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I found a MacBook Pro with a broken display. Any creative uses? (lemmy.ml)
submitted 10 months ago by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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In some e-waste bin I found an entry level M1 MacBook Pro. The display didn’t work (visible crack lines on the panel and the screen lights up but only shows black), but everything else about the computer is totally fine, I determined after testing.

I managed to factory reset the thing and now I have an extra computer on my hands. And a good one, at that, because I think even an entry level M1 is still a good computer.

I already have a laptop, desktop, and an old server. So I feel like all my needs are met. But are there creative uses with an extra Mac?

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[–] 11 points 10 months ago (7 children)

Install Linux and turn that into a server with bonus UPS

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  • [–] [S] 3 points 10 months ago (5 children)

    My one fear is if I try to install Asahi but get stuck on an install step that requires me to be able see what’s on the main laptop display, which would not be possible

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  • [–] 2 points 10 months ago

    Good thinking. High risk. Impressed that you thought ahead to avoid the risk. I like the home entertainment suggestion, but you could also use the extra cycles to run containers or VMs in the background. I know you said you already have a server, so I'm trying to think what else would provide utility. Nice find, hope you come up with some fun projects.

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  • [–] 1 point 10 months ago (1 child)

    What would happen if you remove the cable connecting the laptop screen to the motherboard? Does Mac use eDP?

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

    It seems what happens is the laptop still expects a built-in display to output to unless the magnets/hinges are closed, in which case it will switch to clamshell mode and only display on the external monitor.

    but what sucks about that is in clamshell mode the built in keyboard/mouse become unusable, but those components are fully functional. Maybe there is a way to trick it to only output to an external display, never try to output to the broken laptop screen, and keep the kb+mouse operational...

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