is using an external monitor and keyboard straightforward?

sorry if stupid question, i'm quite new mac world.

if want connect mba external monitor , keyboard , use in clam shell mode, can use monitor/keyboard , plug in , go? or there complications this?

 

it quite straightforward.
connect display , keyboard , mouse , use it.

apple portables: how use computer in closed clamshell (display closed) mode external display
or
insomniax
or
insomniat (rebuild sl) (fix 2011 mpbs)
or
caffeine
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quote

mini displayport (mdp) / thunderbolt

mini displayport current digital standard on current macs transfer video external display or tv. has been introduced in 10/2008 release of unibody macbook , macbook pros , has gradually been adopted on other macs.
mdp capable of transmitting video, , since 2010, audio too. mdp miniaturised version of displayport. license free , can support resolutions of 2560 x 1600, mini dvi , micro dvi not able do.
since 2011, macs come thunderbolt port, meant fast data transfer , means connect external display device mirror or extend mac's screen.

to learn more thunderbolt (tb) , compatibility mini displayport (mdp): introducing thunderbolt​

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mdp adapters can bought online from:

mdp vga adapter apple
mdp dvi adapter apple
mdp dual-link-dvi adapter apple

moshi mini dp hdmi adapter audio support adapter apple online store

mini displayport + usb dual-link dvi adapter monoprice
mini displayport dvi adapter monoprice
mini displayport vga adapter monoprice
mini displayport hdmi adapter monoprice
mini displayport male , usb male/toslink audio hdmi female converting adapter monoprice
mini displayport male , usb male audio hdmi female converting adapter monoprice - *note* support 2 channel stereo. not support 5.1 dolby surround above adapter.

mini displayport mini displayport cables monoprice
mini displayport vga cables monoprice
mini displayport dvi cables monoprice
mini displayport hdmi cables monoprice​

also of interest: "what "mini displayport"? industry-standard? how different or better mini-dvi , micro-dvi?"
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click expand...

from

most common video interfaces on external computer displays , tvs

common video interfaces on macs , appropriate adapters connect other display devices

most common audio interfaces on external computer displays, tvs , mac​

 

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