Screen size for 12" PB

[kerpow]

I can't afford to buy an iMac quite yet, maybe towards the end of the year when Leopard is out. For now though, I would get alot more productivity out of it with a larger screen. Currently I have a very old (maybe 10 years!!!) Gateway 17" CRT monitor connected to it but obviously the colour is very poor.

As monnitors are so cheap these days I thought I might just buy a new one now but because of the external resolution on the 12" I wondered how big I should buy. Would a 19" look ok or would I be better sticking to a better 17".

Something like this would fit my budget well

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hanns-LCD-Silver-Black-DVI/dp/B000GYHS6Y/ref=wl_it_dp/026-0357909-4251618?ie=UTF8&coliid=I24WQWLXKO951Z&colid=1D9WDUM2OEDHA

 

[Abstract]

It doesn't matter how big the screen is. It's really the number of pixels you need to worry about.

What type of video card do you have in the 12" PB? Is it the 32 MB Geforce 5200 Go, or the 64 MB version?

 

[kerpow]

its 64mb but still a maximum of 1024*768

 

[TDM21]

its 64mb but still a maximum of 1024*768

That is the maximum resolution of the built-in screen. The PB has the ability to span the desktop across multiple screens. This allows you to hook up an external monitor and use it as the main screen. Any resoluotion short of a 30" monitor can be used on the 12" PB. I currently use a 20" monitor as my main screen when hooked up to my 12" PB.

You might have been confused with the iBook which can only mirror the main screen. That will limit the screen resolution on the external monitor, but again that is a limitation of the iBook (without hacking it).

 

[kerpow]

Sorry, perhaps I should have mentioned that I want to use it with the lid closed, and simply attach a single monitor to it with an external mouse and keyboard like a desktop computer (I have a toddler that bangs on laptop keybards and has already partially damaged the laptop screen).

So, am I still right in saying the 1024 by 768 resolution is the maximum in this scenario?

 

[thworple]

The maximum resolution for an external display using your Powerbook should be 1600x1200.

The 1024x768 res is maximum for the in-built display NOT for an external one.

 

[kerpow]

OK. Obviously the monitor I'm using at the moment doesn't go that high but I'll bring it into work sometime and hook it up to a 20" and pump up the pixels.

 

[DaLurker]

The maximum resolution for an external display using your Powerbook should be 1600x1200.

The 1024x768 res is maximum for the in-built display NOT for an external one.

No, it can go higher than 1600x1200. I used to have it hooked up to my 20" widescreen which does 1680x1050. I think it tops off at 1920x1200. ALthough if you're going for a screen of that size, make sure you're using the DVI-D. For some reason the D-Sub is really sub par on the 12" Powerbook.

 

[thworple]

No, it can go higher than 1600x1200. I used to have it hooked up to my 20" widescreen which does 1680x1050. I think it tops off at 1920x1200. ALthough if you're going for a screen of that size, make sure you're using the DVI-D. For some reason the D-Sub is really sub par on the 12" Powerbook.

I was just going on what the tech specs for the Powerbook state it goes up to, but you're right - I get 1680x1050 on my 20" WS as well.

 

[wheezy]

I was just going on what the tech specs for the Powerbook state it goes up to, but you're right - I get 1680x1050 on my 20" WS as well.

Ditto. 1680x1050 on a 21" widescreen, I only have the 32MB card in mine and it handles it just fine. I can do dual just fine as well.

 

[kerpow]

Do you need to use digital or will analog still have the resolution? I only have a mini-DVI to VGA connector.

 

[kerpow]

Just hooked it up now to a 20" widescreen with the miniDVI to VGA and its running at 1280 x 1024. No option to go higher.

Still looks really good, like using a new computer.

Thanks for all help

 

[j26]

I had a 12" pb connected to a 1440 x 900 19" screen no problems through DVI.