[switchsoon]

Hello-
I'm a PC user hoping to get a 12" ibook this summer to take to grad school as my only computer. How well do ibooks work with external displays (LCD's)? I know they have VGA out and don't 'span' monitors, but what are their native resolutions and do they mirror at higher resolutions than that? Are ibook users happy with their display setups?


My issue is that I like the portablility and wireless of the ibook, don't need pro-user features, but would like a big display for reading lengthy pdf files, etc, at my desk. Any ideas?

Thanks for your help-- I can't wait to switch.

-Switchsoon

[xtal]

Although I haven't used my iBook with an external display other than a projector, I think I may be able to help you out.

I currently use my iBook as my primary computer and I, like you, am also a grad student. PM me if you have specific questions. What are you studying in grad school?

[arclight]

Yes, ibooks will display higher resolutions on external monitors. It all depends on the monitor though. I believe LCD's have native resolutions but can display several like CRT's.

You can also span acrosss monitors if you want to do a simple firmware hack. It's been a lifesaver for me and my 19" Electron blue. An LCD will require a DVI/VGA adapter which is about $130 as I remember. Other posters may be able to offer more advice on the spanning hack with LCD's.

[pat++]

Originally posted by arclight:
Yes, ibooks will display higher resolutions on external monitors. It all depends on the monitor though. I believe LCD's have native resolutions but can display several like CRT's.

No, iBooks won't display higher resolution than 1024x768 without the firmware hack.

You can also span acrosss monitors if you want to do a simple firmware hack. It's been a lifesaver for me and my 19" Electron blue. An LCD will require a DVI/VGA adapter which is about $130 as I remember. Other posters may be able to offer more advice on the spanning hack with LCD's.

An Apple LCD will require a DVI/VGA adapter. Any other non-Apple LCD monitor should work with the standard VGA adapter.

[El Mago]

I just used the hack on my ibook with the samsung 19" syncmaster and it works beautifully using the vga adapter from apple. My only question is whether or not I have to change my vram from 16 to 8 as the link below suggests:

http://www.rutemoeller.com/mp/ibook/ibook_e.html

I can't seem to find the specific folder in system/library/frameworks????

[nica]

I just tried the hack too, It works perfectly!

Now I have one monitor for my code and the other
to preview on the browser(I do some web design).

It's wrong of Apple to disable this feautre in the
Ibooks.


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nica