I’m doing it right now.
However, it’s not a very simple task to turn off the MacBook’s LCD when connected without rebooting, as there are (very) limited display controls on the MacOS preference pane. With the MacBook’s monitor on, you wind up with a very awkward multiscreen setup with disjointed resolutions. If you mirror it, it is limited to the MacBook’s resolution not matter what monitor is connected.
What you are supposed to do is connect the monitor, reboot the computer, and close the lid when the Apple logo shows up, then it will just use your external monitor. That’s a pain in the ass.
I learned an easier way this week – its a hack, but it works beautifully.
1. Connect the monitor, and you will have the awkward spanning.
2. Place your forefinger fingertip on the MacBook next to the trackpad.
3. Close the lid so it is touching the top of your finger.
4. The MacBook will go to sleep.
5. Slip your finger carefully into the MacBook and press the spacebar a couple of times to make it wake up.
6. The external monitor will wake up, but not the built-in LCD.
7. You can actually close the lid now if you want without problem.
3 responses so far ↓
1 David // Oct 2, 2009 at 1:32 am
I too run into this problem on my macbook I use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse though to put it to sleep post boot then to wake it up. My monitors then start to work and I actually have a dual monitor set up via an IOGEAR USB to DVI device. Sometimes after I do this it seems sluggish as whole even more so now with OS X SL. I don’t like the fact the you have to put it to sleep to turn the LCD off. This is one of the points where my Dell laptop beats it
2 Patrick // Oct 2, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I believe, you can just close the lid and then move the mouse or press a button on your usb keyboard and it will wake back up too. I use both displays when I’m working though so I don’t really do that too often.
3 How To Use Multiple Computers: Dual Desktops, Virtual Machines, and Remote Access Solutions | StationStops // Oct 29, 2009 at 1:11 pm
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