URGENT: Need help on how to connect my MacBook Pro to a Computer Screen!

[mwan.uop]

Hey guys, I have a MacBook Pro and I recently shattered my screen. I'm about to buy a monitor instead of replacing my current screen because it costs nearly a thousand dollars. Seeing that this is the case, I decided that I want to use my MacBook Pro as a desktop since it is so costly to replace the screen. Please give me some tips on how I can connect my MacBook with a computer monitor without having to use the screen (because mine is completely broken). Thanks!

 

[justinm]

Plug your monitor in, open the laptop, press the power button, then close the laptop. You now will have the desktop on the external screen.

 

[Eidorian]

1. Connect an external monitor via the DVI port
2. Attach/pair a mouse and keyboard
3. Close the MacBook's screen
4. ??????
5. PROFIT

You might need to wake the laptop with the keyboard but it'll work otherwise.

 

[hobbbz]

1. Work
2. Take money received from work and buy a monitor
3. Plugin the monitor
4. Connect your mac to the monitor using the included mini-dvi -> DVI cable

 

[Eddyisgreat]

If you shattered your screen, I assume some impressive force would have to be applied which would damage surrounding components, if in clamshell mode.


You may want to make sure the rest of the unit works first (hard drive/fan spin up. Ambient sensors).

If those react it should be ok.
Just sayin

 

[mwan.uop]

You guys are very helpful... Thanks for the tips! Didn't know you guys were on the ball like that!



EDIT: By the way, the laptop fell off my coffee table causing only the screen to malfunction. Aside from that, the hard drive still spins and you can still see colors on my screen, but no formidable images!

 

[26139]

yep

1. Work
2. Take money received from work and buy a monitor
3. Plugin the monitor
4. Connect your mac to the monitor using the included mini-dvi -> DVI cable

MacBook Pros have full size DVI ports. No need for the adapter.

 

[mwan.uop]

Do they manufacture longer DVI to DVI cables?

 

[Eidorian]

Do they manufacture longer DVI to DVI cables?

How long?

 

[skiesforme]

Cables !

Do they manufacture longer DVI to DVI cables?

Here you go => DVI Cables

Alternatively, you might need this => DVI to Analog 15 ft

Hope this helps !

 

[sra. Aguirre]

Two monitors and 1 MBP?

Plug your monitor in, open the laptop, press the power button, then close the laptop. You now will have the desktop on the external screen.

Would this work if I just wanted an extra monitor with a working MBP screen? Does the standard videocard support two monitors, or am I still living in PC mode? (I recently switched to Mac...)

If so, what are the steps I need to follow for setup?

 

[Eidorian]

Would this work if I just wanted an extra monitor with a working MBP screen? Does the standard videocard support two monitors, or am I still living in PC mode? (I recently switched to Mac...)

If so, what are the steps I need to follow for setup?

Running the laptop in clamshell mode allows you to use the external display as the only and primary display.

 

[skiesforme]

Would this work if I just wanted an extra monitor with a working MBP screen? Does the standard videocard support two monitors, or am I still living in PC mode? (I recently switched to Mac...)

If so, what are the steps I need to follow for setup?

I assume you would have the Macbook open and not in clamshell mode.
Yes it works ! I don't have my Mac with me now but this is what I remember :-
Connect the external monitor to your Macbook(Pro)
Settings>Display>Mirror Displays would "mirror" displays on both the Macbook and the External Monitor.
Alternatively you can select dual display [1] and [2] and also choose which of the displays ([1] or [2]) has the Dock and Menubar.

 

[sra. Aguirre]

I assume you would have the Macbook open and not in clamshell mode.
Yes it works ! I don't have my Mac with me now but this is what I remember :-
Connect the external monitor to your Macbook(Pro)
Settings>Display>Mirror Displays would "mirror" displays on both the Macbook and the External Monitor.
Alternatively you can select dual display [1] and [2] and also choose which of the displays ([1] or [2]) has the Dock and Menubar.

You guys are the absolute best!!! thanks for very valuable and helpful info!

 

[skir0987]

You could, if you wanted to, get the screen repaired at iresq.com for $500... that is, if it is a 15" MacBook Pro. I think they'll replace the 17" screen for around $650. I had my iPod Touch screen replaced there, and I can say that they have very good service. You get free overnight two-way shipping with your order so you should have your computer back within 3-4 days after you sent it in. Good luck

-Shep

 

[jstech]

macbook pro not mirroring

Tried this and it didn't work- not on an lcd tv and not on a flat screen computer monitor. switvched cables until i felt like i was playing with spaghetti. it still didn't work
need to connect mac to monitor or projector in order to deliver presentations!

I assume you would have the Macbook open and not in clamshell mode.
Yes it works ! I don't have my Mac with me now but this is what I remember :-
Connect the external monitor to your Macbook(Pro)
Settings>Display>Mirror Displays would "mirror" displays on both the Macbook and the External Monitor.
Alternatively you can select dual display [1] and [2] and also choose which of the displays ([1] or [2]) has the Dock and Menubar.

 

[skiesforme]

Simple !

Tried this and it didn't work- not on an lcd tv and not on a flat screen computer monitor. switvched cables until i felt like i was playing with spaghetti. it still didn't work
need to connect mac to monitor or projector in order to deliver presentations!

Its pretty straightforward ! I'm assuming you switched the LCD TV/Monitor to the right Input mode.
If you have a Macbook Pro you need this (DVI to VGA):-

If you have a Macbook, you would need this(mini DVI to DVI) in addition to the cable above(DVI to VGA):-

 

[jstech]

re=connect macbook pro to monitor

if i have a dvi on the macbook pro and a dvi on the monitor, why do i need to convert to vga? isn't this degrading the signal?

 

[skiesforme]

Tried this and it didn't work- not on an lcd tv and not on a flat screen computer monitor. switvched cables until i felt like i was playing with spaghetti. it still didn't work
need to connect mac to monitor or projector in order to deliver presentations!

if i have a dvi on the macbook pro and a dvi on the monitor, why do i need to convert to vga? isn't this degrading the signal?

I wasn't aware that your monitor has DVI. If you have DVI on both devices isn't it terribly simple ??!!
DVI to DVI
I really have no idea what confused you into a spaghetti_mess_of_wires ...
In future for any sorts of cables etc go to www.monoprice.com and use Search !
All the best !

 

[Mmmbeer]

help, I have another prob.

Can someone help me please. I also have a shattered screen on my MacBook Pro
I attached an old dell CRT to the port and can see my desktop bachground. The problem is I cant see the dock or the top toolbar. how can i get to the apps or the display controls when i have nothing to click?
Thanks in advance for you input.

Joe