I have a Powerbook G4 with OSX Panther. ON all Laptops with OSX, the OS automatically puts the computer to sleep whenever you close the lid. I have an external display and I'd like to keep the lid closed, but EVERY time I shut the lid it goes to sleep. Not a bad feature, but really, really crappy since I can't turn it off. I searched through all System Preferences and there's definitely no option there describing how to disable. Anyone help?

Try this....turn off or put the computer to sleep...Hook in a USB keyboard and mouse...then turn it on or wake it up...The powerbook display will only stay shut off with an external monitor if it has the external keyboard and mouse hooked up to it...:):):) - andre p.s. Make sure your laptop isnt heating up too much with that lid closed...My powerbook 12" gets cookin and i have to open the lid to keep the heat down...But even with the lid open the display will stay shut off :)

Thanks man.... usually use my USB mouse anyway. In terms of cooling, just put 2 pads of post-it notes under the powerbook.... it really heats up on the bottom and should be alright with display closed.