How to go from clamshell to sleep

closed-clamshellsleep-wake

I'm working with a 2013 Macbook Pro in clamshell mode using a 2012 Cinema display (on the display port) and magic keyboard and trackpad. When I leave the office, I would like to put the computer to sleep with the minimum number of steps. It's easy to see that just unplugging the display and power won't put the Macbook to sleep. The next thing I have come up with is

  1. Put the computer to sleep using either the apple menu or Launchbar.
  2. Unplug power, Display port, Thunderbolt network.
  3. Leave

This seems to not work. When I arrive at home the Macbook shows 95% battery remaining, indicating that it was running in the bag until it went to sleep due to inactivity.

If I, after unplugging everything, open the Macbook, it shows the password screen, indicating that it has at least locked. If I then close the Macbook and leave, it seems to go to sleep (and show 100% battery remaining when arriving at home).

How can I put the computer to sleep without opening and closing the lid?

Best Answer

Your MacBook Pro is waking up when you disconnect the Display Port and Thunderbolt connections. This happens because OS X needs to re-evaluate its hardware situation.

Consider using a context-sensitive automation tool like ControlPlane. When you disconnect your display or thunderbolt network, have ControlPlane trigger sleep mode.

Alternatively, try reducing the required period of inactivity before sleeping: System Preferences > Energy Saver

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