that's not the question the poll is addressing - it is when you're using an external display as the display to your laptop, is your laptop closed or open.
Click to expand...

Yes, but open and on, is not an option...an external monitor can still be used on the laptop, with the laptop display also on.

EDIT: Nevermind, I just read the thread, Why would you not want to use it as an external monitor? I find it more productive.
 
dontwalkhand said:
Yes, but open and on, is not an option...an external monitor can still be used on the laptop, with the laptop display also on.

EDIT: Nevermind, I just read the thread, Why would you not want to use it as an external monitor? I find it more productive.
Click to expand...

Me too I usually work on the external screen and use my macbook screen for itunes for watching movies or tv shows during work.
 
Open with the display off, allows for more heat dissipation = less heating, thus a longer overall component lifetime for my aluminum MacBook :apple: :)
 
dontwalkhand said:
EDIT: Nevermind, I just read the thread, Why would you not want to use it as an external monitor? I find it more productive.
Apple all life said:
Me too I usually work on the external screen and use my macbook screen for itunes for watching movies or tv shows during work.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Why do I find something wrong with this... Regardless, I'd like more input as to whether or not the heat effects the screen / topcase, etc. of the laptop if it's left in clamshell mode while plugged into an external monitor and charger.
 
If I do clamshell, which I usually never do, I'll leave it open so I don't have to attach a keyboard. But it's more efficient to leave the display on, so there's little point.
 
Option 3, closed when engaging in basic tasks, open for anything processor intensive.
 
amabo said:
Why do I find something wrong with this... Regardless, I'd like more input as to whether or not the heat effects the screen / topcase, etc. of the laptop if it's left in clamshell mode while plugged into an external monitor and charger.
Click to expand...

It's fine... We aren't talking about a Prescott or the old PPCs here where the thing would singe your pants. Common sense should tell you to try it, put your hand on it and if YOU think it feels too hot, don't do it. As you can see by the poll, most of us aren't concerned.

One thing to keep in mind though, getting it to work just on the external screen can be a little screwy at times.

Sareth said:
Option 3, closed when engaging in basic tasks, open for anything processor intensive.
Click to expand...

That would be OPEN then :rolleyes:
 
I've used mine both ways and noticed something interesting. When open, the heat management allows the CPU to go to 90 C. When closed, it only allows it to get to 80 C. Thus, while the argument could be made that closed allows a higher percentage of heat to get to the screen, leaving it closed will force your CPU max temp lower for processor intensive tasks.
 
I find it too hard to type when closed. :D

Really though... if closed you're just restricting heat dissipation. Over time, that's got to be bad for the mac's innards.

But that's just me!
 
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