Keep MacBook Pro Awake with Lid Closed

Prevent Your Macbook Pro from sleeping when you close the lid

Let me paint a scenario for you. You use your Macbook Pro for just about everything. Especially for watching movies, TV and videos. Sometimes you would like to watch them on a bigger screen than what your laptop has to offer. That’s easy enough. Macbooks have ports so you can hook it up to an external monitor or a TV. Now you’ve logged into Netflix or have a DVD ripped to your hard drive ready to go. The cable is hooked up, you turn the lights out and sit down to enjoy the movie. But wait, the mood is kind of ruined because of that bright light coming from your Macbook Pro. Sure, you can turn it around to face the wall, maybe hide it behind a chair or even turn the display all the way down. But, you still have to find a place to put it because the of the awkward lid sticking up. What do you do?

Grab a copy of NoSleep from MacUpdate

NoSleep is a free utility that you can download from www.macupdate.com. It’s main function is to keep your Macbook Pro from sleeping when you close the lid. It also has options to keep your laptop from sleeping when the AC adapter is plugged in or even when using the battery. You probably wouldn’t want these settings activated all the time, but it all depends on what you prefer.

Once installed this app sits in the menu bar and allows you to quickly toggle it on an off whenever you need it. When it is activated it will keep your laptop awake even when you close the lid. One thing I would warn against is transporting your Macbook Pro with this utility running. Especially if you have a conventional hard drive. If you have an SSD then you might be okay. But, another thing to think of is putting it in a backpack or laptop case. This could potentially cause it to overheat because of the limited airflow. So, I would recommend turning NoSleep off when you are done using it. You should not have to use it all the time.

What Can This Be Used For?

Allows you to stream movies and videos with the lid closed. This keeps the light from your monitor from messing up the whole movie experience 🙂

You can close the lid when you are running large downloads

I’m sure there are other useful ideas out there that I’m just not thinking of. Post your favorite use of this app here in the comments section!

Won’t That Cause My Macbook Pro to overheat?

In a short answer. No. The most popular misconception is that heat is vented through the keyboard and people are scared if they close the lid it will overheat the computer. This is not true. First, the keyboard is sealed and isolated from the rest of the components. There is no airflow going in or out. If you have ever taken apart a Macbook Pro you know what I’m talking about. No, heat is dissipated through the base of the laptop and vented out the rear of the laptop with fans. So, don’t worry about overheating. As I mentioned earlier, the only danger would be to put your Macbook Pro inside a case or backpack. Actually, here is an excerpt that should help explain things.

“When you’re using your MacBook Pro or charging the battery, it’s normal for the bottom of the case to get warm. For prolonged use, place your MacBook Pro on a flat, stable surface. Do not place your MacBook Pro on your lap or other body surface for extended periods of time. Prolonged body contact can cause discomfort and potentially a burn. The bottom of the MacBook Pro case functions as a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the computer to the cooler air outside. The bottom of the case is raised slightly to allow airflow, which keeps the unit within normal operating temperatures. In addition, warm air is vented from the slots in the back of the case.”

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