[Michel_80]

Sorry about my ignorance, but I was wondering what can you use the DVI-out on the TiBooks?
Do all Flat-Panels have DVI-in or only the more expensive ones?

[doppler]

DVI= Digital Visual Interface. It is the new "VGA" port. The biggest difference between DVI and VGA is that the video signal is pure digital in the DVI. This allows the monitor (flat screen LCD) to reproduce better color and saturation. There is an apple propriatary version of DVI called ADC (Apple Display Connector) This has the same DVI digital video signal (but a different connector) along with integrated USB and power. Because the digital signal in DVI and ADC is the same a simple adaptor is all that is necessary to go from ADC to DVI. Also both ADC and DVI contain the old school VGA analog signal so those monitors are usable through the use of another adaptor.

In summary:
VGA= Analog only
DVI= Digital and Analog signal
ADC= Digital, Analog, USB, and power

So to answer your questions: Your DVI port on the powerbook can be attached to either a VGA or DVI capable display. There is an expensive adaptor that combines DVI, USB and power for use with a ADC display, but that really isn't worth it in my opinion.

Question 2:
As far as display compatability most new FP LCD's have a DVI connector, only apple has the ADC. Some of the older flat panels were strictly analog. You shouldn't have to spend a huge premium to find something that has a DVI input.

Hope this long and confusing answer helps!

Jon

[Michel_80]

Hey, thanks for the great answer!

Regarding quality on a cheap 15 inch LCD flat-panel, will I see a major difference in quality or will it be more subtle?

Trying to decide if I want to get the 12in for work on the move...

[Karim]

Actually the differences between cheap and expensive LCD's are much more pronounced than CRT's in my opinion.

Best go to a retailer (Frys) that has a few different choices on display before you make your decision.

Contrast ratio is a very important number which relates to brightness & crispness of the display.

Higher the $$$ usually higher contrast.

Also, size of screen, native pixel resolution, and pixel response speed are important numbers.

Unless your buying an Apple screen then only size matters -- cause they're so damn beautiful.