Do bluetooth speakers work with a MacBook when in Clamshell mode?

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Do bluetooth speakers work with a MacBook when in Clamshell mode?

Just a quick question, because despite a fairly intensive google search, I can't find the answer. Does anyone know if it possible to pair bluetooth speakers with a macbook air (13", mid 2012) whilst in clamshell mode?

I'm looking at buying an external monitor (probably a non-apple one for budgetary reasons) and already have a bluetooth mouse and keyboard (which I know work fine in Clamshell mode) and a bluetooth speaker. These work fine in conjunction with the Macbook right now, but I don't want to fork out on a monitor only to find that I then have to either listen to music through its integrated system, or buy another, expensive set of display speakers.

Thanks for the help in advance.

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2012), OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Jan 1, 2014 3:41 PM

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Answer 1

sberman

Level 10

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Jan 1, 2014 6:01 PM in response to breachie365

Here is the clamshell mode "how to" article:

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

It looks to me like the answer to your question is no, clamshell does not support Bluetooth speakers.

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Answer 2

Jan 6, 2014 5:49 PM in response to breachie365

I just bought an extenal model for much the same reason as you described. It was very smooth (as you would expect) to get it operating. I'm using a Big Jambox wireless speaker and Logitech wireless mouse. One suggestion I'd make would be to have everything up and running on your Mac Air before you close the lid. The Jambox fired up as ordered and soon I was listening to Pearl Jam instead of doing the work I set out to do.

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Answer 3

breachie365 Author

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Jan 7, 2014 11:35 AM in response to Dave Mace

I likewise took the plunge, and can confirm that BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS DO WORK WITH MACBOOKS WHEN IN CLAMSHELL MODE!

As other posters have mentioned, it works smoothest if all is set up and paired before entering Clamshell mode (i.e. plugging in the macbook and closing the lid).

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