Monitor options with MacBook Pro

[Aspen]

The MacBook Pro 15 inch has a maximum native resolution of 1440x900 and the 17 inch has a maxiumum native resolution 1920x1200.

Can I use an external 3rd party monitor such as a Dell or Samsung that is a 1920x1080 native resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio? It's unclear to me whether the MacBook Pro's native resolution would affect the external monitor's appearance if the native resolutions are different.

My goal is to use both the MacBook Pro 15 or 17 WITH a larger external 22" or 24" monitor at the same time.

 

[jav6454]

Yes you can. Apple has designed the MacBook Pro to also work with their own LED 24" Display. Your MacBook can certainly power that bad boy. Your MacBook can even power a 30" display using the Dual Channel DVI adapter.

So, I think your answer is given. yes you can use an external display at higher resolution than your MacBook's screen.

 

[MacDawg]

I use my MBP 17" with the 23" Apple Cinema Display 1900 X 1200

I have them side by side with the MBP on an mStand

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[Tomorrow]

I'm seeing a lot of monitors coming out in 16x9 res instead of 16x10. I think it's a marketing ploy, they advertise these as "full HD" or 1080p, but in reality I want a monitor, not a TV screen.

 

[DeusInvictus7]

I'm seeing a lot of monitors coming out in 16x9 res instead of 16x10. I think it's a marketing ploy, they advertise these as "full HD" or 1080p, but in reality I want a monitor, not a TV screen.

Yeah, if anything, get a monitor that does 1:1 pixel mapping, that way you get the best of both worlds. That's why I love my 2709W.