MacBook Pro Clamshell Solution Without Power Cable

Clamshell mode, a fantastic feature in MacBook Pro, empowers users to close their laptop lids while still benefiting from an external monitor. This configuration creates a streamlined and spacious desktop setup, making it ideal for individuals in need of a larger display.

Recently, I acquired an external monitor to enhance my work-from-home ergonomics. However, I was disappointed to discover that clamshell mode on my 2021 MacBook Pro M1 wouldn’t function without the power adapter connected. Apple has apparently implemented power-saving measures by disabling certain functions while operating on battery power, which affects clamshell mode.

Despite finding various workarounds, none of them aligned with my preference for simplicity. But today, I accidentally stumbled upon a solution that resolves this issue. While searching for alternatives to the bulky HDMI cable connecting my MacBook Pro to the monitor, I decided to experiment with the slimmer USB-C cable that accompanied the monitor. Remarkably, the clamshell mode works flawlessly even without the power adapter connected! The USB-C to USB-C cable proved to be the ultimate solution, and I’m sharing this undocumented revelation to assist others facing a similar challenge.

Solution: USB-C Cable Unlocks Clamshell Mode Without Power Adapter

As I explored ways to optimize my setup, I made the following breakthrough:

  1. Instead of relying on the traditional HDMI cable, consider using a USB-C to USB-C cable that is compatible with both your external monitor and MacBook Pro M1.
  2. Connect one end of the USB-C cable to the USB-C port on your external monitor.
  3. Connect the other end of the USB-C cable to one of the USB-C ports on your MacBook Pro M1.
  4. Once connected, close the lid of your MacBook Pro. The external monitor will now serve as your primary display while the MacBook Pro operates in clamshell mode.

Conclusion: By utilising the USB-C to USB-C cable instead of the power adapter, MacBook Pro M1 users can now seamlessly enjoy clamshell mode without any limitations. This discovery, although not documented elsewhere, has the potential to help numerous individuals seeking an uncomplicated solution. Enhance your productivity and workspace by implementing this USB-C cable workaround, and experience the benefits of clamshell mode with your MacBook Pro M1 and external monitor setup.

UPDATE [24May23]: Turns out that the USB-C cable is actually powering my laptop & hence the ports are not powering off. So my real purpose of unhooking the power supply (so I can go through the battery power cycle) is still not met with this solution!

Motorcycling & Flow State

Motorcycling is more than just a hobby or mode of transportation – it’s an experience. When you ride a motorcycle, you become one with the machine and the road, and everything else fades away. Time seems to stand still, and you’re completely focused on the task at hand. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words, but it’s often referred to as being in a state of flow. This state of flow is often associated with extreme sports, such as surfing, skiing, and yes, motorcycling.

When you’re riding a motorcycle, you need to be fully present and focused on the machine you are riding and the road ahead. You need to be aware of your surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and make split-second decisions. You are so consumed by the activity, that there’s no room for distractions or wandering thoughts. Your mind and body are completely engaged in the activity, and you become one with the machine.

It is said that awareness in the state of flow is akin to your state when meditating. Monks use physical tasks like walking,  chanting, or sweeping the floor to put themselves in the present. Being lost in that act allows them to live in the moment more completely. The wasted energy spent on tending to your ego & mind is instead spent on the activity itself; the activity becomes who you are. Is this meditative state absolute for me when on the bike? Absolutely not, there are still some thoughts & distractions. But these distractions are minimal for extended periods of time, while I’m motorcycling.

As you ride, your body moves in harmony with the motorcycle. You lean into the turns, shift your weight, and adjust your body position to maintain balance and control. It’s a dance between you and the bike, and everything else fades away. Your mind is clear, and you’re completely focused on the ride. However, being in a state of flow while motorcycling requires skill, experience, and focus.

The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times… the best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile

Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Dr. Csikszentmihalyi, who introduced our world to the concept of flow, points out eight characteristics of the state of flow:

  1. Complete concentration on the task;
  2. Clarity of goals and reward in mind and immediate feedback;
  3. Transformation of time (speeding up/slowing down);
  4. The experience is intrinsically rewarding;
  5. Effortlessness and ease (a well-practiced skill);
  6. There is a balance between challenge and skills;
  7. Actions and awareness are merged, losing self-conscious rumination;
  8. There is a feeling of control over the task (experienced).

Studies have shown that being in a state of flow has numerous benefits. It improves focus, creativity, and productivity. It also reduces stress and anxiety and can lead to a sense of fulfillment and happiness. Motorcycling, in particular, has been shown to improve cognitive function, increase self-confidence, and promote a sense of freedom and independence.

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Don’t Let These 10 Factors Derail Your Cloud Migration Efforts

As businesses continue to embrace digital & cloud transformation, cloud migration has become a priority for many organisations. Cloud migration involves moving an organisation’s data, applications and other IT resources to the cloud to take advantage of the benefits of cloud computing, including cost savings, scalability, and agility. However, cloud migration is not without its challenges, and organizations need to be aware of the factors that can de-rail cloud migration projects. 

At Cloud Lift Services, we work with hundreds of organisations & their cloud migration projects. Lift project managers have identified the top 10 factors (ordered by frequency of their occurrence) that can derail projects: 

  1. Not enough Cloud platform expertise – One of the most significant challenges that organisations face during cloud migration is a lack of in-house cloud platform expertise. Many organisations do not have the required expertise to make critical decisions about cloud architecture, deployment models, security, and compliance. This can result in poor decision-making and can cause delays in the cloud migration project. 
  2. Lack of coordination with upstream & downstream system owners – Cloud migration requires coordination with downstream and upstream application and technology owners. This includes partners and vendors who need to be involved to rewire existing systems for cloud presence. Lack of coordination can lead to mis-aligned prioritisation, misunderstandings, and delays in cloud migration. 
  3. Lack of coordination with business owners – Cloud migration requires downtime for the move. And business owners don’t like downtime! Especially if they are unaware of what’s in it for them. Business owners need to be informed about the downtime required, and it should be planned to minimize disruption to the business. Lack of coordination with business owners can result in last minute changes, insufficient testing, etc., that can all impact business operations.
  4. Insufficient understanding of security implications – Moving to the cloud can introduce new security risks if not managed appropriately. Organisations need to establish clear ownership upfront, have a clear understanding of the security implications of moving to the cloud and implement appropriate security measures (including identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and network security) to mitigate these risks. Lack of understanding of security implications can result in data breaches and other security incidents.
  5. Late involvement of stakeholders – Cloud migration requires early involvement of all stakeholders in the planning phase. This includes business owners, IT teams, security teams, and other stakeholders. Early involvement can help avoid expectation mismatches, ensure required commitment & prioritisation across the organisation, identify potential issues early on and proactively manage risks / issues.
  6. Not enough bandwidth for the initial move – Cloud migration involves moving data from on-premises to the cloud. Organisations need to plan for sufficient network bandwidth needed for the initial move of data to the cloud. Not planning for enough network bandwidth can result in slow data transfer, which can impact the migration project’s plan, approach & timeline.
  7. Lack of planning for application dependencies – Many applications have dependencies on other applications or services. Organisations need to identify and plan for these dependencies to ensure that applications continue to function correctly after migration to the cloud.
  8. Lack of testing and validation – Cloud migration requires testing and validation to ensure that applications and services are functioning correctly after migration. This includes thorough testing for functionality, integrations & performance. Lack of testing and validation can result in application downtime and other issues.
  9. Lack of thorough understanding of the existing IT infrastructure – Cloud migration requires a clear understanding of the organisation’s existing IT infrastructure. Organisations have systems that have been in existence for years, many of which have gone through several updates with little documentation (in many cases). Owners need to assess their existing IT infrastructure to identify potential dependencies & issues that may impact the migration project.
  10. Lack of ongoing support and management – Cloud migration is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Organisations need to have ongoing support structures, processes & people for their cloud environment in place before migrations to ensure any support needs are addressed promptly.

In conclusion, cloud migration can provide significant benefits for organisations. However, it is essential to be aware of the factors that can de-rail projects. By addressing the above commonly occurring risks, you can ensure a smoother Lift to the cloud. 

The following Lift project managers, who have managed 350+ cloud migration projects amongst them, have provided their inputs into this article: Aditya Khare, Divya Murdeshwar, Harish Venkiteswaran, Parag Agrawal, Praveen Ravikumar, Vinayak Narayanaswamy, Gaurav K Buddhadev, PMP, Prince 2 and Oracle Cloud Certified and Ashish Kashalkar.

The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Oracle.

What makes the Africa Twin unique?

All said & done, what does the Africa Twin have that no other bike has?

DCT!

Not “no gear”, “no clutch”, etc., it is Dual Clutch Transmission.
I get asked a lot about this choice. How does it feel? Isn’t it boring? Doesn’t it take the fun out of riding? 

What do I get from the DCT?

  • lightning quick gear changes, be it in auto or manual mode; the speed of change is UNMATCHED by human agility (at least mine); I get my riding thrills from acceleration, more than top speed; it is a lot safer & practical to experience this thrill more often!
  • option to go manual or auto or hybrid wrt gear changes; I love & use hybrid the most .. the popping noise when downshifting is beautiful!
  • lesser riding fatigue; a blessing for city riding and for the last 10% of long ride days (600+ kms days); I’m not getting younger & can use any help from technology! Did you know that most riding mistakes are committed when you are tired & towards the last part of your journey?
  • option to alter bike characteristics; with auto modes, I can pick a mode that suits my mood – a playful & aggressive S3 , or a relaxed S1 (never D!)
  • an intelligent bike; even when in fully manual M mode, the Africa Twin makes up for rider lapses to ensure you are never stranded with the wrong gear; I know you are already intelligent & don’t depend on a bike for it, but I WILL NOT BELIEVE you are flawless!

Decades ago, I thought auto transmission in cars is for sissies. Then I traveled the world, became wiser, and learnt that driving is not just about gear changes. The driving pleasure never diminished with lack of manual transmission. Sometimes you wait for the tech to catch up; the adventurous option is to rush forward & embrace it.