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    Running a Monitor w/a uMB on Battery?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by GoHack, May 18, 2009.

  1. GoHack

    GoHack Notebook Consultant

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    When I run my uMB on battery, I can't seem to run an external monitor on it.

    Is this normal?

    Thx


    .
     
  2. MKang25

    MKang25 NBR Prisoner

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    I can run an external 50" HDTV on my MBP on battery so you should be able to.
     
  3. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    You can do that just fine, but you have to be using the external screen before unplugging the power. So plug the screen in, have everything plugged in, and then unplug the power while the monitor is on, and you'll be fine. ;)
     
  4. doh123

    doh123 Without ME its just AWESO

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    if you mean with the screen closed on the laptop, yeah... its a pain.. easier to just run it with the screen open on the laptop. You can switch the external monitor to the primary monitor, and turn the backlight off on the secondary... not the best way to do it, but it works.
     
  5. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    In the case you're talking about, you can download a program called InomniaX, which allows your external monitor to run with the lid closed on your notebook. ;)
     
  6. doh123

    doh123 Without ME its just AWESO

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    The only problem running with it closed is it needs power, and keyboard/mouse plugged in... then it works fine. The program you mention is a way to get around that yes, but as far as I've seen it hasn't been updated in awhile, and doesn't work on some of the newer lines of machines.
     
  7. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    Right. ;) It works fine on my machine though! :) I agree, it hasn't been updated in a while, but hopefully they can fix that.
     
  8. MKang25

    MKang25 NBR Prisoner

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    Isnt the screen still on though when you use insomniax? Wouldn;t that cause some damage to the machine?
     
  9. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    Nope, the computer screen is completely on sleep. ;) The only screen that is running is the external monitor.

    Yes, it could, by overheating if you use it for a long time like that. ;)