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External monitor for MacBook

TyWahn

TyWahn

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 25, 2003
402
40
I was wondering the max size external monitor you can use with a MacBook. A co-worker of mine said 15" was the max, but that hardly seems worth it. Is there any truth to this?
Thanks!!!
 
Scottyk9 said:
http://www.apple.com/ca/macbook/specs.html

up to 1920 x1200 (regardless of actual size of the monitor)
Click to expand...

Yes.. I know the specs. But what I don't (or didn't) understand was if there was some correlation between res and screen size.

So .. with this, I could run a 17" or 20" at that res? That is great!!

My iMac G4 (floating screen) only runs at 1400x900 ...

This was a big concern of mine after deciding on the MacBook over the Pro, as this is going to kind of be my desktop replacement.
 
The largest monitor Apple makes with the resolution supported by the MacBook is the 23" Apple Cinema Display.

You could in theory run a 1 kilometre display if it had the same resolution.

The Apple 23" Cinema Display HD and Dell's 24" 2407 have the same 1920x1200 resolution.
 
I just bought a 22" widescreen to use with my macbook - 1680 by 1050. Only problem is i still havent got my macbook - 3 weeks after I ordered it :mad:. I have been assured the monitor will work though.
 
Could someone point me in the right direction (pref. in the Applestore) for the correct cable connection I would need to run my MacBook C2D on my Dell 2405 - cheers.

Edit: I need the mini-dvi to vga connector (the DVI socket is used by the G5 PM)
 
sluggish respons with external screen?

Hi all,

I am thinking about buying a (23"/24") external screen next to my MacBook's. Seeing as the MacBook 'only' has 64 MB of VRAM, could anyone tell me whether applications like Dashboard will appear sluggish when using these two screens?

Thanks in advance for your response.

(my config: MacBook 2 Ghz, 2 GB RAM, 120 GB HDD)
 
TyWahn said:
I was wondering the max size external monitor you can use with a MacBook. A co-worker of mine said 15" was the max, but that hardly seems worth it. Is there any truth to this?
Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

The MB will push a 23 Apple LCD or any other monitor at 1920X1200 up to 103" as I understand. The 24" inch Dell has the same resolution, so the 23" apple and 24" dell are some good considerations.
 
Rogier said:
Hi all,

I am thinking about buying a (23"/24") external screen next to my MacBook's. Seeing as the MacBook 'only' has 64 MB of VRAM, could anyone tell me whether applications like Dashboard will appear sluggish when using these two screens?

Thanks in advance for your response.

(my config: MacBook 2 Ghz, 2 GB RAM, 120 GB HDD)
Click to expand...

It will go smoothly or choppy depending on how you use it. If you set up your mac to use ONLY an external monitor everything will go smooth. HOwever, if you run it with Dual monitors, it will be a little choppy (nothing bad tho).
 
Sorry if I'm hi-jacking your thread man...
I'm thinking 'bout asking for a MB this year for the Holidays, anyway, so it should run a 20" Samsung LCD with the Mini-DVI > DVI Adapter ok?
 
This is something I'm wondering about.

I do love my dear little MacBook, but after months of use as a desktop as well as a laptop, the small screen is increasingly infuriating me when I'm not on the go.

I'll have some cash after Christmas, so I'm after this LG (1680 x 1050 native).

I'd run it in clamshell mode with an external keyboard and mouse attached. Does anyone have any experience running a large screen like this of the MacBook?

For example, when i hook it up to our ViewSonic VP171s at home as a second monitor, dashboard animations etc are ugly and choppy. How on earth the MacBook is going to cope with 1680 x 1050 resolution, I have no idea.

MonksMac said:
I'm thinking 'bout asking for a MB this year for the Holidays, anyway, so it should run a 20" Samsung LCD with the Mini-DVI > DVI Adapter ok?
Click to expand...

That's what I'm planning to do. I already have the Mini DVI > VGA that I use on the ViewSonic, but I'd want the DVI for the LG. You may be aware, but if not, those Apple adapters are really short and you still need an actual DVI cable in addition to the adaptor. Just thought I'd let you know, because I got the VGA thing and had to run out getting another cable.
 
Im picking up that same monitor and doing the exact same thing this weekend.
Im also putting a monitor arm on it since the base on the LG is so damn ugly.

Just got my macbook btw, cant wait to clean up my desktop space!
 
bpm2000 said:
Im picking up that same monitor and doing the exact same thing this weekend.
Im also putting a monitor arm on it since the base on the LG is so damn ugly.

Just got my macbook btw, cant wait to clean up my desktop space!
Click to expand...

I'm with you on the base - I quite like this arm. Probably wont have enough left in my feeble budget though :rolleyes:.

Do post your experiences using the MacBook with the display - I've heard its a great display from various sources, so do enjoy it.
 
codo said:
This is something I'm wondering about.

I do love my dear little MacBook, but after months of use as a desktop as well as a laptop, the small screen is increasingly infuriating me when I'm not on the go.

I'll have some cash after Christmas, so I'm after this LG (1680 x 1050 native).

I'd run it in clamshell mode with an external keyboard and mouse attached. Does anyone have any experience running a large screen like this of the MacBook?

For example, when i hook it up to our ViewSonic VP171s at home as a second monitor, dashboard animations etc are ugly and choppy. How on earth the MacBook is going to cope with 1680 x 1050 resolution, I have no idea.



That's what I'm planning to do. I already have the Mini DVI > VGA that I use on the ViewSonic, but I'd want the DVI for the LG. You may be aware, but if not, those Apple adapters are really short and you still need an actual DVI cable in addition to the adaptor. Just thought I'd let you know, because I got the VGA thing and had to run out getting another cable.
Click to expand...

Yeah,thanks for telling me. I can use either the DVI or VGA cables that came with my SyncMaster 204BW anyway though.
 
codo said:
This is something I'm wondering about.

I do love my dear little MacBook, but after months of use as a desktop as well as a laptop, the small screen is increasingly infuriating me when I'm not on the go.

I'll have some cash after Christmas, so I'm after this LG (1680 x 1050 native).

I'd run it in clamshell mode with an external keyboard and mouse attached. Does anyone have any experience running a large screen like this of the MacBook?

For example, when i hook it up to our ViewSonic VP171s at home as a second monitor, dashboard animations etc are ugly and choppy. How on earth the MacBook is going to cope with 1680 x 1050 resolution, I have no idea.



That's what I'm planning to do. I already have the Mini DVI > VGA that I use on the ViewSonic, but I'd want the DVI for the LG. You may be aware, but if not, those Apple adapters are really short and you still need an actual DVI cable in addition to the adaptor. Just thought I'd let you know, because I got the VGA thing and had to run out getting another cable.
Click to expand...

I'm using my new macbook with a 22" Videoseven monitor. 1680 x 1050. Works fine in lid closed mode, a little choppy as a second screen.
 
using my macbook with a 23" acd and it's great. maybe wait till '07 = maybe apple will update this line and you can get it on the cheap
 
I think the 20" Dell would be the best.

Its good value, many people in the Mac community swear by them, and its semi-decent looking.
 
whawhat said:
using my macbook with a 23" acd and it's great. maybe wait till '07 = maybe apple will update this line and you can get it on the cheap
Click to expand...

Really? I'm quite surprised. I thought you needed beefy graphics cards to power these monsters. Excellent though, for the MacBook crew.

To be honest, I haven't looked at ACDs as they are very dear, and I just don't have the money. There was a rumour about a 17" ADC, I believe, but I take that with a pinch o' salt like any Apple rumour. I'm really after a widescreen with at least 1024 (or 1050, whatever it is in widescreen terms) vertical resolution for under £250, and that LG seems to be one of the best. That's all there was behind the decision, really.
 
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