Twelve South

How to use your MacBook closed in BookArc for Air:

Why would I use my MacBook Air in a BookArc?

The MacBook Air is an amazing machine and it has a secret. It not only makes an outstanding portable laptop computer for computing on the go, it is also plenty powerful enough to be your full-time ‘desktop’ machine in your home or office too. But when using your MacBook Air at home, why be confined to the ‘portable’ dimensions of the screen and keyboard. Why not connect it to a larger monitor with dramatically more screen real-estate? Why not use your favorite mouse when working at your desk?

That’s where BookArc comes in. When using MacBook Air at your desk connected to your favorite mouse, keyboard and monitor: it actually starts to be in the way. BookArc scoops up your MacBook, stores it vertically, and makes it a sexy micro-tower machine. More importantly, BookArc gives you back acres of valuable desk space.

There’s one additional benefit of using your MacBook Air closed in a BookArc vs using it in dual-screen mode with an external monitor. It actually speeds up your MacBook Air! Dedicating 100% of your MacBook Air’s video memory to the external monitor decreases redraw time in everything from iPhoto to Photoshop.

What! I can use my MacBook Air closed? How do I do that?

Yes you can. Connect a nice big external monitor, your favorite keyboard & mouse and you’ve essentially turned your MacBook Air into a space-saving micro tower. Apple calls it “Closed Clamshell Mode”. Read specific instructions directly from the Apple tech support site right here.

Why would I want cable management for my MacBook Air?

The new MacBook Air benefits greatly from cable management because, unlike all other current MacBooks, there are important connections on both sides of the Air. Power is on one side, while the External Monitor port is on the other. Desktop connections will be very messy and cluttered unless they are neatly gathered and hidden away - which is exactly what the cable management on the BookArc for MacBook Air does.

BookArc Cable Management also keeps desktop connections handy and available when returning your MacBook Air to your desk from the road. It’s like having a docking station waiting for your MacBook Air to return. BookArc Cable Management may seem like a small thing, but it will quickly become your favorite feature after enjoying its convenience and tidiness for a few days.

Can I use BookArc for MacBook Air with a snap-on case?

No. The new BookArc for MacBook Air was made to fit the Air like a glove. There isn’t any extra room for the additional bulk plastic shells add to the ultra-thin MacBook Air.

The original BookArc box says ‘compatible with MacBook Air’. Is it?

The first BookArc for MacBook is compatible with the ‘First Generation’ MacBook Air. It is not compatible with the new ‘Late 2010’ 11 and 13-inch MacBook Air. Newer packaging and online descriptions for our BookArc clarify this. Unfortunately, some older packaging exists in stores that existed before the new Second Gen. MacBook Air did.