[quiksan]

i've done it accidentally before - but never took the time to think about what I did. good catch there.

there's also a utility called Sleepless. (sorry, don't have the link on me, but I'm sure you can find on version tracker or google) the advantage to sleepless is that you can have it turn your notebook display off, while the external runs. other options too.

just caution:
your system will get REALLY hot running with the lid closed, so don't burn it out, or have a cooling system/elevated-airy stand for it to rest on while you do this, if it's for long periods of time.