MacBook Pro WITHOUT the Screen?

This might be the best Mac that Apple WON'T sell you...
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Lew Later: • Why Are So Many People...
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MX Ergo (Watch Video on Denki):
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iFixit's Screen Replacement Guide (choose your device):
www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook...
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[@THEJapan]

I had an old HP notebook with a dead screen back in 2005. A friend needed a PC, so I disconnected the screen and ribbon cables and he had a free pc. Worked pretty great and he used it for a couple of years.

[@aijint]

wholesome

[@kbhasi]

Yep! A friend of mine did the same thing with an MSI gaming laptop (I can't remember the model number) that had a cracked screen, and basically had a free gaming PC courtesy of my cousin who gave it to me (and I passed it on to him)!

[@nioxtheshark]

I did the same with my gaming Laptop so now it is Gaming PC :D

[@faridwakim]

I did that in, i believe, 2011 too. It was my mom's hand-me-down and it was good for gaming, i loved that thing.

[@xiangqiang2294]

Similar went for me, my laptop hinge broke and i took the screen down, voila I got a all-in-one pc

If the screen is broken, I think it's a great way for repurposing a broken mac, or any laptop.

[@fetchstixRHD]

I did something like this with a laptop I had some time ago. The screen stopped working, but it otherwise worked well, so I removed the screen from it and used it with monitors I had access to. Was really convenient as I had access to all my files, and made me look like the stereotypical "hacker" types (for better or for worse!) The laptop also recognised that the "main screen" was removed, and treated the attached display as the primary (and only) display. That said, the keyboard needs to be protected, but otherwise it was a great experience and wouldn't mind it again!

[@aeonjoey3d]

yeah, don't bother having the screen repaired for several hundred dollars, just remove it and get any monitor or TV

[@fetchstixRHD]

@@aeonjoey3d: Matter of fact, buying a portable monitor would probably work out cheaper and mostly as usable anywhere(!)

[@Montisaquadeis]

@@fetchstixRHD Laptop sleeve for on the go use for keyboard protection with something like a piece of cardboard over the keyboard if you are oduble paranoid?

[@fetchstixRHD]

@@Montisaquadeis: Yeah that would have been a good idea, even something like a paper notebook would help a bit (especially to stop keys being pressed!) Can't remember why I didn't get one now 🤔

[@DNKI]

An MBP without the screen really hits different... 🤣 This mod is not exactly a new concept, but with how MacBooks are *notorious* for their un-repairability, some people might be surprised with how easy it is to do!

[@SnipeDude500]

It amazes me that such a powerful computer fits in such a slim profile

[@dylanpickersgill2088]

Just like the home button they will end up selling it back to in a few monthhs

[@melkify7493]

Why dont you pin this comment

[@senorratman]

There are sensors near the trackpad that tell the MacBook that the lid is closed. You can usually trigger them with some smalll neodymium magnets there. This will help with the extended display thing, and you won't waste bandwidth driving nonexistent pixels.

[@senorratman]

example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHm1mqeFm9l2mJI

[@aeonjoey3d]

the more i watched the more i realized this has some great implications: imagine if you buy a MBP with a BROKEN display, those can run 500-700 even, so just turn it into a desktop, bam, and hell - you can buy an external 'travel' monitor and put them into a laptop bag and keep an entire mobile setup if you wanted. But I can also see the opportunity for someone who, maybe masochistically, didn't ever use their MBP as a laptop, but in a henge dock or just closed, with other monitors, they could remove the screen and SELL it as parts for several hundred dollars. Hmmmmm

[@TheDaysEnd]

Who would you remove a perfectly working screen though? Better to keep it plugged in and have a second monitor.

[@AlejandroLZuvic]

Or just buy a Mac mini?

[@coralineribiere1811]

My screen is broken. I tried it and it’s not working. I’m not going farther than the starting screen

[@god-son-love]

You don't need a portable monitor. Your phone is the portable monitor. Put the iphone in a VR headset and you have a VR desktop.

[@Rohirin]

This explains why I'm seeing MBPs with busted screens still going for so much on Ebay.

[@Rick-kv3gl]

Yes the sellers caught on, they used to be fairly cheap

[@user-uc5xo7yu7n]

Back in 2021, I thought this was a fun idea but apparently my friends thought it was stupid...I'm kinda glad this is a thing now. I might try it for myself in the future.

[@The-Chinokk]

i think it would be really cool to take this one step further and seperate then inbed the keyboard and mouse into a desk and have a seamless desk pc. Like the content Ken, you have a sub from me

[@DNKI]

I thought about that!! Maybe I find a desk I can cut into LOL

[@RobertKing951]

@@DNKI Please make a video about it! I figure that's not what your channel focuses on as standard. But I think you and Austin would make an awesome desk I could give you some advice on how easy it is to do just that. Cool you got your own channel now too.

[@mitchelubiarco]

This was cool! My mind immediately went to those that have modded a DS lite by removing the top screen and just keeping the bottom screen… essentially making “Gameboy Macro” of sorts… good stuff Ken!

[@waiting90dastochangemyname3]

same! i recently baught a ds lite too lol

[@haphazardlyhype]

Yo can you do that mod with a dsi?

[@tristanraine]

@@haphazardlyhype it has no gameboy slot, so, probably not.

[@sunnydivino]

I have to say that it really shatters my heart when I see people ripping perfectly functional computers. On the other hand though, the slab book concept is very amazing, I really hope Apple starts getting innovative in the aspect of ultra small and portable Macs.

[@lucadipaolo1997]

I mean, this is hardly innovative if you think about it. Most computers in the 80s and quite a few in the 90s were sold like this. Like the Commodore 64, many Commodore Amigas, Atari ST, and well, even most Apple 2 models (if not all of them, I can't remember).

[@badwave]

but… they already did? people are using the innovative portable computers with the screens ripped off.

[@harrison00xXx]

Well, i was using a (falling apart!) 2009 MacBook Pro 15" for years as a "Mac Mini"... awesome thing!

[@venkiiveera960]

5 years from now..it will be a reality

[@yeeisme]

I used to do this with old Intel MacBook Pro's that had broken displays. The biggest issue with this mod is if you see any antennas going into the monitor you will have to get some replacements. However since I haven't taken a Mac display apart for a while and haven't looked on iFixIt I don't know if there are antennas that run through the display of newer Macs.

[@richarddcrossley]

I read elsewhere that on the newer Macs they don’t do that anymore so not an issue.

[@AlejandroLZuvic]

The antenna goes around the hinge supports and vents, not through the display, so no problem.

[@Jord0699]

First thing I’m hoping is if the antennas have been rerouted. They are generally in the lid, could expect Bluetooth and wifi to be weak and possibly burn out without antennas connected

[@ebodeeb]

I tried it, and you guessed it no Wifi

[@SnakeGuyJohnny]

Working in e-waste I get a fair number of old MBPs that come through, and I have toyed with the idea of bolting one to the underside of my desk and running and keyboard and monitor from it to make a desktop Mac, but I never really got around to it, and the idea of more stuff crowding my desk bothers me. Neat idea though.

[@tycooperaow]

I also think this would be a great use of the touch bar as a welcome screen or to use as a micro display on it

[@mahalisyarifuddin]

It's the 80s all over again, and I'm all for it! I thought of doing this to my broken laptop but sadly my external display is broken too.

[@cultcitysaad]

I imagine your replacement for the externel display to be broken too XD

[@bukimari]

Really loving the new channel, Ken! Keep it up!

[@ATrainToAfrica]

This is great, subbed and looking forward to more content from you. Really happy to see you taking charge of your own content homie.

[@bentownsend1872]

Had no idea Ken had his own channel, instant sub for you sir.

[@sapomago]

Yes

[@LoftechUK]

I did this for a friend ten years ago as he broke his screen but as he was at college could not afford to replace it. So simple and great fun. It ran for years

[@troykutcha8846]

Hey I attempted this, and I have power (the capslock button will light up) but when I plug it in to my new monitor, it doesn’t work

[@No1Adventures]

@@troykutcha8846did you fix it and if you did how does it work?

[@DaveAlkema]

This is interesting. I've thought about buying a used Macbook to use in my office, just hiding the laptop in the desk. Never thought about finding one with a broken screen and having it on the desk. That would be especially helpful since I really enjoy Mac's touchpads and gesture navigation.

[@GottaBeFrank]

Love the idea of this. Keep up the great videos, Ken.

[@sketchpalosotherchannel]

I just got a 2008 MacBook Pro with a smashed screen, and I considered setting it up as a desktop solution, but I ultimately was able to find the replacement parts I needed to get it turned into a laptop again.

[@ThaFedejp]

I love the aesthetics of this channel, Ken. Keep it up!

[@ankitrai96]

Unfortunately, this brings back sour memories. I started using my Macbook air (last iteration powered by intel processor) like this because its screen stopped working after about 13 months. And getting it repaired (especially here in India) didn't make financial sense.

[@TechDove]

my original and first macbook pro a mid 2009 model, was dragged off the table by my dog while magsafe was plugged in ( funny it didnt disconnect like it was supposed to) and landed right on the display and killed it. this would have been a cool idea if I wasnt a broke college student at the time lol but luckily i had applecare

[@FrankTheGuy]

I've been doing this for ages with my old laptops which had broken screens and deemed not worth the screen replacement costs. Removing the screen was more convenient to use without it blocking the external monitor I was hooking them up to.

[@troykutcha8846]

Hey Frank, I attempted this, and I have power (the capslock button will light up) but when I plug it in to my new monitor, it doesn’t work

[@troykutcha8846]

Any thoughts?

[@FrankTheGuy]

@@troykutcha8846totally no display? I think u can try few things if you're sure the laptop and graphics still works: 1. Try a different VGA/hdmi cable 2. If you're using any converter try not to use it, or try change another converter 3. Try a different monitor 4. Ensure u selected the right output. Try switching between cloned, extended and external monitor.

[@Dangineering]

Great cinematography and content! Glad I decided to subscribe!

[@DNKI]

Appreciate that you love the visuals. Thanks so much!!

[@Dangineering]

@@DNKI Also don't tell Austin, but I think I enjoy your videos more.

[@harmoneyes]

First 100k vid I’m glad denki blew up!

[@michaelisepic7452]

Not a Mac fan but I would do this for fun with a older Mac

[@dinism1k]

How did you get that timelaps shot on 2:56? Looks awesome! Is that steadycam on slider or something?

[@cristianb1964]

Love the vibe of the video !

[@Watchandlearn91]

Awesome video. As a long time Mac user (I use MacOS and Ubuntu both daily and have for a long while), I was kinda wondering how the software would work without the display. I have done software updates before a few times where the external display would not want to reconnect so I had to use the internal display to at least get logged in before I could dock it back to my monitors. Knowing that I no longer had said external display would make me sweat bullets everytime I had to update.

[@theencryptedpartition4633]

The only problem I have with this is that when you use it, the palm rest can get quite warm if not hot even on m1

[@dawgdaes]

That was excellent these videos are getting better and better

[@fifthQuark]

Could it be possible to adapt the built in screen connector to HDMI or displayport?

[@veryswede1576]

First time watcher.. great video man & love your room and fashion sense..

[@potatotheshrimp]

Your Setup Makes it look so good! Great vid! 😎👍

[@CaseyStrouse]

I have a thinkpad that's still a great machine with open-source firmware and the Intel ME removed that I have mounted to the back of a monitor and use in this way which works well. I've been interested in these sort of recycling/repurposing projects ever since Bunny's Novena project dropped years back demonstrating how cool a DIY frankentop could be. Cool vid man glad I found your channel!

[@eskapefunn5120]

This is a cool idea. Curious to know how do you get the wifi & Bluetooth to work, doesn't the screen have the antennas for those functions?

[@megatronskneecap]

Modern MacBook Pro's with the TouchBar had the bits and bobs needed for WiFi and Bluetooth in the heat dissipation shield right where the screen bezel was so there was no fuss when you took the screen out but Apple has found a way to shove the antennas back into their ultra thin screens on the new line of MacBooks without the Touch Bar so good luck with that.

[@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELO]

An absolutely underrated channel! Awesome video Bro! Your energy is contagious! Keep them coming! New Sub here!!!

[@StopItRuss]

i love you ken and your style and humor

[@kazami6317]

Never used a Mac before but if people can figure out a way to extend their usage of a device, way to go! Less e-waste How comfortable is the keyboard on macs? Is it like any regular laptop? Keep it up!

[@DNKI]

Some of the butterfly switch MacBooks from a few years ago were hated by most people, but generally the keyboard layouts are great. I think more uncontested is the trackpad - arguably still the best in the business and have been for the past decade.

[@SnakeGuyJohnny]

@@DNKI Scissor switches only! Those keyboards were awful!

[@gabobli]

keyboard and trackpad on the M1 macbooks are awesome!

[@AlejandroLZuvic]

Apart from the horrid 2016-2019 butterfly keyboard, the MacBook keyboards have always been very good. In my opinion, they're second only to Lenovo.

[@EmeraldHill-vo1cs]

@@DNKI Who uses the scratchpad; a mouse as u showed.

[@PumperWolf]

When I saw teardown of M1 Mac mini, I actually thought about something like that, that is so small and efficient, that actually could fit on a magic keyboard, more thicker to add ports but could be a nice idea, you already use space in your desktop for the keyboard all the time, why not have all the computer and ports there? then, I saw the MacBooks without screens trending 😮

[@LostAndHangry]

Great video. Can you also do a video on what someone can do with an extra MBP display? Would someone be able to turn a MBP screen into a secondary external monitor with ease?

[@mummaditeja4913]

Can we get in detail video on how to do it step by step? coz frankly it just blew my mind and wanna try to do it as well.

[@rezagholami7832]

good video ken!

[@Joe-oj2mi]

Can you get it to work wirelessly with an Apple TV or an Airplay Display??

[@BigMacBook1300]

I did this with my old broken screen dell laptop it was awesome, built in keyboard and mouse cd drive also. Also had 3 monitors connected to it.

[@fredravino8290]

Can i do this with a late 2012 retina model mac? Or will i have issues.thank you.

[@cholna]

Hello I have a question. Is it possible to use this screenless MacBook with ipad with DUET Display? Thank 🥰

[@TheAtticradio]

Does this mean if a Mac air screen is broken this customised setup could be done or would you need to get Apple authorisation of what other damage is done to laptop. Have been told that Apple check out quote price etc on laptop for repair is free to a authorised Apple agent

[@Fliim]

I was going to do something similar with a gaming laptop for travel but I haven’t found one with a broken screen and a decent price yet. I tend not to use the built in screen in most gaming laptops due to the performance lost with integrated graphics. If you plug directly into the gpu it bypasses the igpu and results in much better performance. Thank goodness mux switches are becoming commonplace in new gaming laptops.

[@simonlode3798]

Been running my MacBook pro m1 like this for a month now and i am loving it

[@dabur872916]

The concept is amazing... but you will loose wifi and bluetooth antennas if you do it on MacBook Pro 15' fm 2013 to 2015? or am I wrong? anyway I need to test it with my old 2013 15inch .

[@krakrakakakakahah241]

I also saw the Lew Later video and thought it looks cool and it is great. Especially you can buy these laptops for the fraction of the price. Nice to try this and made a video about it...

[@ExBenzi2]

Think of a re-imagined Apple II powered by the M1 or M2. That‘d be beyond awesome (and retro).

[@kokonbini]

Honestly kinda wanna see the return of C64/Amiga 500 style Wedge micro pc's, I have a console gamer friend who daily drives a Raspberry Pi 400 as his main PC alongside his Xbox and honestly I think its a neat little setup

[@fetchstixRHD]

I have a Raspberry Pi 400 in my bag as an "emergency computer", as it's so light and small that it's easy to carry, and can do quite a lot! Would quite love to see more computers in that form too...

[@shutter_ethan]

5:49 ik it's barely visible but does anyone know that wallpaper? (Edit: this is a better view of the wallpaper)

[@ageorgios]

is there a way to completely disable built in display? there are issues with recovery partition, logging screen and some other uses. If there isn’t a software method maybe a hardware hack to force the built in display as disabled?

[@sergiowmuller]

what a nice guy, and a little crazy, congratulations for the channel!

[@TheAkdzyn]

Apple: we're rolling out new updates to manage hardware integrity. Mac: hardware error. Display not found.

[@nchia]

So no issues with Wi-Fi? I have an older MacBook Pro, which has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas I believe inside the screen part as part of its removal includes disconnecting connectors from the wireless card. That's the main reason I'm looking at getting a replacement screen instead.

[@Z3CHYD]

I did the same thing years ago with an old 09 macbook. The original screen hinges broke, so I changed to a replacement lid with good hinges, but then the display's ribbon cable broke, so I took the lid/screen off and ran with to an external display. Sure it's not mobile anymore, but it's not my main laptop/computer either, but it still gets used now and then, and still works fine, especially with an SSD and max amount of RAM supported installed.

[@fthecatrock]

It would be great if the internal display connector can still be used, you would have an ability to use 2 displays, current m1 is not yet able to externally connect 2 monitors

[@allen6310]

What did you do for wifi antenna? My 2015 MacBook Pro no longer displays a desktop. I have it plugged into a monitor to use it but want to try this idea

[@user-pt8rw2me6r]

Whats the name of the company that makes the pc case at 2:04 ? Thanks and also nice video!

[@altynnazar]

I’ve got a question, is there a bypass for max thinking screen is still there?

[@AnthonyChopra]

i remember having my macbookpro2012 hooked to a monitor temp in 2018. i did tho after wanting to use it as a mac-book again after summer heat wave i had to do a Pram reset as it oddly forgot it had a screen to it. tho i did use it with my lid closed while plugged in. also u can hook another power switch from the logic board in old one so you never have to lift the top lid to power it on

[@kainoakai7708]

Can I do this with my MacBook Air? I’m sure it’s the same concept but didn’t know

[@edwintcyeo]

How do you handle the wifi antenna? It is on the top cover/screen.

[@jacoblindeman6459]

What if you use zelcro on it so it sticks to a wall behind a desk and then hdmi (for those that do have them) and then got a Bluetooth m&k

[@TheKitteth]

What if I wanted the inverse, wjere the keyboard & trackpad were removed & the screen remained? Is that doable? I wanna mount it on a wall & use bluetooth mouse & keyboard.

[@VictorBABBAGE]

This is genius! Thanks for sharing

[@unimatrix82]

It was not a Macbook but i had an old dell precision m6300 i did that mod to, the screen was dead.

[@kaioker]

i bought a refurbished macbook pro 2017 and had the t-con board fail on me only a little while after i got the device. it spent the remainder of its warranty going in and out of the shop as people played the blame game, (apple authorized, not apple corporate, i know that now) and now its a $1000 paperweight on the shelf behind me having spent more time in the shop, than in my possession. it is still on the 'setup user account' screen. maybe this is a way to at least get some use out of the thing. this is tempting now...

[@hebey6403]

Hi, Denki, thank you for this owesome vedio, I used my mac with brocken screen connacting external monitor. However I lost wifi signal whan I original screen apart from the body. Do you have any idea to solve this?

[@Jacqie]

It does make for a sleek setup especially if you can buy an M1 macbook used or broken. And since the M1's are so powerful you don't really loose performance.

[@DoodleDan]

Can you do this with any device, not just apple Mac?

[@johnwalters5540]

What iPhone case are you using? I Want it!!!

[@ZeFoxii]

Does this work with a MacBook Air m2? i kinda want to do this with one and see if i can just take the motherboard and make it into a cyberdeck setup, as it doesn't draw all that much power.

[@Igor-ls1qq]

I just found out this channel. Loved your voice. Video is great, well edited. Damn everything is beautiful, how did I not find this before??

[@datatrends]

Were you able to keep the keyboard backlight functionality after removing the screen? My Touch Bar controls don't control the keyboard backlight anymore.

[@uneel061]

Mine too, did you get it sorted?

[@tarotaddicts4695]

did anyone manage to connect a portable monitor to the a1398? let me know if u did which model and how

[@kj3313]

I did this for a while with my 15 inch MacBook Pro when my screen got broke until I got lucky and found a grade a screen replacement for a good price while it work good as a desktop I am really happy to have a screen on it now

[@jacoblindeman6459]

Thank you for making this video, saw the same video from lew and got interested lol

[@kumaSOevl]

the editing is on fire

[@stephengrosse2351]

has anyone created a 3d print to help fill the gap from where the screen was on the base? I just did this to a flexgate 2017 mbp 15 Touch Bar and would love to find a good solution for the gap across the top.

[@07Tarus]

You can also add it behind a display and use a caldigit dock and wireless kbm

[@pinec0ne]

I basically have this set up. The MBP that I had got the torn ribbon cable issue, and now it stays permanently closed as a TV entertainment center, using a wireless keyboard lol

[@ioleacatalin]

Dude i like you Iphone case. Where did you get it?

[@JoshuaHeru]

And what if, i have MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) and it's have kernel panic problem, so if i use the hdmi - dvi cable to external monitor it's restarted, and on and on. and screen mac already scratch - many scratches. question is, how i use the external monitor working well? i really thank you if you have the answer

[@averagearchuser]

I didn't know you had your own channel! i'm going to subscribe

[@joaomazeredo]

Do you think is possible to do a video on how to Connect a macbook pro retina 15" 11,5 Pad, keyboard, screnn (without the logicboard conected to a mac mini M1? that would be amazing to do if possible

[@zavyguitarist3028]

Can this connect to ipad pro as a display? Then it blows my mind

[@juhakoivisto3849]

Could you do this so that you use the macbook as a keyboard for anonther macbook that is using the os and display? Reason for this is I still want the laptop portability function, but when working on the desk, the display gets in the way or the big monitor and I do not want external mice/keys as I prefer the macbook ergonomics to any other keyboard, trackpad etc.

[@zilchfox]

I had no idea you had your own channel! Subbing!

[@RealDaryl]

I've done this, I had a screenless 2015 MBP wedged in between my TV and its wall mount. Awkward to power on. Used a wireless logitech keyboard with trackpad and was my media machine for a while. Till I moved home and didn't set it up again.

[@AaronHuffmanPerson]

I like your content, keep it going!!

[@funfactory9141]

Can u use a 2nd monitor or not tho?

[@coralineribiere1811]

Hey what manipulation did you do for it to work. My screen is broken. I unplugged it to be able to use it with the external screen too but when i start the computer it stay stuck on the starting screen. Doing all the resetting control didn’t change anything

[@Danlyrical]

My MacBook m1’s LCD is trashed sadly. Though the main front glass is fine so this seems like a perfect mod for people in my position, as explained in other videos the screen needs to be replaced anyway so going half way through the repair isn’t an issue.

[@mxss115]

I work for Apple’s depot repair for MacBooks. We legit have these but with an extended EDP cable (the one that connects the mainboard to the display) to test displays.