Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

Andy8 · Jul 28, 2005, 05:25 AM

Is anyone using a Powerbook 1Ghz (64mb video ram) with an 23" ACD at the moment? I am thinking this is the way to go for the next 12- 18 months.

I have 1.5GB ram, but that doesnt push the pixels any faster i guess.

SEkker · Jul 28, 2005, 01:37 PM

I'm using a revA PB17 with a Dell 24" @ 1920x1200, works great. Was only $800, so I purchased it to replace my 20" ACD. The Dell is pretty nice, but it lacks some of the subtle bonuses of the Apple machine (like a true sleep mode when you disconnect). But it also has many, many more input modes (VGA, etc).

Peabo · Jul 28, 2005, 01:38 PM

I have a 1.33 ghz 17 incher with a 23" ACD and the mac is considerably more sluggish with both displays on.

Andy8 · Jul 28, 2005, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by z0ne81

I have a 1.33 ghz 17 incher with a 23" ACD and the mac is considerably more sluggish with both displays on.

how is it when you just run the 23" ACD and have the screen closed on the Powerbook?

Peabo · Jul 28, 2005, 06:32 PM

then it seems fine. I know that it splits the VRAM between the 2 screens when they are both on

Andy8 · Jul 28, 2005, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by z0ne81

then it seems fine. I know that it splits the VRAM between the 2 screens when they are both on

I have only 65mb of VRAM, this is my concern, but as I would only run the ACD and not the PB screen, it should be ok?

iREZ · Jul 28, 2005, 11:25 PM

even if you run it dual..it should be fine. my cousin runs it dual and it's no slower than his mac mini which also runs fine, and im talkin bout the old plastic bezel 23" ACD. don't sweat it...im running a 20" Dell and my 12" in dual display and it runs just fine other than expose being a lil choppy...big whoop.

Andy8 · Jul 29, 2005, 01:14 AM

Originally Posted by SEkker

I'm using a revA PB17 with a Dell 24" @ 1920x1200, works great. Was only $800, so I purchased it to replace my 20" ACD. The Dell is pretty nice, but it lacks some of the subtle bonuses of the Apple machine (like a true sleep mode when you disconnect). But it also has many, many more input modes (VGA, etc).

Are you using your 24" Dell with your revA PB17 open or closed? How is the heat? Are you using a bluetooth keyboard and mouse or is everything wired?

SEkker · Jul 29, 2005, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Andy8

Are you using your 24" Dell with your revA PB17 open or closed? How is the heat? Are you using a bluetooth keyboard and mouse or is everything wired?

I am running with my revA open in a dual monitor setup.

After reading this thread, I think it did seem a little slower than when I was using the same dual setup and an Apple 20" LCD. With that previous setup, I did not notice any major speed loss (comparing the machine with and without an external monitor).

So I switched from millions to thousands of colors on the Dell, and I've noticed the speed has returned. The monitor still shows everything just fine with 'only' thousands of colors, BTW.

Looks to me like the 64 MB VRAM is starting to be limiting when running a 24" monitor at 1920/1200 with the internal running at 1440x900.

Andy8 · Jul 30, 2005, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by SEkker

I am running with my revA open in a dual monitor setup.

After reading this thread, I think it did seem a little slower than when I was using the same dual setup and an Apple 20" LCD. With that previous setup, I did not notice any major speed loss (comparing the machine with and without an external monitor).

So I switched from millions to thousands of colors on the Dell, and I've noticed the speed has returned. The monitor still shows everything just fine with 'only' thousands of colors, BTW.

Looks to me like the 64 MB VRAM is starting to be limiting when running a 24" monitor at 1920/1200 with the internal running at 1440x900.

I order a 24" Dell, and I got a Lacie 250GB external firewire 800 drive, which I will load everything onto and take the load and heat away from the internal drive. Shall let you know how it goes once the Dell arrives.

Andy8 · Aug 5, 2005, 09:39 AM

Received the Dell 24" widescreen today and using it no problems in dual screen mode with my revA 17PB. Will post some pictures once I locate a camera.

Andy8 · Aug 8, 2005, 10:39 PM

here is my setup for now:

Tah Dah

workerbee · Aug 9, 2005, 02:56 PM

Only difference/problem I've noted with my PB 17" 1.33 2GB RAM and ACD 23" is that every OpenGL-using screensaver really heats the PB up. The only screensaver that does not make the fans come on is the laughably ugly "Computer name". Apart from that: nice combo. And since Tiger it's never tripped itself about changing screen resolutions (when attached to the ACD, I turn the PBs display off).