Poking my iMac in the eye, AKA disabling the internal monitor.

June 29, 2007 1:54 PM

I thought I was a Mac geek, but I'm beginning to think I'm not. Can one take an Intel iMac, plug in an external monitor and TOTALLY DISABLE the internal screen? I'm beginning to think it's not possible.
posted by clango to Computers & Internet (9 answers total)

Can't you just mirror and turn the brightness all the way down on the internal display?
posted by jjg at 2:04 PM on June 29, 2007

Probably not what you want, but there's a discussion w/some possibilities over here.

I'm kinda surprised no one's made a little app to do something like this by now. I'd think it would be pretty easy.
posted by revmitcz at 2:07 PM on June 29, 2007

I don't think that's ever been part of the design of the iMac - when they started adding monitor outputs it was to add a second display for mirroring or extended desktop, not in place of the built in unit.
posted by pupdog at 2:09 PM on June 29, 2007

Response by poster: Sadly, the external is a different resolution than the internal is capable of so mirroring is out of the question. I found that Ars link while googling but will give it a second look!
posted by clango at 2:10 PM on June 29, 2007

Arbitrary monitor configuration is something that apple uses as a product line differentiator. In human speak, that's a feature they want you to pay more for. That doesn't mean it can't be done but it does mean it won't be as easy as "Click this box!"

The iBook vs. Powerbook is where I first ran into this issue. I'm guessing iMac have the same intentional limitations.
posted by chairface at 2:32 PM on June 29, 2007

Arbitrary monitor configuration is something that apple uses as a product line differentiator. In human speak, that's a feature they want you to pay more for.

Or less.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:15 PM on June 29, 2007

I had a coworker actually figure this out once, he managed to plug in an external screen and trick the computer into falling asleep. Then he'd wake it up again, but the screen wouldn't be on. It also had to have the laptop closed, which was a problem in itself. He couldn't do it for long periods of time since the closed case would get too hot.

I can't remember the exact details, but if you come across the solution, just watch out for overheating.
posted by idiotfactory at 3:44 PM on June 29, 2007

I don't think clango needs to worry about his iMac overheating, idiotfactory.
posted by modofo at 3:49 PM on June 29, 2007

oddly, this works as desired if you run XP on the iMac . . .
posted by Heywood Mogroot at 4:44 PM on June 29, 2007