Airport On While MBP Closed

I did a search for "airport closed" and "airport macbook pro" but I couldn't find it, so sorry if this has been addressed.

I would like to keep my airport (internet) turned on while my mbp screen is closed. Both while power plugged in or out.

There has to be a way to do it.

I use my MBP connected to my TV like this. The book is closed and I have a keyboard and monitor connected. As far as I know this is he only way.

the way ??? has it set up is pretty much the only way to do it.

There is a utility called "InsomniaX" that will disable Sleep mode (which is what a MBP uses when you close the lid) but according to the latest version notes, it is not compatible with Intel Macs.

insomniaX is compatible with intel macs. i use it on my MBP all the time

What version of OS X are you using?

From their website:

InsomniaX
14. Jul 2006 64 comments


Version: 0.3

Description:
Warning: Does not work on Intel Macs running 10.4.8

I am running 10.4.8

:-(

Why would apple not make this a little check box?

Its to do with cooling.

??? said:

Its to do with cooling.

Click to expand...

For sleep mode, but not for keeping the airport on.

Keeping the airport on wouldn't keep the computer hot at all.

I will figure this out.

waymon said:

Keeping the airport on wouldn't keep the computer hot at all.

I will figure this out.

Click to expand...

Actually, it would. Doing so would require the HD to remain active, the processor active and the RAM active as well (the three main sources of heat in a notebook) so the signal can still be received and allow packets/data to be transmitted and received via the WiFi connection. Otherwise, the connection would be dormant and there would be no benefit to keeping the WiFi active on its own.
Don't also forget that the AirPort card is a huge battery drainer and when the battery is in use it too creates heat.

sixslinger said:

insomniaX is compatible with intel macs. i use it on my MBP all the time

Click to expand...

I am going to try.

i am running 10.4.8, and it works fine for me.

I am so used to my windows laptop that I can close and keep the internet running.

waymon -- I promise you, even if you close the lid of your Mac, the Internet will keep running.

ToddG said:

waymon -- I promise you, even if you close the lid of your Mac, the Internet will keep running.

Click to expand...

I tried the program and it didn't work. it is kind of annoying...I really wish this was an option. Hopefully when 10.5 is released soon it will have this option!

I doubt Apple will ever include that as an option. The issue just boils down to heat problems. It's just not a good idea to keep your laptop running with the lid closed because the heat builds up and it greatly reduces the life expectancy of your Macbook.

schweb said:

I doubt Apple will ever include that as an option. The issue just boils down to heat problems. It's just not a good idea to keep your laptop running with the lid closed because the heat builds up and it greatly reduces the life expectancy of your Macbook.

Click to expand...

Nuts.

What about running in "clamshell" mode, then? I'm doing that all the time. Are you saying that running that way is bad for the machine?

ToddG said:

What about running in "clamshell" mode, then? I'm doing that all the time. Are you saying that running that way is bad for the machine?

Click to expand...

Yes, running in clamshell mode is worse for the machine. Heat = death for electronic components. The more heat you have, the quicker they wear out. Clamshell mode causes alot more heat build-up so, in theory, your machine will not live as long as one that is not used that way.

schweb is right in theory. i suspect though that if you use a program like smc fancontrol, and just crank the fans up a little bit, then the heat problem would be offset. just my opinion.