How to use the cinema display while your Macbook is closed

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Level 1

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How to use the cinema display while your Macbook is closed

How do I use the cinema display while my Macbook is closed? Whenever I close the laptop the display shuts off as well. I really don't need them both to be on. That defeats the purpose of the external display. when I am home I want to use the laptop like it is the desktop computer.

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.4), Cinema Display 20 inch

Posted on Aug 9, 2008 4:02 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 9, 2008 5:12 PM in response to cupcake77

Attach the display, external power, and a keyboard and mouse (wired or bluetooth). When you close the lid, it will go to sleep, but using the keyboard or mouse should wake it, and it should continue to run with the lid closed. If using Bluetooth, make sure the system preferences are set to allow Bluetooth to wake the computer.

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Answer 2

jnott8

Level 1

5 points

Aug 10, 2008 1:41 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

I would definitely recommend doing this as it makes the monitor resolution clearer since it is simply not stretching out what's displayed on your laptop.

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Answer 3

Network 23

Level 6

12,333 points

Aug 19, 2008 10:24 PM in response to cupcake77

If you want to see Apple's tech note on how to do this, it's here.

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Answer 4

L Briggs

Level 1

79 points

Aug 24, 2008 9:12 PM in response to Network 23

I am using a MB Pro and a 23" cinema display. Have a wired USB keyboard and a USB wireless mouse connected through the keyboard. When the MBP is closed and when I restart it, the wireless mouse is frozen and the keyboard does not respond. I have to reopen the MBP, use the trackpad mouse, restart again and hope it will work closed. There doesn't seem to be a consistent way to make it work.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

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Answer 5

Aug 24, 2008 9:43 PM in response to L Briggs

Click "Advanced" at the bottom-right of "Bluetooth" system preference and check "Allow Bluetooth devices to wake this computer".

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