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MacBook External Display Resolution

S

Semio1es

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 10, 2008
86
0
What is the max resolution I can display on my Macbook if I am using an external display? Hooking up thru the DVI adapter my display doesn't fill the entire screen and if it does it is not crisp. Is the video card in the MacBook not good enough? Would I get better resolution thru the DVI instead of using the VGA cable like I currently am?

My MacBook:

Intel GMA X3100:

Chipset Model: GMA X3100
Type: Display
Bus: Built-In
VRAM (Total): 144 MB
Vendor: Intel (0x8086)
Device ID: 0x2a02
Revision ID: 0x0003
Displays:
Color LCD:
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Depth: 32-bit Color
Core Image: Hardware Accelerated
Mirror: On
Mirror Status: Hardware Mirror
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Not Supported
Built-In: Yes
Display:
Resolution: 1680 x 1050 @ 60 Hz
Depth: 32-bit Color
Core Image: Hardware Accelerated
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: On
Mirror Status: Master Mirror
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Rotation: Supported

My Display: KDS 2200W

Panel Size 22" Wide Screen
Display Area (Landscape HxV) 18.3" x 11.4"
Pixel Pitch 0.276 mm
Brightness (cd/m²) 300 cd/m²
Contrast Ratio 1000:1
Video Response 5ms
Horizontal Viewing Angle 170°
Vertical Viewing Angle 160°
Optimum Resolution 1680 x 1050
Display Colors 16.2 M
Horizontal Freq. 30 - 82 kHz
Vertical Freq. 56 - 76 Hz
Bandwidth 146 MHz
Compatibility PC, MAC
Interface Analog D-Sub x 2, DVI-D
 
What about the new white Macbook with the 9400M? Is it still single-link DVI only or does it support dual link?
 
Tallest Skil said:
Single.
Click to expand...

Crap. I was considering buying one but if I can't hook it up to my 30" screen at full res I'll just have to wait until Apple comes out with a Mini-DP-> regular Displayport or a working Dual Link DVI adapter. Guess I'll just skip this generation of Macbooks and hope that the next one is better.
 
kasakka said:
Crap. I was considering buying one but if I can't hook it up to my 30" screen at full res I'll just have to wait until Apple comes out with a Mini-DP-> regular Displayport or a working Dual Link DVI adapter. Guess I'll just skip this generation of Macbooks and hope that the next one is better.
Click to expand...

I doubt Apple will ever want to enable Dual Link DVI support for their Macbooks as they are intended for low-end usage. Just like the decision of killing off FW on the new Macbooks, they will pushing that kind of use to the purchase of the Pro line...

Sorry.
 
kasakka said:
Crap. I was considering buying one but if I can't hook it up to my 30" screen at full res I'll just have to wait until Apple comes out with a Mini-DP-> regular Displayport or a working Dual Link DVI adapter. Guess I'll just skip this generation of Macbooks and hope that the next one is better.
Click to expand...

I know that the Macbook Pros are having problems with external 30 inch monitors, but I haven't read as much with the Macbooks. Can anyone confirm that they are having problems as well?
 
Thiol said:
I know that the Macbook Pros are having problems with external 30 inch monitors, but I haven't read as much with the Macbooks. Can anyone confirm that they are having problems as well?
Click to expand...
Mini-DisplayPort in general is having problems with display compatibility.
 
Semio1es,

I know this is a post from the past, but your big LCD resolution is booting in 13" MacBook 1280 x 800 and looks grainy, there is good news.

My same MacBook 2.1 X3100 is pushing 1680 x 1050 on my Samsung 23" very sharp.

You need hook the powered external LCD and turn on your MacBook and quickly close the lid after the chime, now it will boot on full resolution! After it's up and running, up the lid to provide proper airflow. The MacBook LCD remains dark. I use an external keyboard and mouse.
 
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