External Monitor use Macbook memory?

[musiqzuki]

I was wondering when you hook up a Macbook to an external Monitor, does it use up RAM and stuff on the Macbook.

 

[m0no]

Why wouldn't it?

 

[rjphoto]

Hooking up an external monitor just gives you an extra screen.
You are still using the same RAM and hard drive in the MacBook.

Now let's say you have an iMac. You could hook up the MacBook via FireWire and boot up the MacBook while holding down the "T" key and use it as an external hard drive on the iMac.

 

[musiqzuki]

so it does use up a bit of memory and stuff on the Macbook with an extra screen. i see. thanks

 

[patrick0brien]

so it does use up a bit of memory and stuff on the Macbook with an extra screen. i see. thanks

-musiqzuki

Just what is needed by any additional real estate the added screen requires.

 

[Scottyk9]

My understanding of this is that the VRAM (not RAM) would be split between the 2 displays.

 

[new-chivalry]

I was just trying to run an external monitor I have (an older flat screen for the G3) with my Macbook for music editing stuff, and I can't get it to work. The AC power is routed through the external monitor, the light comes on but stays yellow as if in sleep mode. Then the shut down menu pops up on the Macbook. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[patrick0brien]

I was just trying to run an external monitor I have (an older flat screen for the G3) with my Macbook for music editing stuff, and I can't get it to work. The AC power is routed through the external monitor, the light comes on but stays yellow as if in sleep mode. Then the shut down menu pops up on the Macbook. Anyone have any suggestions?

-new-chivalry

Sounds like something is triggering the switch. Check to see if it is damaged or something lodged in it.

 

[musiqzuki]

How do I know how much VRAM I got?

 

[BlueRevolution]

Go into System Profiler; you can find it under "Graphics/Displays".

 

[musiqzuki]

How can I check how much VRAM my external monitor uses then? thanks

 

[BlueRevolution]

I don't know if you can do so. Does it matter? If using an external monitor slows things down unduly, unplug it. You're the one calling the shots, not the numbers.

I've never experienced a noticeable slowdown from running a second monitor.

 

[rjphoto]

Clamshell mode?

Will the Macbook run in Clamshell mode with and external Keyboard & mouse attached?

I've used my PowerBooks that way alot.

 

[musiqzuki]

Yes it can, I'm running on clamshell mode with external keyboard and mouse