Turn off Mac when connecting cables?

I was reading the manual for my new MBP, and I don't see any warnings like I did in the past stating that the computer should be turned off when connecting or disconnecting cables. Is this no longer a concern? In the past, I thought that the circuitry could be damaged if cables were connected while the power is on. Specifically, I was connecting my mini display port to an external monitor. It would be nice to just plug it in without having to shut down first.

I disconnect/connect USB cables all the time...it's one of the positive features of USB. Years ago (like back in the 80's & most of the 90's)...if you did any connecting/disconnecting of cables...first it might have "locked up" the computer (requiring a reboot)...and 2nd...you needed to reboot for the changes to take effect.

If the manual contains no warnings...I would say you're fine (from the official Apple point of view)

- Nick

"hot plugging" came in with high-end SCSI stuff in the early 90s, and has been standard operating procedure for Firewire and USB since day one. Certain kinds of *equipment* (notably hard drives and thumb drives if not properly unmounted!) don't like hot plugging, but the wires/connectors/circuit boards don't care.

Good, thanks so much! I sure didn't want to fry my new Mac, so I'm glad to know this.