Forums » MacOS X
Running programs with the laptop closed
I'm wondering is it possible to run iTunes with my black MacBook lid closed?
There are a few ways to do this.
1. The simplest way is to hook up an external monitor and keyboard, as this does not require any configuration changes, and when you take your laptop elsewhere it will still sleep when you shut the lid. While the machine is asleep, hook up the monitor and keyboard, and the system will wake up while the lid is still shut. Note, the power adapter must be connected for this to work.
2. There are a few software solutions out there that are able to prevent the computer from going to sleep. I haven't tried them myself, so I can't speak to how user-friendly or stable they might be. The ones that turn up in a quick Google search are "Insomnia" and "InsomniaX". Both involve a kernel extension (driver) that changes how OS X deals with the signal that the lid has been closed. Usually you still need the power adapter plugged in to prevent the system from going to sleep, as the power management hardware has its own rules about these things.
Some notes on the concept in general:
Depending on how the laptop is designed, running it for long periods with the lid closed may cause it to overheat. Additionally, it may be possible to damage the LCD due to heating.
I often use my Powerbook with an external screen. I usually wake it up with the lid shut, then open the lid afterwards to avoid potential heat problems. This also lets me enable the internal screen as a second monitor for when I need some extra pixel space.
1. The simplest way is to hook up an external monitor and keyboard, as this does not require any configuration changes, and when you take your laptop elsewhere it will still sleep when you shut the lid. While the machine is asleep, hook up the monitor and keyboard, and the system will wake up while the lid is still shut. Note, the power adapter must be connected for this to work.
2. There are a few software solutions out there that are able to prevent the computer from going to sleep. I haven't tried them myself, so I can't speak to how user-friendly or stable they might be. The ones that turn up in a quick Google search are "Insomnia" and "InsomniaX". Both involve a kernel extension (driver) that changes how OS X deals with the signal that the lid has been closed. Usually you still need the power adapter plugged in to prevent the system from going to sleep, as the power management hardware has its own rules about these things.
Some notes on the concept in general:
Depending on how the laptop is designed, running it for long periods with the lid closed may cause it to overheat. Additionally, it may be possible to damage the LCD due to heating.
I often use my Powerbook with an external screen. I usually wake it up with the lid shut, then open the lid afterwards to avoid potential heat problems. This also lets me enable the internal screen as a second monitor for when I need some extra pixel space.
There's a way. Plug in an external mouse, shut the lid, and then move the mouse. That'll turn the screen back on.
Good point about the overheating. I guess that's what iPods are for! Thanks for the info.
i wouldnt run antything with the lid closed, I think it heats up too much.