How to use your PowerBook G4, MacBook Pro or MacBook with the display closed

If you use an external display or projector with any MacBook Pro or PowerBook G4 and a USB mouse or keyboard, you can close the display and still use the computer. Here's how.

1. Make sure the computer is plugged in to an outlet using the AC power adapter.
2. Connect a USB keyboard and mouse to your computer.
3. Connect the Apple video (VGA or DVI) adapter that came with your computer to the appropriate port on the external display or projector and turn the display or projector on.
4. With the computer turned on and your keyboard or mouse connected, connect the other end of the adapter to the video output port on your MacBook Pro or PowerBook G4.
5. Once your computer's Desktop appears on the external display, close the computer's lid.
6. Once the lid is closed, wake the computer up by either clicking your mouse button or by pressing a key on your keyboard.

You should now be able to use your MacBook Pro or PowerBook G4 as you normally would, using your USB keyboard or mouse.

To disconnect your MacBook Pro or PowerBook G4 from the display after use:

When you're finished using your MacBook Pro, MacBook, or PowerBook in closed-lid mode, the internal display will not function when you open the lid until you have properly disconnected the external display. To properly disconnect the external display, put the computer to sleep and disconnect the display cable from the computer. Open the lid and the computer reactivates the internal display.

Some DVI displays, including Apple's aluminum-framed DVI displays, can be unplugged without putting the computer to sleep. If you aren't sure whether your display supports this feature, put your computer to sleep before unplugging the display.

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If you want to do the same thing with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, see this article:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300562

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