dual screen setup on a macbook

[flowin]

i have a black macbook core duo.

im thinking of running a dual screen setup, by adding a 19" lcd monitor.

would that work?
would it be just like extending my screen?

 

[wrldwzrd89]

I have a MacBook Pro. I've never tried extending my desktop in this way, but as far as I know, this should work. Depending on what type of monitor you have, you may need an adapter to connect to the port on your MacBook.

 

[phungy]

I'm sure it'd work (correct me if I'm wrong). I'm running my MB with a 19" external but I have it set as "one" screen instead of having it extended.

 

[flowin]

how does it work if its "one screen"?

would there be any distortion because of the resolution?

i would need a mini-dvi to dvi adapter ?

 

[phungy]

how does it work if its "one screen"?

The external basically shows the same thing (ie. desktop) as on the MB screen versus an extended area.

would there be any distortion because of the resolution?

You'll need to check the resolution on the external. No distortion on mine (Samsung 931BW)

i would need a mini-dvi to dvi adapter ?

Yep. Depending on the external, mini-DVI to DVI or VGA adapter. Just make sure you get the right one.

 

[wrldwzrd89]

how does it work if its "one screen"?

would there be any distortion because of the resolution?

i would need a mini-dvi to dvi adapter ?

By "one screen" I assume you mean desktop mirroring. Resolution differences may cause distortion, or the Mac may simply change the resolution of one (or both) screens so that they match. I've never done this before, so I don't know exactly how it works. What I do know is that once a resolution-independent user interface gets implemented in Mac OS X (probably in Leopard), these problems will simply disappear. 😀

 

[Angrist]

It can either extend your desktop, ie two screens with different things on them.

OR

Mirror, the same image will be displayed on both screens. This can cause resolution funnyness depending on settings.

 

[flowin]

ah.. ok .

thats sounds good..

i was getting tired of overlapping windows..

what do u guys use your dual screen setups for

 

[phungy]

ah.. ok .

thats sounds good..

i was getting tired of overlapping windows..

what do u guys use your dual screen setups for

Class assignments. Professors make their own CDs for classes and require WinXP and not compatible with OSX. I have spreadsheets/programs on one screen, the other is for eBooks/articles/journals. It's just more convenient.

I use mirroring in OSX just so I don't have neck pains looking at the MacBook screen. It's just the way the desk was built..

 

[flowin]

between vga and dvi... a large difference?

.thanks for the help..

 

[davede70]

I have hooked up a small 15 inch monitor to my macbook and I don't run it on the mirror setting but use it as an extension of my desktop space and I have to say I love it. It allows me to work so much easier.