External Monitor and PowerBook
When using a TV or LCD display as an external monitor with a PowerBook, is there any way to close the PowerBook and still see the display on the external monitor?
I'm playing video on the PowerBook and watching it on my TV, but the video playing on the PowerBook is distracting. I tried closing the PowerBook, but of course it went to sleep, shutting off the external display too.
Is there a way of closing the PowerBook and not going to sleep, while keeping the external display going?
I'm playing video on the PowerBook and watching it on my TV, but the video playing on the PowerBook is distracting. I tried closing the PowerBook, but of course it went to sleep, shutting off the external display too.
Is there a way of closing the PowerBook and not going to sleep, while keeping the external display going?
Comments
Originally posted by Maffrew
Is there a way of closing the PowerBook and not going to sleep, while keeping the external display going?
Yes. Wake up your closed sleeping PowerBook from an external USB device, e.g. a keyboard or mouse. It will automatically recognize the external display as its main display. This is called "clamshell" mode, because the PB is closed like a clamshell. Hope this is helpful for your purposes.
Escher
I've heard concerns that clamshell mode would be harmful to laptops in the long term; probably not true but nevertheless becomes a non-issue using this technique.
Originally posted by Escher
Yes. Wake up your closed sleeping PowerBook from an external USB device, e.g. a keyboard or mouse. It will automatically recognize the external display as its main display. This is called "clamshell" mode, because the PB is closed like a clamshell. Hope this is helpful for your purposes.
Escher
Will only work if external power supply is hooked up!
Originally posted by BNOYHTUAWB
Will only work if external power supply is hooked up!
Hard to please, eh? If there is no external power supply, switch off the powerbook and watch the DVD in the DVD player ...
Originally posted by BNOYHTUAWB
Will only work if external power supply is hooked up!
One more upside for shutting the screen off by adjusting brightness. It doesn't care if it's plugged in. My PB showed Shrek 2 as divx from HD, screen off, using its own speakers. 98% battery before movie, 41% left after.