[number nine]

I just recently (yesterday) bought a 12" PowerBook G4. It's working well, except that when I hook it up to an external VGA monitor (using the dongle), the external monitor is very very dark. The monitor works on other computers, and I've tried several monitors, but none seem to work.

Apple is sending me a new dongle, but I was just curious if anybody here in the forum has seen this before. It was new to Apple support.

- j

[AssassyN]

If the PB sends a dark signal to MULTIPLE monitors, that it's clearly not a monitor issue. My only guesses are to make sure in "Displays" that the output is set up right, and make sure you readjust the contrast, etc. on the external monitor. Also, try powering JUST the external monitor with the PB's lid closed and see if that makes a difference.

If none of this solves it, and the new dongle doesn't solve it, it's most likely a faulty VGA out (or whichever output you're using). Good luck...hope the dongle fixes it!

[melman101]

Actually, when I first got my Powerbook G4 12" i had a problem with the svideo/composite dongle. As long as one of them works, then you know its not your computer. I went to the Apple Store, and they promptly gave me a new svideo/composite dongle, and problem solved.

Sincerely,
Mel

[number nine]

Also, try powering JUST the external monitor with the PB's lid closed and see if that makes a difference.

Yep, I tried all you mentioned, even the above. Using *just* the external monitor is the same thing -- too dark to be usable.

Anyhow, it's good to hear that melman101 had a problem with his S-Video dongle as well. Hopefully this is all it is. I will try the S-Video dongle with a TV and see what happens! Thanks for your quick responses guys!

Jason