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Anyone interested in a Hi-def (1920 x 1200) mod for PB/MBP?
- Thread starter baxterbrittle
- Start date
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It not quite the simple.
It seems that gfx card for intel macs have a different firmware to gfx cards for PCs. This was one of the problems with running windows on mbp before bootcamp. What i have learnt is ether that the gfx card rom holds two different firmwares, or that there is some sort of runtime loading of a different pc firmware in the bootcamp loader.
This firmware problem is still a problem to users who running osx on non apple hardware.
Looks good to me, the lvds bpp is the same. Is the 12 inch an xga screen ? If so it might only use one channel LVDS and require a different cable and the gfx card might not support it (but i highly doubt it).
Other than that mounting might be a problem, but as this goes you'll probably won't run into the same color problem we have.
I would try it.
thanks, i think i will try it. its going for $250, but without the inverter. can i rely on my current inverter to work?
Initial Steps...
I have just received a Sharp LQ154M1LW12 and attached it to my MBP CD. Under Vista it works right out of the box. Correct colors, pinsharp. Under Mac OS X of course not ;-) I have SwitchResX installed. It shows me 2 monitors: My external Dell 30" and the internal lcd which according to the VendorId and ProductId is the old (original Apple) one. Is the profile matched according to the VendorId and ProductID? How do I find it out for the new panel? When I open the monitor settings I only see the window for the Dell. The settings window on the Sharp cannot be seen (lcd is messed up). Would anybody explain (may be once again) what the initial procedure is to create and match a profile using SwitchResX. Many thanks in advance.
I have just received a Sharp LQ154M1LW12 and attached it to my MBP CD. Under Vista it works right out of the box. Correct colors, pinsharp. Under Mac OS X of course not ;-) I have SwitchResX installed. It shows me 2 monitors: My external Dell 30" and the internal lcd which according to the VendorId and ProductId is the old (original Apple) one. Is the profile matched according to the VendorId and ProductID? How do I find it out for the new panel? When I open the monitor settings I only see the window for the Dell. The settings window on the Sharp cannot be seen (lcd is messed up). Would anybody explain (may be once again) what the initial procedure is to create and match a profile using SwitchResX. Many thanks in advance.
just want to warn you guys, the monitor that was stated to work is not really a decent monitor. The color gamut is only rated at 42% and it is a dithered 262k (like the stock screen but with worse colors). Its refresh time is a stated 25ms. Way too long for fast action.
I would wait for the next run of higher bit depth versions to hit the streets. Hopefully the deep color versions hit soon.
I would wait for the next run of higher bit depth versions to hit the streets. Hopefully the deep color versions hit soon.
In short, you find most lcd notebook screens have those specs, (don't know about refresh time). Almost all notebook screens are 6 bit (262,000 colors). And secondly we have no idea if a) the x1500 has a driver(hardware) that supports 8bpp or that the original apple lvds cable supports 8bpp (i suspect it won't).
In my opinion, you'll be waiting a long time for 8bpp soultion to work.
Well, I have transferred the exact timings from Vista using PowerStrip to SwitchResX under Mac OS X. No success! This is not the problem.
Just wanted to add that I'm successfully writing this on a modified MBP.
Thanks everyone for the detailed information here.
My only comment would be that the setting which worked for me isn't the one mentionned (CVT-RB) but one of the other one (GTF or CVT) I don't know exactly but I had to configure the 3 to get one of them working as configuring only the CVT-RB one didn't work for me.
Anyway, this mod works perfectly, and the lcd screens are probably stronger than I thought cause I had to get through quite a bit of manipulation to get them out and then back in ... but in the end they still work perfectly.
Also, you don't have to remove the hard drive and the dvd player to do this mod, so, this will save you some time...
Took me about 3 hours to remove the lcd screen from the dell screen, then disassemble the MBP, remove the screen, replace it, test it and make it working (that part took more than 30 minutes ...), and then re-assemble everything.
I also used a 1920x1200 external screen to help me during the configuration steps ...
Good luck to all of you who want to try this, it's definitely worth the effort and the money.
Thanks everyone for the detailed information here.
My only comment would be that the setting which worked for me isn't the one mentionned (CVT-RB) but one of the other one (GTF or CVT) I don't know exactly but I had to configure the 3 to get one of them working as configuring only the CVT-RB one didn't work for me.
Anyway, this mod works perfectly, and the lcd screens are probably stronger than I thought cause I had to get through quite a bit of manipulation to get them out and then back in ... but in the end they still work perfectly.
Also, you don't have to remove the hard drive and the dvd player to do this mod, so, this will save you some time...
Took me about 3 hours to remove the lcd screen from the dell screen, then disassemble the MBP, remove the screen, replace it, test it and make it working (that part took more than 30 minutes ...), and then re-assemble everything.
I also used a 1920x1200 external screen to help me during the configuration steps ...
Good luck to all of you who want to try this, it's definitely worth the effort and the money.
Machine Name: MacBook Pro 15"
Machine Model: MacBookPro1,1
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 2.16 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per processor): 2 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP11.0055.B08
SMC Version: 1.2f10
Graphics / Displays :
ATI Radeon X1600:
Chipset Model: ATY,RadeonX1600
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x71c5
Revision ID: 0x0000
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.068
Displays:
Color LCD:
Display Type: CRT
Resolution: 1920 x 1200 @ 56 Hz
Depth: 32-bit Color
Built-In: Yes
Core Image: Supported
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
the LCD seems to be the exact same one as the first one mentionned to work (vendor id ...)
the ebay auction title was : DELL INSPIRON 8600 8500 15.4" WUXGA SCREEN LCD COMPLETE
Machine Model: MacBookPro1,1
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 2.16 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per processor): 2 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP11.0055.B08
SMC Version: 1.2f10
Graphics / Displays :
ATI Radeon X1600:
Chipset Model: ATY,RadeonX1600
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x71c5
Revision ID: 0x0000
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.068
Displays:
Color LCD:
Display Type: CRT
Resolution: 1920 x 1200 @ 56 Hz
Depth: 32-bit Color
Built-In: Yes
Core Image: Supported
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
the LCD seems to be the exact same one as the first one mentionned to work (vendor id ...)
the ebay auction title was : DELL INSPIRON 8600 8500 15.4" WUXGA SCREEN LCD COMPLETE
Excellent, thanks. I have the same spec MacBook & most likely a similar display. That gives me hope - now all I need is time!
So it looks like the two people that have it working used 1920x1200 external displays... perhaps that is the key. Too bad I can't afford a 24" monitor yet :/
I just got one of those 22" Westinghouse 1680x1050 displays @ BestBuy for Christmas... bah
I just got one of those 22" Westinghouse 1680x1050 displays @ BestBuy for Christmas... bah
Would you be so kind to post the override file for your ProductID and VendorID?
Is your panel a Sharp LQ154M1LW02?
jrsade : my override file is the one that I got from the manipulation explained somewhere on this thread (ie, it's a simple copy paste of a different file), but I'll post it sure.
I was not able yet to make the display work at any other resolution ...
as for the brand of the display, no idea ... I would have taken pictures if I had a digital camera, but I didn't at this time ... and I don't really feel like re-opening the case right now
As for the need of an external display of 1920x1200, I wouldn't say this is needed at all, however you WILL need an external display to make tests, because the screen is not usable when not correctly configured ... in my case, it wasn't dark, but completely interlaced and weird with only part of the desktop visible.
However, I do believe that you can keep it "unstable" in a lower (mirrored) resolution while using the external screen to try and configure it ...
All is really needed in the end, is to (maybe) copy the config. file (I think this is only to be able to change the brightness ...) and to play with switchresX , once you have configured the correct setting in switchresx, you can apply this setting until you screen works ...
Actually, when you unplug the external display, the internal screen switches to a different config, so anyway, you'll have to go into the display menu and set it to the right one again (at least I had to ...)
I must also say that today I've had a few crashes of OSX with the display all going wrong and showing triangles instead of icons / windows / menus / ... probably a video card issue ... not sure yet ...
I was not able yet to make the display work at any other resolution ...
as for the brand of the display, no idea ... I would have taken pictures if I had a digital camera, but I didn't at this time ... and I don't really feel like re-opening the case right now
As for the need of an external display of 1920x1200, I wouldn't say this is needed at all, however you WILL need an external display to make tests, because the screen is not usable when not correctly configured ... in my case, it wasn't dark, but completely interlaced and weird with only part of the desktop visible.
However, I do believe that you can keep it "unstable" in a lower (mirrored) resolution while using the external screen to try and configure it ...
All is really needed in the end, is to (maybe) copy the config. file (I think this is only to be able to change the brightness ...) and to play with switchresX , once you have configured the correct setting in switchresx, you can apply this setting until you screen works ...
Actually, when you unplug the external display, the internal screen switches to a different config, so anyway, you'll have to go into the display menu and set it to the right one again (at least I had to ...)
I must also say that today I've had a few crashes of OSX with the display all going wrong and showing triangles instead of icons / windows / menus / ... probably a video card issue ... not sure yet ...
3rd (or 4th?) confirmed success!
I received my used Samsung LT154U1-L01 (vs. L03) and it works, although I also used a different simplified setting (CVT in my case). Also, the refresh rate always resets to 55.939hz from the 56Hz that I enterred which I'm assuming is related to the CVT setting or feedback from the display. I'm still having trouble getting the brightness working as there was already a DisplayProductID-3155 file (apparently created by SwitchResX) in the DisplayVendorID-4ca3 folder, and swapping it out with the -9c20 version (appropriately renamed) as recommended by Baxter killed my sync. I'll keep plugging away at the brightness controls, but in the meantime, I'm happy with it af full brightness.
I have an original MBP CD 2.0GHz machine delivered in the very first few weeks. It has the latest BIOS and OS updates.
I received my used Samsung LT154U1-L01 (vs. L03) and it works, although I also used a different simplified setting (CVT in my case). Also, the refresh rate always resets to 55.939hz from the 56Hz that I enterred which I'm assuming is related to the CVT setting or feedback from the display. I'm still having trouble getting the brightness working as there was already a DisplayProductID-3155 file (apparently created by SwitchResX) in the DisplayVendorID-4ca3 folder, and swapping it out with the -9c20 version (appropriately renamed) as recommended by Baxter killed my sync. I'll keep plugging away at the brightness controls, but in the meantime, I'm happy with it af full brightness.
I have an original MBP CD 2.0GHz machine delivered in the very first few weeks. It has the latest BIOS and OS updates.
Attachments
Font Smoothing Style working for anyone?
While this may be related to my troubles (probably just personal stupidity) getting brightness control to work, has anyone noticed if the aggressive LCD font smoothing works for them? It doesn't appear to change when I tweak this setting and I seem to recall fairly dramatic differences between Light, and Strong, and especially CRT. I think it's just defaulting to CRT or none at all, but perhaps the much smaller dot pitch simply makes this harder to detect.
While this may be related to my troubles (probably just personal stupidity) getting brightness control to work, has anyone noticed if the aggressive LCD font smoothing works for them? It doesn't appear to change when I tweak this setting and I seem to recall fairly dramatic differences between Light, and Strong, and especially CRT. I think it's just defaulting to CRT or none at all, but perhaps the much smaller dot pitch simply makes this harder to detect.
Congratulations! It's good to hear more people are having success in replacing their LCDs. The more consistency accross the board people begin having with this mod, the more likely I will be persuaded to take the plunge myself.
it seems that for me the key is to use the GTF preset ... which actually also works at 60Hz (I checked on a Dell laptop and windows uses 60Hz as the refresh rate ...)
Here's the output from System Profiler :
ATI Radeon X1600:
Chipset Model: ATY,RadeonX1600
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x71c5
Revision ID: 0x0000
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.068
Displays:
Color LCD:
Display Type: CRT
Resolution: 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
Depth: 32-bit Color
Built-In: Yes
Core Image: Supported
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Display:
Status: No display connected
(I checked on a Dell laptop and windows uses 60Hz as the refresh rate ...)Here's the output from System Profiler :
ATI Radeon X1600:
Chipset Model: ATY,RadeonX1600
Type: Display
Bus: PCIe
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x71c5
Revision ID: 0x0000
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.068
Displays:
Color LCD:
Display Type: CRT
Resolution: 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
Depth: 32-bit Color
Built-In: Yes
Core Image: Supported
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Display:
Status: No display connected
I can also switch to GTF preset, and while 60Hz shows up as a selectable option in the pop-up, it doesn't actually work for my Samsung display, possibly because I have an older L01 vs. the L03 that someone else was using.
I was successful in getting Baxter's display brightness hack to work, but there appears to be a step missing; SwitchResX seems to create the relevant Overides/DisplayVendorID-4ca3 folder and enclosed DisplayProductID-3155 file which appears to have the needed timing info in the "dspc" property array. I had to add this property to Baxter's replacement file before the sync would work. Also, you can't rename the product ID, Name and Vendor ID from their Apple defaults ("Color LCD", etc.) or the brightness control won't work, at least I think that's the correct cause/effect. This was the main thing keeping my brightness adjustability control from working as I'd swapped in the correct values for the Samsung display.
Regarding my other query, font smoothing does indeed appear to work fine. I think I may have simply forgotten to quit/restart any running app to see the changes take effect. The changes are more subtle with this higher res, and Strong is now useable whereas I couldn't stand the visible red fringing it would cause on the larger dot pitch displays.
I was successful in getting Baxter's display brightness hack to work, but there appears to be a step missing; SwitchResX seems to create the relevant Overides/DisplayVendorID-4ca3 folder and enclosed DisplayProductID-3155 file which appears to have the needed timing info in the "dspc" property array. I had to add this property to Baxter's replacement file before the sync would work. Also, you can't rename the product ID, Name and Vendor ID from their Apple defaults ("Color LCD", etc.) or the brightness control won't work, at least I think that's the correct cause/effect. This was the main thing keeping my brightness adjustability control from working as I'd swapped in the correct values for the Samsung display.
Regarding my other query, font smoothing does indeed appear to work fine. I think I may have simply forgotten to quit/restart any running app to see the changes take effect. The changes are more subtle with this higher res, and Strong is now useable whereas I couldn't stand the visible red fringing it would cause on the larger dot pitch displays.
Another Success Story
Hello everyone, I would like to thank baxterbrittle and Narzola for making this mod possible. I have a C2D Macbook Pro also. I got the Samsung LT154UI - L03 that I bought from ebay. I got a brand new panel with the inverter but I am just using the inverter that came with the macbook pro.
I did the install following Narzola's instructions on page 15 of this thread. A suggestion for removing the tabs on samsung panels I would give is right on the top edge of the panel is some overlapping white tape that extends from the back of the panel where it says "do not touch". I just lifted up the white tape only from the top edge. The two tabs are connected to each other with a thin piece of metal in the middle under that white tape and the ends are connected to the panel with a threaded screw like thing sticking out of the panel. Well I cut the metal piece in the middle with a bolt cutter and then was able to twist the tabs and unscrew them from the ends. When you see the panel it will make sense. I would say be careful when lifting the white tape, I used a toothpick and very slowly lifted it up as it is hard to manipulate in such a small space.
I have a few problems, and post if you have the same problems. Also I thought people should know before they attempt this. I am very happy with the new resolution on the macbook and I am glad I did this mod.
1. The first problem I had was when I tried to start up xp in boot camp, it came up with really weird colors. When I shut down XP, the mac side also stopped working for me. It was going into a default display mode which was not compatible.
2. So I uninstalled xp and then I installed the Vista RTM which had the same problem with the colors.
3. Also my screen is making a slight buzzing sound if I listen carefully.
4. I think you definitely need an external monitor to do this mod, but I am not sure if you have to have a 1900 x 1200 monitor because you put the values in switchResx manually. I have a Dell 24" 1900 x 1200 monitor so I cannot confirm if it will work on another monitor with a lower resolution.
5. The colors are not as bright as my old glossy screen.
I have some other suggestions for people who have done the mod or are planning on doing this mod.
I would suggest on the SwitchResX settings, display sets tab make a setting using the working 1900 x 1200 56 hz setting and a shortcut key, i used CTRL-Z. In the general tab, make sure you check the restore desktop configuaration after... (I put 3 sceonds) and finally, apply the display set you just made (Mine is the default "New Set #1"). Also make sure Launch at login is checked. The reason I am suggesting this is because for some reason after I shut down XP and tried to start Mac OSx I just got a black screen like the wrong setting had been set. But the screen would come back on when I connected the DVI cable to an external monitor. Unfortunately the screen would go back to black when I disconnected the DVI cable. It was like there was the wrong default setting when the DVI cable was not plugged in. So that is why I created the display set and I just pressed CTRL-Z and the screen started to work again without the DVI cable. I would suggest doing this just in case your screen goes dead due to a setting issue you will always have a hot key to get it back. Also maybe some of you with the CD Macbook Pros could try this. They could do the settings on an external display.
I am enjoying my extra screen real estate. Although the mod is great it just is not perfect with a few issues. But as I said earlier I am glad I did it.
Hello everyone, I would like to thank baxterbrittle and Narzola for making this mod possible. I have a C2D Macbook Pro also. I got the Samsung LT154UI - L03 that I bought from ebay. I got a brand new panel with the inverter but I am just using the inverter that came with the macbook pro.
I did the install following Narzola's instructions on page 15 of this thread. A suggestion for removing the tabs on samsung panels I would give is right on the top edge of the panel is some overlapping white tape that extends from the back of the panel where it says "do not touch". I just lifted up the white tape only from the top edge. The two tabs are connected to each other with a thin piece of metal in the middle under that white tape and the ends are connected to the panel with a threaded screw like thing sticking out of the panel. Well I cut the metal piece in the middle with a bolt cutter and then was able to twist the tabs and unscrew them from the ends. When you see the panel it will make sense. I would say be careful when lifting the white tape, I used a toothpick and very slowly lifted it up as it is hard to manipulate in such a small space.
I have a few problems, and post if you have the same problems. Also I thought people should know before they attempt this. I am very happy with the new resolution on the macbook and I am glad I did this mod.
1. The first problem I had was when I tried to start up xp in boot camp, it came up with really weird colors. When I shut down XP, the mac side also stopped working for me. It was going into a default display mode which was not compatible.
2. So I uninstalled xp and then I installed the Vista RTM which had the same problem with the colors.
3. Also my screen is making a slight buzzing sound if I listen carefully.
4. I think you definitely need an external monitor to do this mod, but I am not sure if you have to have a 1900 x 1200 monitor because you put the values in switchResx manually. I have a Dell 24" 1900 x 1200 monitor so I cannot confirm if it will work on another monitor with a lower resolution.
5. The colors are not as bright as my old glossy screen.
I have some other suggestions for people who have done the mod or are planning on doing this mod.
I would suggest on the SwitchResX settings, display sets tab make a setting using the working 1900 x 1200 56 hz setting and a shortcut key, i used CTRL-Z. In the general tab, make sure you check the restore desktop configuaration after... (I put 3 sceonds) and finally, apply the display set you just made (Mine is the default "New Set #1"). Also make sure Launch at login is checked. The reason I am suggesting this is because for some reason after I shut down XP and tried to start Mac OSx I just got a black screen like the wrong setting had been set. But the screen would come back on when I connected the DVI cable to an external monitor. Unfortunately the screen would go back to black when I disconnected the DVI cable. It was like there was the wrong default setting when the DVI cable was not plugged in. So that is why I created the display set and I just pressed CTRL-Z and the screen started to work again without the DVI cable. I would suggest doing this just in case your screen goes dead due to a setting issue you will always have a hot key to get it back. Also maybe some of you with the CD Macbook Pros could try this. They could do the settings on an external display.
I am enjoying my extra screen real estate. Although the mod is great it just is not perfect with a few issues. But as I said earlier I am glad I did it.
Furthur observations
The buzzing sound from the display has something to do with the brightness control. If the brightness is turned all the way up, there in no buzzing sound.
Also, does anyone know any programs like switchResX for XP or Vista. My vista in bootcamp looks horrible. The colors are really messed up. Windows looks fine in Parallels but not through bootcamp.
The buzzing sound from the display has something to do with the brightness control. If the brightness is turned all the way up, there in no buzzing sound.
Also, does anyone know any programs like switchResX for XP or Vista. My vista in bootcamp looks horrible. The colors are really messed up. Windows looks fine in Parallels but not through bootcamp.
This is your inverter buzzing.
It's a known problem with MBPs, and it's serviceable... but not with the mod installed, for sure.
I'm still waiting to hear if anyone has done this mod without a 1920x1200 external display. I've got a 1680x1050 screen coming for Christmas... and maybe I'll finally get it working.
Being the first one to really push this work hasn't really payed off for me quite yet
- Tim
jeep75,
I'm pretty sure (from earlier in this thread) that the Windows colors can be fixed simply by zapping your PRAM (all power/batteries removed, hold power button down 5 sec.), then booting straight into Windows. Mine works fine. I think the Windows colors only get hosed when Mac OS X tries to talk to the screen with the wrong refresh frequency (i.e. no SwitchResX) dumping some currupt values in the EFI bootrom and requiring a PRAM reset. Once you've got the screen working in OS X, and after you've done a PRAM reset, it shouldn't get polluted anymore.
whateverandever,
The first screen I got was a 1680x1050, and while I didn't spend any time trying to get it to work in OS X (I wanted the bigger display), it worked great in Windows and all of the non-working symptoms were exactly the same.
All of those running this new display (1920x1200),
I'd like to get an idea if others are experiencing some of the same issues I am:
- do any of the other resolutions work? (none of mine do other than native 1920x1200)
- do you experience any issues waking from sleep? About every 3rd time I wake from sleep, the screen will apparently freeze, although the mouse keeps moving, and I'll start getting odd video artifacts like big oblong black triangles in any section of the display that was receiving updates. Then, within a minute or so, everything will freeze and I'll have to power down the machine (Cmd-Ctrl-Power doesn't work even).
I suspect some of this may be symptoms of an old rev. display (my display was made in 2003), perhaps something in the LVDS protocols have been updated since then. I think at least a couple of you out there are using Samsung LTN154U1-L03 or later displays (mine is -L01).
For other resolutions, did you have to add additional Custom settings in SwitchResX for each? Or does it just work? It's not a huge deal, but it makes it impossible to mirror the display to anything other than a 1920x1200 monitor and most projectors aren't. Spanning still works fine.
Also, I used my TV (1366x768 LCD) through the DVI port as the external monitor to do my adjustments, so 1920x1200 is not required on the external.
I'm pretty sure (from earlier in this thread) that the Windows colors can be fixed simply by zapping your PRAM (all power/batteries removed, hold power button down 5 sec.), then booting straight into Windows. Mine works fine. I think the Windows colors only get hosed when Mac OS X tries to talk to the screen with the wrong refresh frequency (i.e. no SwitchResX) dumping some currupt values in the EFI bootrom and requiring a PRAM reset. Once you've got the screen working in OS X, and after you've done a PRAM reset, it shouldn't get polluted anymore.
whateverandever,
The first screen I got was a 1680x1050, and while I didn't spend any time trying to get it to work in OS X (I wanted the bigger display), it worked great in Windows and all of the non-working symptoms were exactly the same.
All of those running this new display (1920x1200),
I'd like to get an idea if others are experiencing some of the same issues I am:
- do any of the other resolutions work? (none of mine do other than native 1920x1200)
- do you experience any issues waking from sleep? About every 3rd time I wake from sleep, the screen will apparently freeze, although the mouse keeps moving, and I'll start getting odd video artifacts like big oblong black triangles in any section of the display that was receiving updates. Then, within a minute or so, everything will freeze and I'll have to power down the machine (Cmd-Ctrl-Power doesn't work even).
I suspect some of this may be symptoms of an old rev. display (my display was made in 2003), perhaps something in the LVDS protocols have been updated since then. I think at least a couple of you out there are using Samsung LTN154U1-L03 or later displays (mine is -L01).
For other resolutions, did you have to add additional Custom settings in SwitchResX for each? Or does it just work? It's not a huge deal, but it makes it impossible to mirror the display to anything other than a 1920x1200 monitor and most projectors aren't. Spanning still works fine.
Also, I used my TV (1366x768 LCD) through the DVI port as the external monitor to do my adjustments, so 1920x1200 is not required on the external.