Can MBP work while closed? (TV connection question)

I finally got my MBP connected to my TV. Works great. The only problem I'm having is trying to figure out how to get to work with the MBP closed. When I close it, it of course goes to sleep. Trying to watch a movie with the lid open is a bit annoying. The best I've come up with is closing the lid most of the way and turning it around.

I've found a couple of articles on the internet about using a MBP in clamshell mode but they all rely on an external keyboard to wake up the computer. I don't have one. I use a remote control program on my IPhone to control the computer.

Your assistance is appreciated.

SD

Yes...it's called "clamshell" mode:

Apple Portables: How to use your computer in closed clamshell (display closed) mode with an external display

HTH,

- Nick

p.s. Ooops...just reread the 2nd part of your post mentioning that you know about clamshell mode.

so while your macbook is closed and asleep, plug in the power adapter and the connection to you TV. Then as long as you have a mouse or keyboard (neither NEED to be wireless, but it certainly helps) you can operate the macbook on your TV

ScubaDachshund said:

I finally got my MBP connected to my TV. Works great. The only problem I'm having is trying to figure out how to get to work with the MBP closed. When I close it, it of course goes to sleep. Trying to watch a movie with the lid open is a bit annoying. The best I've come up with is closing the lid most of the way and turning it around.

Click to expand...

You'll need a mouse or keyboard of some type to wake it up. Then you can use your iPhone app to control it.

Thanks for the help. I guess it's just not designed to work the way I want it to. Hmmm . . . maybe I need a mac mini to dedicate to my home theater? Yeah, that's it! I'm sure the wife will go for that. ;D

ScubaDachshund said:

Thanks for the help. I guess it's just not designed to work the way I want it to. Hmmm . . . maybe I need a mac mini to dedicate to my home theater? Yeah, that's it! I'm sure the wife will go for that. ;D

Click to expand...

That can certainly work, but you'll have to set it to never sleep. Up to you, but the electricity usage adds up over time and your utility bill will be slightly higher. Your call if you don't mind spending a little extra on that bill.

Personally, I think it's worth it to just get a $15 external mouse to wake it from sleep. Like I said, then you can use your iPhone app the way you want.