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I have the newest model Unibody MacBook Pro and I've been reading mixed opinions on whether or not it's safe to run my MacBook Pro in clamshell mode or not. I'm thinking of getting an Apple Cinema Display but want to know if clamshell mode causes any damage whatsoever.

Also related to this, does all heat get expelled from the vents on the back of the new MacBook Pro?

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I have a friend who runs a studio and keeps a Macbook Pro closed and I haven't seen a problem with this.

The only vents are at the back.

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However, I can say from my friends one that the heat pretty much evenly spreads out across the chassis.

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Great, thanks for the quick and precise answer! :) – Kevin Y Dec 27 '09 at 23:01
Let me add my 2c-worth to the above sample-of-one. I also run a 17-incher in clamshell mode and it works fine with Cinema display attached. Guess for the definitive answer, download istat menus and see if there's any significant temperature difference on the various parts of the machine, between operating modes. islayer.com/apps/istatmenus – Thomas Browne Dec 27 '09 at 23:57
I've run a plastic '13-inch, Early 2009 MacBook' since 2009 almost exclusively in clamshell mode. She's still going strong. – boehj Sep 4 '11 at 4:15
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It will probably run hotter, since the graphics card will be working harder to drive a higher resolution. If you're worried, get the excellent SMCFanControl menu app, and set your base fan speed higher than the normal. I do this a lot when working with large indesign files on my 2007 MBP, as the graphics card makes the lappy super hot.

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I just got the 24 incher and my unibody 13 inch MBP's fan has been running higher than normal since it's been connected both with the lid closed.

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