Jon'sLightBulbs said:
When I unplug the DVI cable while the computer is "awake" and spanning, one of two things usually happens. 1. The computer goes to sleep and won't wake back up. 2. Everything operates normally, except that the mouse pointer dissapears, never to return until rebooting.
So does anyone have stablity and memory problems while spanning?
I am using external screen with PowerBook eversince G3 ( those black ones) and never had problem. I had been upgrading every 7 to 11 months so I've been through quite few different models. I am using 17" 1.5Ghz with 1GB RAM, system OS 10.3.9. I use at home then I take up to work every day thus plug and unplug twice a day. 19" LCD (analog) at work, 17" (DVI digital) at home, Microsoft external wireless keyboard and mouse combo at work and Macally wireless combo at home via USB hub. So they are completely defferent but I do not see any problem. I even log into PC side to move files around instead doing them in PC which takes 4 to 5 times longer. I have never need to restart except "Apple upgrade" time. So often it goes 3 to 4 months. Once I trade in without even one restart.
I do not see any speed difference with or without external monitor.
One thing I notice is drain a lot of power and creates a lot heat with dual monitor. I need my 'Koolsink" to cool it down.
System is so stable with 20 to 25 software running all the time.
Does it make any difference between software? I mean, did you test if you have any offending software? When you unplug or even if running on back ground? You may have some software combination bad for plug and un plug. Do you have enough space on your start up volume so Mac can write swap information? I suggest to quit all software (Finder only) and test. If still crash constantly, I would take it to service. If work fine, then add one software at time and test until you come across offending software.