[ZAPsx]

I am very new to mac and just getting into everything. I would like to know if it is possible to run the 20-inch Cinema Display off the new Rev.B PB 12-inch? I will have enough money in 2 months to buy one. How does the PB run when it is connected to the display? What do DVD's look like? Do you loose any processor speed/power? If so do I need to buy additional cables other than what is supplied in the box with the PB or do the correct cables to link them up come with the Display in the box. I've already had so many problems trying to get my new PB to watch movies on my TV, apple store has given me the incorrect cables twice now so on my 3rd try in a few days hopefully they will have the correct cables, hopefully in stock. Requires two cables to be joined together, the one that came with the PB isn't compatible (slightly different connector) with the video cable you need for video out for TV on a TV. Now I need the cable from the PB to the video cable they gave me that fits with the correct connector. So much for convenience!!


Anyway any info on the 20-inch display and the 12-inch PB would be greatly appreciated.

After weeks of searching the web this is by far far the best Forum for mac out there.

Cheers.

[pat++]

The 12" PB should run pretty well with the 20" cinema display. You should already have the DVI to DVI connector required to connect the PB to the cinema display. (it's included in the box with the DVI to VGA adapter according to apple.com)

[cenutrio]

Yes, it is possible and it actually works pretty well. Our university computer store has a similar set up and it is a beauty.

[Dr.Michael]

Originally posted by ZAPsx:
I am very new to mac and just getting into everything. I would like to know if it is possible to run the 20-inch Cinema Display off the new Rev.B PB 12-inch? I will have enough money in 2 months to buy one. How does the PB run when it is connected to the display? What do DVD's look like? Do you loose any processor speed/power? If so do I need to buy additional cables other than what is supplied in the box with the PB or do the correct cables to link them up come with the Display in the box. I've already had so many problems trying to get my new PB to watch movies on my TV, apple store has given me the incorrect cables twice now so on my 3rd try in a few days hopefully they will have the correct cables, hopefully in stock. Requires two cables to be joined together, the one that came with the PB isn't compatible (slightly different connector) with the video cable you need for video out for TV on a TV. Now I need the cable from the PB to the video cable they gave me that fits with the correct connector. So much for convenience!!


Anyway any info on the 20-inch display and the 12-inch PB would be greatly appreciated.

After weeks of searching the web this is by far far the best Forum for mac out there.

Cheers.

Hello ZAPsx,

your intended setup is exactly what I have. I am using a 12 inch/1GHz, 768 RAM Powerbook since last October. And of course its the most obvious thing to use a 20 inch cinema display on your desktop.

First: You need a DVI to ADC adapter. The cinema display has an ADC connector and the powerbook has DVI. The adapter comes also with a power supply for the display (apple 120 $, Dr.Bott deviator 85 $). The powerbook is not able to supply the huge cinema display with power.

Second: The powerbook gets hot when its connected to the cinema display. This must be due to the added work the GPU has to do. The result is, that the fan runs constantly even if you do only very simple tasks. Something that enhances airflow around the case, like an icurve or some well arranged books, does not help. You have to live with the vacuum cleaner noise.

Third. You don't really need an external keyboard. But you surely would want one after 2 minutes of trying this setup. Its ok, if you only put the powerbook to sleep during the intervals you don't need it. But apple has removed the abiliy to start the powerbooks from external usb keyboards. So you always have to open the powerbook, switch it on, quickly close the display to avoid the internal display to be fired up (if you only want to use the cinema display). And then, because of the heat, reopen the display. :o(((

I tried the setup and decided to give back the cinema display.
For me a quiet working place is a MUST. The powerbook alone fulfills this well. But with a cinema display it is no longer usable for me.
And how complicated these procedures are!

Bummer, isn't it?

[all2ofme]

I'll add to the original poster's confusion and say that I've got a 1GHz 12" PB which I have plugged into a 20" Cinema display which doesn't run the fans all the time. I seldom notice them when they are on, either.

Another plus - you can turn on the Powerbook while it's closed. I do it with my Apple bluetooth k/b and it works a treat. I didn't realise it was possible until a couple of days ago, though. It works through the power button on the Cinema display. I don't know if this is possible with the USB k/b but I'd be surprised if it wasn't. Does anyone know this for sure?

Originally posted by Dr.Michael:
But apple has removed the abiliy to start the powerbooks from external usb keyboards. So you always have to open the powerbook, switch it on, quickly close the display to avoid the internal display to be fired up (if you only want to use the cinema display). And then, because of the heat, reopen the display. :o(((

I tried the setup and decided to give back the cinema display.
For me a quiet working place is a MUST. The powerbook alone fulfills this well. But with a cinema display it is no longer usable for me.
And how complicated these procedures are!

Bummer, isn't it?

[Dr.Michael]

It works through the power button on the Cinema display. I don't know if this is possible with the USB k/b but I'd be surprised if it wasn't. Does anyone know this for sure? [/B]

Very interesting. My Powerbook did not start with the Powerbutton on the cinema display. Maybe there are different firmware versions on the market?

My old Ti500 and my Pismo did start with the external usb keyboard (I use one from an old G4).

[all2ofme]

Hmm. I didn't think mine did either until last week when someone on these boards suggested that it might with the power button on the display. I was doing *exactly* what you were (opening PB, turning it on, closing PB etc.) until then. It's much nicer that it does work now, but it wasn't the end of the world before either.

A fan that was loud enough to disturb me and ran constantly would drive me mad, however!

[ZAPsx]

Hi Allofme,

If yours is running fine can you tell me if I need to get the extra ADC connector for the PB to run this display. A bit pricey wish they would through it in with the display can't cost them that much to do it. Seems apple chases the money through accessories? Considering the amount of cables I seem to need for various setups with TV's and displays.

Thanks to all of you for the great info on this question, with all good and bad I think I will still be getting the display as my working enviroment is not dead quite.

Do you have any heat problems, do you monitor the temperature at all when connected to the display, whats the idle temp and average working temp, docs and so, not burning disks or playing games?

Cheers

Originally posted by all2ofme:
Hmm. I didn't think mine did either until last week when someone on these boards suggested that it might with the power button on the display. I was doing *exactly* what you were (opening PB, turning it on, closing PB etc.) until then. It's much nicer that it does work now, but it wasn't the end of the world before either.

A fan that was loud enough to disturb me and ran constantly would drive me mad, however!

[all2ofme]

Yes, you need the ADC adapter. In a lot of ways I wish these displays were just plain DVI, but given that that's not the case I've just swallowed the price of the adapter.

No idea what temp the machine is at for either normal work or when I'm pushing it (often), but the fan isn't too much of a problem if that's what you mean.

[Dr.Michael]

Originally posted by ZAPsx:
Hi Allofme,

If yours is running fine can you tell me if I need to get the extra ADC connector for the PB to run this display. A bit pricey wish they would through it in with the display can't cost them that much to do it. Seems apple chases the money through accessories? Considering the amount of cables I seem to need for various setups with TV's and displays.

Thanks to all of you for the great info on this question, with all good and bad I think I will still be getting the display as my working enviroment is not dead quite.

Do you have any heat problems, do you monitor the temperature at all when connected to the display, whats the idle temp and average working temp, docs and so, not burning disks or playing games?

Cheers

On my machine the average working temperature is 47 degrees centigrade (measured with temperature monitor). That while I check mails, browse, code in editor, compile from time to time.

The same action with the cinema display causes temps around 53 degrees. Not much more but enought for the fan not to stop if it has started once.

The temperature depends on your environment. If you have 40 degrees (you live in in south africa, don't you?) or 25 makes a big difference.

[ZAPsx]

Hi All2ofme

One more thing, if you look at this link from applestore at the bottom it does not include the 12-inch PB 1GHZ as compatable with the display.

http://www.apple.com/displays/adapter.html

Apple DVI to ADC Adapter Compatibility Table
DVI Graphics 15" Studio 17" Studio 20" Cinema 22" Cinema 23" Cinema HD
PowerBook G4 PowerBook G4 15” x x x x x
PowerBook G4 17” x x x x x
Power Mac G4 Radeon 9000 Pro x x x x x
Radeon 9700 Pro x x x x x
GeForce4 Titanium* x x x x x
Radeon 7000** x x x x x
Radeon 8500** x x x x x
RAGE 128 Pro x x no x no
Radeon PCI* x x no x no
Radeon AGP/PCI** x x no x no

So now do I need another cable from the ADC to connect my powerbooks mini DVI connecor to the DVI connector of the Display.

Cheers.

[all2ofme]

Don't worry, it's just that they haven't updated that page. It will work.

When you bought your 12" PB (so long as it's the 1GHz version) you would have received a small double-ended cable about six inches long. That's the MiniDVI to DVI adapter and is all you need to plug the ADC-DVI adapter into your PB.

[ZAPsx]

If you look at the link I had earlier it has now been updated for the 12-inch PB. Glad to see apple is reading.

Cheers.

[all2ofme]

So it has - excellent