[noleli2]

Whenever the next MBP update happens (which unfortunately looks like it'll be after I start grad school in the fall), I'm going to pick up whatever comes out. I'm still debating between a MacBook and a Pro (because I'd prefer a 12" MBP, which isn't going to happen), but my specific question is this:

I'm considering keeping whatever I get closed and in a drawer, hooked up to an external keyboard and monitor on my desk, but I'm concerned about heat. I know they are designed to run closed when hooked up to an external monitor, but I'm worried that being in a drawer might be limiting airflow a little too much. If there is a hole in the back large enough for cables, is that enough ventilation?

[atomicbartbeans]

You can always just check the temperatures with iStat and add more ventilation if needed... but why do you want to keep a pretty computer in a drawer?

[Brad]

Poor ventilation + surroundings likely made of an insulator (wood perhaps?) = sounds like a really bad idea to me. Unless the "hole in the back" lines up directly with and is at least as large as the computer's vents, I wouldn't try this for very long.

Also, seconding ABB's question: why close it up in a drawer?

[kieran]

I'm thinking he's concerned about theft.

[noleli2]

Originally Posted by kieran23kk I'm thinking he's concerned about theft.

Nope. I just have a vision of a beautifully minimalist desk with a 22-24" monitor in the corner, a keyboard on a pull-out tray, and not much else. External HDD and MBox will go in the big file drawer below the top drawer with the laptop. Or at least theoretically---I don't want my stuff to melt.

[doublem9876]

You know what I really like? iMacs.

[dmegatool]

Just try and see how it goes. If after a couples of minutes you can feel a temperature difference, get it out of there... or maybe just throw some ice pack in your drawer.

[FFL]

An ice pack sounds kind of messy.... perhaps one of those USB-powered cooling pads with fans would fit in the drawer as well?

[SarieMay]

Originally Posted by doublem9876 You know what I really like? iMacs.

I agree. If you are going to spend the money on a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc, then you may as well just get an iMac and then get a lower end MB/MBP for travel or whatever you would need to use the laptop for.

I'm assuming that you want some kind of portable computer since you are willing to hook up a monitor to the MBP, but like the others, I see no point in putting such a pretty computer in a drawer.

Do you even really need the separate monitor? Wouldn't a minimalistic desk mean having a laptop that you can put in a drawer (or on the keyboard tray) when you aren't using it or being able to close it up and put it in a corner (where you would want the monitor, anyway).

Food for thought?

[artesc]

i agree with the iMac suggestion. if you debating whether or not you need a macbook or a macbook pro you probably don't really need the mbp. get an iMac and a macbook for travel. of course, you'll have to keep two computers in sync, but that's not too hard.

[noleli2]

The iMac is an interesting suggestion, but I absolutely hate the idea of having more that one computer. Maybe a drawer is a bad idea, but I'm sure I'll figure something out, even if it is just using the laptop on the desk.

Thanks!

[artesc]

well, you could probably modify the desk drawer so that it allows proper airflow. cut out the back and part of the inside that isn't visible. anyways, let us know what you decide on.

[noleli2]

It'll be a few months because I need to wait for the new stuff, but I'm definitely thinking about drilling out the back of the drawer. I also ended up with a USB-powered fan pad, although it's kinda loud.

Of course this also depends on whether or not I decide to shell out the >$250 for a monitor.

For my reference, what are safe temperature ranges to watch for in iStat?

[zippy]

You could rig up an easy rack that would allow you to hang the laptop on the backside of the desk with the bottom facing out - that would allow for some excellent ventilation - as long as it's not directly over a heater vent. Just use some kind of U-shaped track that is sturdy enough to hold the computer and attach it with some stout adhesive, or mechanical fasteners (AKA rivets or screws). One channel on the bottom and one down each side - you'll have to cut some access holes in the side for connections - and you're done.

[Mugge]

Originally Posted by artesc well, you could probably modify the desk drawer so that it allows proper airflow. cut out the back and part of the inside that isn't visible. anyways, let us know what you decide on.

Sounds like the way to go. Remove the back of the drawer entirely and any panel it would come into contact with when closed. Otherwise I would suggest you simply try it for a while and then probe the temperature to see if it seems feasible.

[noleli2]

I'm thinking maybe I could get something like this:


They're actually not that expensive. $40-$50, maybe. I'll have to see what Apple announces next month and how my setup (and finances) shape up.

[apple007]

Is that thing specifically designed for heat dissipation, etc.? MBPs tend to get very warm on the bottom; as others have said above, I'd really think twice (and then a third time) about sticking one in a closed desk drawer.

[noleli2]

It looks to me like the bottom is grate-like, so heat dissipation out the bottom shouldn't be a problem. There'd also be space between the top of the laptop and the underside of the desk.

[PB PM]

You realize warm air rises, not falls...

[noleli2]

Yes, I am quite aware. I was just responding to apple007.