Macbook Pro as Desktop (Clamshell Mode)

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bockscar

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Trying to get set up my Macbook Pro as a desktop by hooking up to an external monitor and using it in clamshell mode.

I understand that I will need a wireless keyboard and mouse, as well as aa Macbook stand that will help to cool the laptop because heat can't be dissipated through the keyboards.

I think for keyboard & mouse the options are pretty straight forward. I'm planning to get the Apple keyboard & trackpad. As for the laptop stand, anyone out there familiar with such products and could advise on what's good or share the review of what they're using etc?

Something like this perhaps:
1516962_20131218021609.jpg


Thanks in advanced.
 
PetPet

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The stand in the picture is called the mStand. it can be found in MacShop locally.

As for the clamshell mode, before 10.8 clamshell mode used to work with the monitor turned off on the Macbook.
To achieve this you need to fire up terminal and type

Code: 
sudo nvram boot-args="iog=0x0"

Reboot after this.

1. Plug in an external USB mouse/keyboard and hook it up to an external display.
2. Put your Mac to sleep by closing the lid
3. Once it's asleep, press any key on the keyboard/mouse to wake the mac up.
4. The external monitor source should lit up.
5. Log in and then open up your MacBook's lid.
6. Your MacBook's screen should stay off

This helps to lower your temperatures when you're working with your MacBook docked to an external source.

To revert the settings, do a PRAM reset.
 
speedster4005

speedster4005

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I'm using the mStand 360, a newer model tha the one you posted, got it from MACshop Funan.
Space-saving, and looks cool too. It rotates, by the way. Using it for a year already.
 
trans168

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PetPet said:
The stand in the picture is called the mStand. it can be found in MacShop locally.

As for the clamshell mode, before 10.8 clamshell mode used to work with the monitor turned off on the Macbook.
To achieve this you need to fire up terminal and type

Code: 
sudo nvram boot-args="iog=0x0"

Reboot after this.

1. Plug in an external USB mouse/keyboard and hook it up to an external display.
2. Put your Mac to sleep by closing the lid
3. Once it's asleep, press any key on the keyboard/mouse to wake the mac up.
4. The external monitor source should lit up.
5. Log in and then open up your MacBook's lid.
6. Your MacBook's screen should stay off

This helps to lower your temperatures when you're working with your MacBook docked to an external source.

To revert the settings, do a PRAM reset.
Click to expand...

Is there a easier way like and Application to do so.

How to do the PRAM?
 
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bockscar

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Thanks for all the responses!

I'll head down to MACshop to check out the stand.

PetPet: Thanks for the tip! So with 10.8 onwards we can use clamshell mode (i.e everything on external monitor) but with the lid open?

Also, I've never used any stands with my Macbook before (i guess that explains why mine heats up a lot), but is it really an effective heat sink? I notice that the mStand acts as a heat sink with its large aluminium base whereas others like the Griffin Elevator simply allows more ventilation around the base.
 
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IronMac

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bockscar said:
Also, I've never used any stands with my Macbook before (i guess that explains why mine heats up a lot), but is it really an effective heat sink? I notice that the mStand acts as a heat sink with its large aluminium base whereas others like the Griffin Elevator simply allows more ventilation around the base.
Click to expand...

I've been using an mStand for years...no worries about overheating in normal operation unless something has gone wonky...in my case it was a bad fan.
 
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neubie

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bockscar said:
Trying to get set up my Macbook Pro as a desktop by hooking up to an external monitor and using it in clamshell mode.

I understand that I will need a wireless keyboard and mouse, as well as aa Macbook stand that will help to cool the laptop because heat can't be dissipated through the keyboards.

I think for keyboard & mouse the options are pretty straight forward. I'm planning to get the Apple keyboard & trackpad. As for the laptop stand, anyone out there familiar with such products and could advise on what's good or share the review of what they're using etc?

Something like this perhaps:
1516962_20131218021609.jpg


Thanks in advanced.
Click to expand...

Am using Twelve South Book Arc. Places the MacBook in clamshell mode while connected to external keyboard and monitors. http://www.twelvesouth.com/product/bookarc-for-macbook-pro-retina
 
tt32003

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Can we just connect an external keyboard and mouse. plus a monitor to the macbook pro retina without using the clamshell mode, the NVRAM and PRAM ?
 
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PetPet

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trans168 said:
Funny. It did not work for my MacBookAir.

Tried couple of times but not good.

Any other alternative?
Click to expand...

I'm unaware. I'm sorry ):
I don't have a MBA to toy around with.

tt32003 said:
Can we just connect an external keyboard and mouse. plus a monitor to the macbook pro retina without using the clamshell mode, the NVRAM and PRAM ?
Click to expand...

Yea, no issues with that.
My settings is to prevent screen burn in on the MBP.
 
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bockscar

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PetPet said:
The stand in the picture is called the mStand. it can be found in MacShop locally.

As for the clamshell mode, before 10.8 clamshell mode used to work with the monitor turned off on the Macbook.
To achieve this you need to fire up terminal and type

Code: 
sudo nvram boot-args="iog=0x0"

Reboot after this.

1. Plug in an external USB mouse/keyboard and hook it up to an external display.
2. Put your Mac to sleep by closing the lid
3. Once it's asleep, press any key on the keyboard/mouse to wake the mac up.
4. The external monitor source should lit up.
5. Log in and then open up your MacBook's lid.
6. Your MacBook's screen should stay off

This helps to lower your temperatures when you're working with your MacBook docked to an external source.

To revert the settings, do a PRAM reset.
Click to expand...

Hmm I tried this.

1) Paste the code
2) Reboot
3) Close the lid
4) Press any key on the keyboard and the external monitor wakes up
5) Open Macbook's lid

But my Macbook screen wakes up as well :/

I tried another method. When i closed the lid, i unplugged my keyboard's bluetooth dongle and it works fine. Opened the lid and the screen is still off.

Assuming i used ur method, how do i turn the screen back on?
 
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