Use a MacBook as a desktop machine?

Hi:

Need some advice... We would like to use a MacBook as a desktop machine in addition to using it as a portable notebook. We currently have a brand new Samsung 22" SyncMaster display to use. I'm assuming we would also need an external keyboard and mouse? (And perhaps a USB 2 external HDD for extra storage.)

Does anyone have their MacBook setup this way? Can you tell me if it works OK? I realize we could purchase an iMac but we really need the MacBook to show and project PowerPoint displays at various locations. Thanks and regards.

will work no problems

You will just need a cable for the monitor and choose whether to mirror or extend the desktop for the displays

I would use a keyboard and mouse, its the set-up I intend to use when my old G4 is replaced by a macbook soon

it's totally doable it has all the necessary ports and you can actually run the whole thing with the lid closed!!!

If you buy your keyboard and mouse with blue teeth (lol ^^) you can set the machine to wake on demand from them. First plug in your display and get that all set up, then simply go into system preferences and select "Bluetooth" then click "Advanced."

Make sure that the box for allowing bluetooth devices to wake this computer is checked and then connect your keyboard and mouse. put your mac to sleep by shutting the lid and then wiggle the mouse or tapping the keyboard. Theoretically this will wake the mac and you can use it as if it was a desktop, then unplug it all and take it on the road! brilliant see

If this doesn't work I can recommend a brilliant program called "insomniaX" for the mac which does pretty much the same thing but for wired peripherals I believe ^^

Give it a go, I've tried this a few times when you have a presentation running repeatedly and you just need it to not sleep xD

I have it somewhat setup as a desktop. I have an external monitor and a mouse hooked up to my Macbook, and use both screens and the Macbook's keyboard. But like light said, if I added a keyboard and mirrored the displays, I could effectively be using it as a full desktop.

Yep, a Macbook works fine. Here's a pic:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kfordham281/514985076/in/pool-588849@N21

i do this exact thing, works fine.

fan is a little loud sometimes on the MB, but oh well.

Thats how I have mine setup right now. Its powering a 19" widescreen monitor with a Apple Wireless Keyboard and a Logitech VX Revolution. I have a 500gb External HD attached. Haven't had any problems with it, works great!

I use my macbook as my primary machine, and it works great. When I'm working at my desk, I connect it to a 20" Cinema Display, a bluetooth keyboard and mighty mouse.

kfordham281 said:

Yep, a Macbook works fine. Here's a pic:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kfordham281/514985076/in/pool-588849@N21

Click to expand...

Looks great. I love Apple displays but why do they have to be so very expensive

cNK said:

Looks great. I love Apple displays but why do they have to be so very expensive

Click to expand...

I have no idea

for the same amount of cash spent on those apple displays, you can buy some really nice ones by samsung, hp, and gateway

I have the MB connected to a Cinema Display 20", mighty mouse and the new flat keyboard... works like a dream!

They are expensive... but they look so good!

I also use a 20" monitor, mouse, laptop stand and accessories on my desktop, and I regularly take the laptop with me when I leave home. As for the Apple cinema displays and their inflated costs, I'd recommend the Dell counterpart for a quality 20" monitor. My FPW2005 ($120 used) is the perfect addition to my MBP's real estate. Also a good comparison article can be found here.

bump for the MacBook pro. Mines hooked up to a 32 inch toshiba TV and a Logitech surround system. Apple mouse and keyboard. Blutooth.
Rather this setup than a desktop of any day. Except for maybe a Mac Pro.