MBA connected to a 50"HDTV (more screen real-estate?)

[LouieSamman]

So I am purchasing a MBA 13" but sometimes I would like to utilize my 50" HDTV.

I like to have 2 browsers side by side for more productivity and since you can't do that with MBA without the side scrollbar, I was wondering if the 50" HDTV adds more space or just enlarges the MBA screen where there is no extra screen real-estate.

 

[robbieduncan]

The MBA can mirror (you see the same on the external screen and the internal screen) or span (you see different things on the external and internal screens).

 

[LouieSamman]

The MBA can mirror (you see the same on the external screen and the internal screen) or span (you see different things on the external and internal screens).

So no added screen real-estate then. Sucks.

But would still be great for movies, YouTube, gaming, and sharing websites with people without being bunched up around my laptop.

So the 50" HDTV will still have it's use being connected to my MBA.

 

[robbieduncan]

So no added screen real-estate then. Sucks.

But would still be great for movies, YouTube, gaming, and sharing websites with people without being bunched up around my laptop.

So the 50" HDTV will still have it's use being connected to my MBA.

If you are in spanning mode then you get, in your words, more screen real-estate. What did you think "you see different things on the external and internal screens" meant?

 

[LouieSamman]

If you are in spanning mode then you get, in your words, more screen real-estate. What did you think "you see different things on the external and internal screens" meant?

Oh, I only took the words "mirroring" of it looking exactly the size of the MBA but in bigger text and images.

I now understand the statement "you see different things on a external and internal screens"

Sorry for misunderstanding and thanks for the help! Just made me much happier in using my MBA with my HDTV.

I don't need the power of the iMac 27" but I always wanted more screen real-estate so the MBA and 50" HDTV will be perfect for me!

 

[robbieduncan]

Oh, I only took the words "mirroring" of it looking exactly the size of the MBA but in bigger text and images.

That is what mirroring does. That's why I said there were 2 modes: mirroring and spanning. I think you need to slow down and read more carefully.

 

[LouieSamman]

That is what mirroring does. That's why I said there were 2 modes: mirroring and spanning. I think you need to slow down and read more carefully.

I think it's just that I don't understand the terms.

I think one of the term means you have to have the lid closed on the MBA which results in a different view on the TV.

edit: NVM I understand the terms.

But how do you switch from mirroring and spanning?

 

[robbieduncan]

None of them have anything to do with having the lid closed. In mirrored mode your internal screen is mirrored to the external: they show the same thing and run at the same resolution. In spanning mode the internal and external screens run independently: they can run at different resolutions and you can drag windows between the two screens.

 

[kingsal]

So I am purchasing a MBA 13" but sometimes I would like to utilize my 50" HDTV.

I like to have 2 browsers side by side for more productivity and since you can't do that with MBA without the side scrollbar, I was wondering if the 50" HDTV adds more space or just enlarges the MBA screen where there is no extra screen real-estate.

It will give you extra screen real estate. I do this with my MacBook.

 

[LouieSamman]

None of them have anything to do with having the lid closed. In mirrored mode your internal screen is mirrored to the external: they show the same thing and run at the same resolution. In spanning mode the internal and external screens run independently: they can run at different resolutions and you can drag windows between the two screens.

Ah now with mentioning resolution I understand you completely. So Spanning mode is the one I have to choose for more screen real-estate since the external screen (50" HDTV) is running independently.

Mirroring will only be good for being able to see text easier.

It will give you extra screen real estate. I do this with my MacBook.

That's what I was hoping for. glad thats the case.

I love the 27" iMac but it needs to be set on a computer desk and I don't like people crowding around the desk to see something and not have anywhere to sit.

Having the portable MacBook Air for my eyes only and having the 50" HDTV screen in the living room to share my MacBook Air while having people rested on the couch is GREAT!

Also has it's uses of seeing more of the web without scrolling as much & side by side browsers for more productivity.

Anyway thanks for the help you two!

 

[einmusiker]

I also use my 50" plasma for screen. I use it with my mbp but the resolution isn't great so I don't think I'll even bother trying with my new air 11.6. when I used my 37" hdtv it worked perfectly with my mbp but I'm selling that tv now

 

[Corndog5595]

You are going to have to buy an HDMI cable and an adapter, you know that right?
And if you want audio…well, thats a whole different story.

 

[LouieSamman]

I also use my 50" plasma for screen. I use it with my mbp but the resolution isn't great so I don't think I'll even bother trying with my new air 11.6. when I used my 37" hdtv it worked perfectly with my mbp but I'm selling that tv now

I notice the 13" MBA has a better resolution that the 13" MBP

You are going to have to buy an HDMI cable and an adapter, you know that right?
And if you want audio…well, thats a whole different story.

Obviously.

I have the HDMI to HDMI cable and the Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support.

I have the HDMI to HDMI, just need the Moshi Mini, but I will buy that at a later time.

I'm still awaiting for the MacBook Air to arrive.