MacBook Pro Clamshell (closed lid) with USB 3.0 displays
 

Hey all,

I've been playing around with the mini DisplayPorts for 2 external monitors vs. a USB 3.0 dock using DisplayLink for 2 external displays and a mouse, keyboard, and Ethernet.

When using the Mini DisplayPorts and closing the lid, it recognizes the MacBook Pro display is not in use, and will adjust to use only the 2 external displays.

To the contrary, when the lid is closed while connected to the USB 3.0 dock, it doesn't "disable" the display and now recognizes 3 displays connected. If I open a program, sometimes the window will open on the MBP display and I have to relocate it to the external displays. Is there a way to prevent this from happening?

The reasoning behind wanting to dock the MacBook Pro with the lid closed is due to desk space limitations - everything still functions correctly.

Clamshell mode on Mac requires to use the built-in video port.

Cheers,
Carlo