How good would an external display look with a MacBook?

[drmike]

Hi everyone,

I know a lot of people have been concerned about the MacBook's integrated GMA 950 graphics processor and its ability to run things like Photoshop, Aperture, Final Cut, games, and so on.

I'm curious to know how well it will run an external LCD display. Let's say I hook up the MacBook to a 17" monitor running at 1280x1024. Would the MacBook's integrated graphics be able to produce very clear, sharp, colorful images and text? Or would the integrated graphics result in a sub-par external display since the MacBook's graphics would be pushing the MacBook's own display and the external one?

I'm curious to know what your thoughts are. And if anyone is currently using the MB with an external display, please let me know what you think of the setup.

Thanks.

 

[Eidorian]

It'd be just fine with the Mini-DVI to DVI out. You wouldn't have any clarity issues using integrated graphics for everyday OS X and iLife.

 

[Chrispy]

You will see a crisp and clear image assuming you have a good monitor. The integrated graphics on the macbook are powerful enough to drive two monitors without any problem.

 

[drmike]

Thanks for the replies. That's good to know that the MB will produce a good, clean image on an external display even with the integrated graphics.

If I decide to go this route, I'll definitely be getting a quality external monitor.

 

[plinden]

I've connected my wife's MB up to an external Dell FPV1701 display, and there are absolutely no issues, either with spanning, mirroring or with the MB closed using the monitor only.

 

[drmike]

I've connected my wife's MB up to an external Dell FPV1701 display, and there are absolutely no issues, either with spanning, mirroring or with the MB closed using the monitor only.

Ah, very good to know. Thanks!

I'm thinking even more now that extending the Mac "desktop" with an external would be a good thing.