Issue Using GL.iNet Comet with MacBook – Screen Mirroring & Input Problems

[yelliver]

Hi,

I just bought a GL.iNet Comet device to use with my MacBook, but I’ve run into a few issues. I hope some of these can be improved in the future:

My Setup & Problem

Since MacBooks don’t support turning off the internal display easily, I’ve tried two approaches:

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Mirror Display Mode

• Works initially, but sometimes the Mac forgets the mirror setting.
• The Comet becomes an extended display instead.
• No windows appear on it, and I can’t interact properly.
• I tried using keyboard shortcuts (e.g. Cmd + Space for Spotlight, navigating menus to re-enable mirroring), but:
  • Keyboard seems unresponsive
  • Mouse gets trapped on the invisible primary (MacBook) screen

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Closed MacBook Lid (Clamshell Mode)

• This works but causes heat issues on the MacBook.
• The display resolution chosen is slightly off from the Mac’s native one.
  • Usable, but not as smooth an experience as mirroring.

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Feature Suggestions

1. Fix Input Lock on Extended Mode

• Make sure keyboard and mouse still function even when screen is extended.
• At least allow “blind” key navigation (e.g., switch display modes with keyboard).

2. Add Predefined EDID Profiles

• Include optimized EDID for recent MacBook models to ensure better compatibility.

3. On-screen Keyboard (Mac Layout)

• Add an on-screen keyboard for emergency interaction.

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Advanced (Nice-to-Have) Idea:

• Use OCR/AI to automatically navigate macOS menus to enable mirroring:
  • Detect System Settings → Displays → Mirror Display
  • Trigger via on-screen UI or automated process

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Let me know if anyone has workarounds or if GL.iNet has plans to improve Mac compatibility!

Thanks

[robotluo]

@yelliver

• Works initially, but sometimes the Mac forgets the mirror setting.
• The Comet becomes an extended display instead.

If you switch EDID, it may cause MACBOOK to forget the previous mirroring configuration

@yelliver

I tried using keyboard shortcuts (e.g. Cmd + Space for Spotlight, navigating menus to re-enable mirroring), but:

• Keyboard seems unresponsive
• Mouse gets trapped on the invisible primary (MacBook) screen

I will do a simple test and update later

@yelliver

The display resolution chosen is slightly off from the Mac’s native one.

• Usable, but not as smooth an experience as mirroring.

Is 2560x1600 resolution possible? We will consider increasing it in subsequent versions.

@yelliver

1. Fix Input Lock on Extended Mode

• Make sure keyboard and mouse still function even when screen is extended.
• At least allow “blind” key navigation (e.g., switch display modes with keyboard).

In extended mode, please use relative mouse mode, which is in the settings menu of version 1.3 and above

@yelliver

2. Add Predefined EDID Profiles

• Include optimized EDID for recent MacBook models to ensure better compatibility.

I have documented some EDIDs that are not built in for users to use here

@yelliver

On-screen Keyboard (Mac Layout)

Under consideration, it will take some time

@yelliver

Advanced (Nice-to-Have) Idea:

• Use OCR/AI to automatically navigate macOS menus to enable mirroring:
  • Detect System Settings → Displays → Mirror Display
  • Trigger via on-screen UI or automated process

We do have this in mind, but at this stage, we will prioritize completing basic functions.

[zhijain]

@yelliver

I tried using keyboard shortcuts (e.g. Cmd + Space for Spotlight, navigating menus to re-enable mirroring), but:

Excuse me, is your MacBook being used as a controlled device? Is the main control computer Windows or Mac?