[GATTACA]

Hello.

I'm in the market for an external LCD for my Powerbook 15.2". This is a model with a DVI port in the back. I am leaning towards buying a Formac 2010 Platinum (the one with both ADC and DVI).
I know how to enable desktop mirroring in MacOS X but I still have some questions.
I'm sure these are very dumb questions but please bear with me. The questions I have are:

1. If I connect an external LCD to the Powerbook, will the powerbook use the maximum resolution possible on the external display?

2. If I close the screen of my powerbook, is there anyway to make it so it doesn't shut off the external display?

Thanks.

[todrain]

I don't know the Max. Res. on an external display, but they can run the Apple HD Cinema display, so the other LCD should not be a problem.

As for running with the lid closed, put the unit to sleep, connect the external display, then hit a key on the external keyboard to wake the unit. The external display will become the main screen.

[Mithras]

Yes, the Mac will auto-configure when it detects the external display. Sometimes you may have to go to the Displays prefpane; then dialog boxes will appear on both the Powerbook and the external screen to allow you to adjust the resolution.

The Formac is a nice screen, though the Apple display is arguable better for the same or lower price. You also might want to check out the just-released Planar PX212M, which is a 21-inch, 1600x1200 screen with a nice floating stand, a much slimmer bezel than the Apple or the Formac, excellent display characteristics, S-video input, for $1399.

See also this thread.