MacBook: attaching external display and bluetooth question

[macncheez]

Hello,

I recently ordered a MacBook (yay!) and while I'm eagerly waiting for it to arrive, I had a couple of questions:
- I'm planning to hook up an external monitor (most likely a 19" widescreen). Will MacBook support it? I haven't bought this monitor so I want to verify before buyin that it would work with MacBook.
- I have Motorola RAZR phone and it should sync with bluetooth enabled device. Does anyone know what I need to sync its addressbook with that of a mac?

Hoping to get fast replies. Thanks in advance!

 

[Zwhaler]

Not sure about the bluetooth, but yes the display will work. You will need a Mini DVI - DVI or a Mini DVI - VGA connector cable to get it to work though. (Depending on what kind of moniter you are purchasing)

 

[macncheez]

How about non-Apple keyboard?

I'm also interested in using an external keyboard and Apple keyboards are little too expensive for me (wireless PC keyboard can be bought for half the price of a wired Apple keyboard). Is it possible to connect a PC keyboard with MacBook and get all the functionalities? I won't go for very fancy keyboard, but even the simple ones come with media control capabilities and some other stuff besides regular typewriter keys.

 

[uchuff]

Looking at Apple's iSync compatability page you should be able to Sync your address book and calendar using iSync.

 

[Kardashian]

I'm also interested in using an external keyboard and Apple keyboards are little too expensive for me (wireless PC keyboard can be bought for half the price of a wired Apple keyboard). Is it possible to connect a PC keyboard with MacBook and get all the functionalities? I won't go for very fancy keyboard, but even the simple ones come with media control capabilities and some other stuff besides regular typewriter keys.

If it comes with one of them RF radio frequency signal thingy's - you plug a stick in the back and va-va-voom you have a wireless keyboard, then most likely, 99.9%, NO.

But, more-or-less any wireless Bluetooth keyboard will work with a Mac. It helps if it says it supports a Mac - but try it anyway. I've had Bluetooth things in the past that don't support a Mac, and do. Although a lot of the big companies, Logitech etc, do now support Mac for everything (I think).

But any USB-keyboard would work.

 

[robbieduncan]

In general yes, a MacBook will support standard 19" Widescreen monitors. You will need to purchase an adaptor. MacBooks have Mini-DVI adaptors. Apple sell adaptors to allow you to use DVI or VGA connections (I would go with DVI if the screen supports it). The adaptor cost around $20 each.

Mini-DVI to VGA (DSub) Adaptor
Mini-DVI to DVI Adaptor

 

[Lollypop]

I'm also interested in using an external keyboard and Apple keyboards are little too expensive for me (wireless PC keyboard can be bought for half the price of a wired Apple keyboard). Is it possible to connect a PC keyboard with MacBook and get all the functionalities? I won't go for very fancy keyboard, but even the simple ones come with media control capabilities and some other stuff besides regular typewriter keys.

Im not sure about the media control capabilities, I think they will require drivers. Check Logitech, they seem to be the best in that area. But in general all wired keyboards will work, and the bulk of wireless as well.

 

[macncheez]

Close-lid operation by MacBook?

Another question regarding connecting external peripherals: MacBook's specifications say that you can use external peripherals like monitor, keyboard, and mouse while keeping the lid closed. Is this true? Can I also connect other devices (like external hard drive) to MacBook while keeping the lid closed and use it?

 

[Chundles]

Another question regarding connecting external peripherals: MacBook's specifications say that you can use external peripherals like monitor, keyboard, and mouse while keeping the lid closed. Is this true? Can I also connect other devices (like external hard drive) to MacBook while keeping the lid closed and use it?

Yep, you need an external monitor and USB keyboard/mouse plugged in and you can run the MacBook as though it were a desktop with the full 64MB of video RAM dedicated to the external display.

 

[Cue]

Yep, you need an external monitor and USB keyboard/mouse plugged in and you can run the MacBook as though it were a desktop with the full 64MB of video RAM dedicated to the external display.

Will it work only if its USB or a wireless will do also?

 

[Chundles]

Will it work only if its USB or a wireless will do also?

Don't know, bluetooth works so long as you set it to be able to wake up the Mac with BT devices in Sys Prefs. Not sure about other wireless stuff.

 

[kretzy]

It should work fine if they're connected via Bluetooth as well.

 

[Cue]

I tried last night with the Logitech Dinovo for Notebooks and as soon as I would close the lid, the external display would go off also.

Trying to press any keys on the keyboard or moving the mouse didn't wake it up. So I guess it doesn't work with RF keyboards...