Macbook Pro closed & using Thunderbolt display

Question

Level 1

4 points

Macbook Pro closed & using Thunderbolt display

Problem:

When using my new Macbook Pro 15 with my Thunderbolt 27 display connected, I can't get it to work with the MBP lid closed.

According to Apple's MBP / Thunderbolt manual I should close the MBP lid and wait a few seconds and then hit a any key on my keyboard to wake the Thunderbolt display again. Don't get it to work.

As a result I know have to have my MBP lid open and set my screenlight to nothing (= black screen). But I would like to be able to "tuck away" my MBP when in the office.

Tested:

- Many variations of doing the above, different sequenses etc.

- All software & firmware is up to date (latest as I write this).

Any ideas or tips? Anyone go the same problem?

iPhone 4S, Mac OS X (10.7.2), iMac 27", MBP15+TBdi, iOS Developer

Posted on Jan 9, 2012 1:40 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Shootist007

Level 6

16,703 points

Jan 9, 2012 4:17 AM in response to _Mac

Are you using a wired or wireless keyboard?

If wireless it simply could be going to sleep with the rest of the system. Try it with a wired keyboard.

If it is a wired keyboard disregard the above.

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Answer 2

Jan 9, 2012 4:44 AM in response to _Mac

Apple did advise people not to run their MBP with the lid shut as they said it could lead to overheating. However there are work arounds for this I use a app called Caffeine that stops the MBP from sleeping with the lid closed. Mike

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Answer 3

Shootist007

Level 6

16,703 points

Jan 9, 2012 4:53 AM in response to youngmacdonald

Please supply a link to that Apple statement. I would really like to read it.

All cooling is done through the back of the unit not through the top, keyboard, area.

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Answer 4

Jan 9, 2012 8:59 AM in response to Shootist007

I humbly apolagise I was wrong. Another urban myth I read on the internet. 😮 Mike

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

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Answer 5

Zyriab

Level 4

3,344 points

Jan 9, 2012 9:01 AM in response to _Mac

What you want to do is called "clamshell mode". It only works if the MacBook is connected to the mains. You cannot enter clamshell mode on battery power.

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Answer 6

_Mac Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 13, 2012 6:06 AM in response to _Mac

Thank's for all feedback :-)

- I've tried with both wired & wireless keyboard, seems to be the same.

- @Shootis007: couldn't find the latest manual for the latest MBP15 online @, but it's there.

- "Clamshellmode" seems might be on the right track, I'll have to test it some more.

But if this is the case, it's not god since I'm trying to "learn" my new MBP's battery to drain fully before charging again == much longer batterylife (like +15-20% or so on previus MBPs).

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Answer 7

Zyriab

Level 4

3,344 points

Jan 13, 2012 6:26 AM in response to _Mac

You don't really need to do that with modern batteries. Read Apple's advice for using and maintaining your battery here: http://www.apple.com/uk/batteries/notebooks.html

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Answer 8

tsinkoy

Level 1

0 points

Jan 4, 2013 12:34 AM in response to _Mac

Here's a page that helped me get it to work.

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

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Answer 9

Jul 8, 2015 7:25 AM in response to Zyriab

I wondered why my thunderbolt display goes off! I plugged in the power adapter and it stopped. Cheers!

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