Adding Hardware - **Monitor???** and others

[TheSith]

Hey guys,

I need a bit of advice - summer is fast approaching and I'll be going home. I'd like to purchase an external monitor for my laptop (MBP C2D 2.33GHZ, 256MB Vram, etc.) along with an external keyboard. I love my MBP but would love to have it on a larger screen. I have a few questions...

I really love the Apple monitor design. But how outdated are they in comparison to Dell and Gateway, for example? I do not do graphic design - mostly games, internet browsing, Office use, etc. I do pay extreme attention to detail though - but I guess color matching isn't necessary for me. I'm looking at the 23" ACD as it was just discounted.. but I do not want to purchase it if a newer one is coming soon (I know the mantra, "If you wait for something better, you'll be waiting forever" by heart).

Regarding an external keyboard (I have a mouse already), I've heard negative reports of the Apple bluetooth keyboard and its poor battery life. Has anyone else noticed this? And as far as response time, how is it in comparison to the wired one?

Are there any laptop stands that people recommend - or should I just place my laptop "under" the monitor?

Let me know what you think! Thanks.
Matt

 

[dukebound85]

Hey guys,

I need a bit of advice - summer is fast approaching and I'll be going home. I'd like to purchase an external monitor for my laptop (MBP C2D 2.33GHZ, 256MB Vram, etc.) along with an external keyboard. I love my MBP but would love to have it on a larger screen. I have a few questions...

I really love the Apple monitor design. But how outdated are they in comparison to Dell and Gateway, for example? I do not do graphic design - mostly games, internet browsing, Office use, etc. I do pay extreme attention to detail though - but I guess color matching isn't necessary for me. I'm looking at the 23" ACD as it was just discounted.. but I do not want to purchase it if a newer one is coming soon (I know the mantra, "If you wait for something better, you'll be waiting forever" by heart).

Regarding an external keyboard (I have a mouse already), I've heard negative reports of the Apple bluetooth keyboard and its poor battery life. Has anyone else noticed this? And as far as response time, how is it in comparison to the wired one?

Are there any laptop stands that people recommend - or should I just place my laptop "under" the monitor?

Let me know what you think! Thanks.
Matt

what i use is a lg 19" screen and the wired apple keyboard. both work well.

also id reccomend using both screens as having 2 screens going is really nice

 

[TheSith]

Thanks for your reply, Duke.

Any other advice, specifically about the monitor? Dell/LG/gateway vs. Apple?

 

[caffeeneaddict]

well from my knowledge, which is little, the only difference between the apple displays and all others is that the apple's have the apple logo(obviously) making your entire setup look overall nicer, but I would say that you should buy whatever one you think is the best bargain.