Issue connecting my macbook to an hdtv via hdmi cable

I connect my 2009 macbook pro to a 40' hdtv via an hdmi cable to work on digital arts projects for university. The only issue I have with it is that there are 2" or so black bars on the left and right sides. I assumed this was because of the aspect ratio of the laptop not being identical to that of the tv.

I then got a tip from a friend to set display settings in system preferences to 1080p, and then close the mac (turn on clamshell mode). To my surprise, the screen resized to absolutely gorgeous 1080p, full screen glory on the tv! Only trouble is that this only happens when the mac is closed. Right when I open it, it returns to the black bars, something like 1920x1080.

For the love of god, someone please tell me there is a way to maintain the that 1080p perfection when I open it up! It's teasing me.. I know I could (and should) get a keyboard and mouse, but I don't have either, and like the trackpad anyways.

I then got a tip from a friend to set display settings in system preferences to 1080p, and then close the mac (turn on clamshell mode). To my surprise, the screen resized to absolutely gorgeous 1080p, full screen glory on the tv! Only trouble is that this only happens when the mac is closed. Right when I open it, it returns to the black bars, something like 1920x1080.

Click to expand...

That's known as clamshell mode and is the only way you're going to get the native resolution from your TV to display correctly.

For the love of god, someone please tell me there is a way to maintain the that 1080p perfection when I open it up! It's teasing me.. I know I could (and should) get a keyboard and mouse, but I don't have either, and like the trackpad anyways.

Click to expand...

Buy the keyboard and mouse because it's not going to work any other way.

Thanks.

Frankly this is the first time I've ever considered ditching a mac for a PC. It's so ridiculous that things like this are so strictly apple's way or the highway. I see no logical reason as to why such an incredible feature is ONLY enabled in clamshell mode. Makes zero sense.

Yeah, I have to agree that sometimes it just doesn't make sense. Especially since Apple only started doing that with the 2008 model MacBook and MBP. Previously, the display could be switched by using one of the F keys instead of clamshell mode.