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Can iTunes play with lid closed?

I am a newbie, so please excuse me if this sounds like a dumb question. I just moved from Windows world (after using it for 25 years) to MacBook Pro about 4 months ago.

I am using AiportExpress to stream music from iTunes to 3 different audio system throught my home. I would like play iTunes to play the music even when my MacBook lid is closed. I can't seem to get this work. Seems like such a basic function. Is it possible to play iTunes with lid closed? What am I missing?

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Aug 16, 2009 8:49 PM

47 replies

Aug 16, 2009 9:57 PM in response to Chris CA

While I understand the intent (prevent overheating), this should be user-customizable feature, not Apple-enforced decision. This is sooooo dumb.

Even my old Windows machine had this functionality which allowed my laptop to function as a standalone CD player (when so desired).

I am surprised, people haven't figured out a way around this. Am I the only one complaining about this? That'll be hard to believe.

Message was edited by: iachieve

Aug 17, 2009 10:35 AM in response to Community User

You can indeed play iTunes with the lid closed; it's just that the system will automatically sleep when you close the screen and you have to wake it back up. There are two ways:

1) have an external monitor, keyboard and mouse connected. You can then wake the system from the keyboard.

2) I've been told that if you run Front Row before you close the lid, you can use an Apple Remote to wake the system and play iTunes. Not having a MacBook I haven't tried this myself, nor do I know if this will work with Airtunes.

Aug 17, 2009 11:25 AM in response to Chris CA

{quote:title=Chris CA wrote:}If Apple were to allow it with a setting and the user burned up the computer, then it would have to be covered under warranty, which it isn't.{quote}


Don't mean to argue.. but I still believe that it should be a user enabled/disabled function. I've used it on all my PCs for several years (when playing CD on Windows Media Player) and I am yet to BURN a single device 🙂

If I have to keep the MacBook open to keep running iTunes, wouldn't I run the same risk of BURNING (like you said)? 🙂

OK.. this is what I need to do...

I have all my music in iTunes. I have setup 3 AirportExpress (AirTunes) hooked up to receivers on 3 levels on my home. I'd like to play the music from iTunes (wirelessly streaming throughout the house via AirTunes) without having to keep the MacBook open. How do I do it?

I don't want to see any third party apps (e.g. Insomnia) to prevent my computer from going to sleep. I just want to accomplish what I described above. Can this be done or not?

Another question is if the iTunes is running on one of my Windows-based laptops, and I close the lid on that, iTunes (on PC) should continue to run. Right?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Aug 17, 2009 1:29 PM in response to Community User

If I have to keep the MacBook open to keep running iTunes, wouldn't I run the same risk of BURNING (like you said)?

No, it would not be the same risk since keeping the cover open should help prevent it from overheating. If it does overheat and damage the computer while the lid is open, it should be covered by warranty.
-> Apple Portables: How to use your computer in closed clamshell (display closed) mode with an external display
"You can use your MacBook in lid closed mode if the computer is connected to an external display, keyboard, and mouse."
Suggestions here -> Apple Product Feedback

Aug 17, 2009 1:58 PM in response to Chris CA

I don't use any external devices (keyboard, mice, display) so this solution doesn't really help me much.

Oh well.. I guess there's no way to do this. Back goes my 3 AirportExtremes. Like many had suggested, I guess I'll get the Sonos system for my music needs.

Sep 27, 2009 3:37 PM in response to iHarley

Is it still the case that with Macbooks not, you're not supposed to run with laptop closed, external keyboard and monitor?? It works by default now, whereas I can recall having lots of issues with the Powerbook G4 when I tried.

My only problem is this: normally a Macbook won't go to sleep if media (Quicktime/iTunes) is playing. With this external display setup, and the laptop's own display off, this is not the case. So I play Beethoven's 3th symphony, go to read, and halfway through, the music stops, because the laptop decided to sleep.

Anyone know a way around this issue?

Sep 27, 2009 3:51 PM in response to Community User

Update to my previous post, I think it's a non-issue on Apple's end.

(Here's why: my speakers are my monitor, ie, I have an audio out to my monitor, which has speakers and audio in. So when my macbook puts my monitor to sleep, this also ends its ability to do its audio functions. Maybe that's natural for monitor speakers. Maybe ASUS *****. Either way, not an OSX/Macbook issue, I think)

Feb 3, 2010 2:14 AM in response to Community User

Chris CA,

Can you explain to me what the difference for overheating is,
When I play itunes 24/7 in two situations

1- when an external display, keyboard and mouse are connected, and the lid is closed.
2- when nothing is connected, and the lid is closed.

Because in the first situation, itunes keeps playing, and in the second is stops playing because that situation could overheat.... And that, while in my view, the macbook has to do the same thing. Or do you think the sceens backlighting would stay on with the lid closed without a display attached?

Parently, Mac is the only supplier of notebooks that have this issue (because that's what it is)

Can iTunes play with lid closed?

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