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Do the brightness function keys work if I use a non-Apple display with my MacBook?
- Thread starter Ckar
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If the display manufacturer offers an app for adjusting brightness then it could be done - but it's unlikely that Dell would provide a Mac app.
I'm in the same boat. Some people on the forums have had luck with a program called Shades for Mac, though I haven't tried it yet.
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/23370/shades
Report back if you do, I'd like to know if it's worth getting.
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/23370/shades
Report back if you do, I'd like to know if it's worth getting.
Thanks for pointing that out. i just installed it on my Mac Mini that I am using as an iTunes server with an ancient Samsung monitor. It works, but may not really do what you want. It doesn't actually adjust the brightness of the monitor, it just darkens the image - the monitor is still running at whatever brightness you have set. So the effect isn't all that attractive, although it may be useful nonetheless.
Just curious -
I do understand the need for control over your display, but how often during a typical day do you need to "change the brightness instantly"?
Maybe a different color calibration profile, that you can create in your Displays pref pane, might give you a quicker change that will be acceptable to you ?
I do understand the need for control over your display, but how often during a typical day do you need to "change the brightness instantly"?
Maybe a different color calibration profile, that you can create in your Displays pref pane, might give you a quicker change that will be acceptable to you ?
Then how come it doesnt work on non apple displays? what is the difference? does the mini displayport carry the keypresses from the f1 f2? or does it work like magic?
I have a Mini that I use as an iTunes server, so it just runs iTunes all the time. I connected it to a 10 year old Samsung monitor so I can watch videos or send music to my stereo system. It really needs different brightness settings for day and night, but you have to dig through several levels of menus using the remote to change the brightness. A real nuisance, but not worth buying a new monitor just because of this.
I am using a 10 year old 23" Apple Cinema Display with my MacBook Air in another room. Even though it is also ancient, the brightness keys on my Apple Extended Keyboard work properly. DeltaMac is correct, this only works if I plug my keyboard into the USB port on the display, then plug the USB cable from the display into my MBA. If I plug the external keyboard directly into the MBA, the brightness keys adjust the laptop's built-in screen.