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+--- Thread: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? (/showthread.php?tid=81774)
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - tahoedrew - 07-24-2009
>>>do u always leave the mbp open so u are seeing 2 screens?
Yes, I "span" my desktop in both locations
>>>what is your work methodology using 2 screens?
The MBP screen is for iTunes, mail.app, TweetDeck, clips and previews in FCExpress and palattes and tools in the Adobe Creative suite. The 20" screen is where I do my work, whether that's writing/editing in word, web stuff, video editing in the timeline or the canvas, photoshop images, etc.
>>>are u using some form of a laptop stand to keep the bottom of the mbp cool?
yep, got the MBP on a Griffin iStand. At home it just rests on the desk though I usually put something small under the rear feet to help airflow a bit but I don't do much heavy lifting (video editing, heavy Photoshop work, etc.) at home.
It's been a crazy week, so the office desk is obviously trashed right now!
~A
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - tahoedrew - 07-24-2009
robfilms wrote:
anyone know what a drive replaced by an apple tech would cost?
the only apple servicer in my area charges $149 for labor only, not sure what the apple store would charge, I didn't ask them
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - Black - 07-24-2009
I guess I win this thread.
I've been using my Santa Rosa macbook basically as a "mini" with a 24" monitor for about 6 weeks.
It stays closed now. I never shut down anymore because I have to open the 'book to start up again, so I only sleep. I'm using a Bluetooth KB/mouse combo so when I want to use it I just grab the KB and hit a key or brush the trackpad and the 'book wakes right up. The 'book was unable to drive the monitor plus the built in at their native resolutions-- a 1920 pixel wide screen not only doesn't leave me mourning the "lost" desktop space, but I still find it almost tedious to mouse "all the way" across it horizontally despite pretty healthy mouse acceleration.
For a while I was disconnecting things in order to use the 'book in other places but I decided I don't want to stress the port connections that much (particularly the HDMI adapter doesn't seat well in the video port and that's the one I fear most for).
I upgraded to a 320 GB drive early on-- easy as pie and no, it not only does not void the warranty, but I was able to replace my original 160 GB that died by handing it to a genius after installing the 320 GB in the 'book.
Let me know what else I can answer, here or PM.
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - btfc - 07-24-2009
"just make sure you have the right screwdrivers"
Yes, and keep track of the screws.
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - RevKev - 07-24-2009
tahoedrew wrote:
[quote=robfilms]
anyone know what a drive replaced by an apple tech would cost?
the only apple servicer in my area charges $149 for labor only, not sure what the apple store would charge, I didn't ask them
I was told at the Apple Store they wouldn't put a larger HD in my MBP. They said it was "user replaceable." However, they said I would have to put the old drive back in if I brought it in for repair work under Apple Care.
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - Black - 07-25-2009
RevKev wrote:
[quote=tahoedrew]
[quote=robfilms]
anyone know what a drive replaced by an apple tech would cost?
the only apple servicer in my area charges $149 for labor only, not sure what the apple store would charge, I didn't ask them
I was told at the Apple Store they wouldn't put a larger HD in my MBP. They said it was "user replaceable." However, they said I would have to put the old drive back in if I brought it in for repair work under Apple Care.
They told you wrong.
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - Speedy - 07-25-2009
Don't do it.
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - RevKev - 07-26-2009
Black wrote:
[quote=RevKev]
[quote=tahoedrew]
[quote=robfilms]
anyone know what a drive replaced by an apple tech would cost?
the only apple servicer in my area charges $149 for labor only, not sure what the apple store would charge, I didn't ask them
I was told at the Apple Store they wouldn't put a larger HD in my MBP. They said it was "user replaceable." However, they said I would have to put the old drive back in if I brought it in for repair work under Apple Care.
They told you wrong.
Good. I replaced the HD with a 500 gig WD.
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - jholtzman - 08-02-2009
Silly question:
If I attach my macbook to an external monitor/keyboard/mouse, will I also need external speakers, or will the laptop speakers function while it is asleep?
Also - does anyone have any advice regarding refurbished LCD monitors? I am looking to save a little $$.
Thanks!