[rocky raccoon]

i recently got my macbook and am loving it.

ive switched from windows - and gee am i glad!

im think of buying myself an external lcd monitor probably 22" in size.

i know what sort of cables i will need, but how do you control what is on the screen? can you use the external monitor to view one thing, whilst looking at another on your macbook?

can you choose different wallpapers for each screen?

and finally can you still use the external monitor and operate your macbook if the lid is closed?

thanks for any help!

[Simon]

Originally Posted by rocky raccoon 

i know what sort of cables i will need, but how do you control what is on the screen?

/Applications/System Preferences > Displays

can you use the external monitor to view one thing, whilst looking at another on your macbook?

The displays can be mirrored (both show the same), they can be spanned (both show a different part of one 'virtual' surface) or the external can display while the internal is off.

can you choose different wallpapers for each screen?

Yes, if you're not mirroring.

and finally can you still use the external monitor and operate your macbook if the lid is closed?

Yes, as long as a mouse, keyboard (or you use the Front Row remote), and AC power is attached.

[rocky raccoon]

i have a belkin 5-port usb hub/i-pod dock which is mains powered. so as long as mouse & keyboard are plugged into this they will work?

what about the new apple bt mouse & keyboard?

thanks for your help!

[Tuoder]

Originally Posted by rocky raccoon 

i recently got my macbook and am loving it.

ive switched from windows - and gee am i glad!

im think of buying myself an external lcd monitor probably 22" in size.

i know what sort of cables i will need, but how do you control what is on the screen? can you use the external monitor to view one thing, whilst looking at another on your macbook?

can you choose different wallpapers for each screen?

and finally can you still use the external monitor and operate your macbook if the lid is closed?

thanks for any help!

I use my macbook for what you are talking about. You can use the external monitor in one of two ways, to mirror, or to span. If you choose to span, you can have a different thing on each window. You just drag the window over to that desktop. It takes a bit of simple configuring. Under system preferences, click displays. A window will appear on each monitor. The window controls the monitor it is in. It is a good idea to set the external to whatever its native resolution is. I think you can put different wallpapers on different screens. I have seen an iMac set up like that. You can also use the MacBook in closed-lid mode. This is how. It does not mention the MacBook specifically, but I am pretty sure that it is possible.
How to use your PowerBook G4 or MacBook Pro with the display closed

The hub makes no difference as to how it operates.

How to use your PowerBook G4, MacBook or MacBook Pro with the display closed and a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse

[C.A.T.S. CEO]

How do you not mirror a display? As in duel displays. Will a option in the Prefprane appear? MacBook 2GHz.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by C.A.T.S. CEO 

How do you not mirror a display? As in duel displays. Will a option in the Prefprane appear? MacBook 2GHz.

It's a menu item in the display menu and it's an option in System Preferences > Displays.

[ibook_steve]

And F7, I believe. Whichever function key has the two rectangles.

Steve

[Simon]

Originally Posted by ibook_steve 

And F7, I believe. Whichever function key has the two rectangles.

Absolutely right. It's on F7.

[rocky raccoon]

another question... im getting a pair harman soundticks, and i just wondered if i could plug them into my 19" display (when it comes) to save having the use the mini stereo jack on the macbook?

the monitor i have ordered also has a tv tuner built in, so it has a mini stereo jack aswell.

[rocky raccoon]

just another bit to add ---

the mini dvi to vga cable that apple sell is only 2". what is the extension cable thats needed ?

[C.A.T.S. CEO]

Will the IR censor/Front Row work while the display is connected? iSight?

[Tuoder]

Originally Posted by rocky raccoon 

just another bit to add ---

the mini dvi to vga cable that apple sell is only 2". what is the extension cable thats needed ?

Plug the cord that came with the monitor into the adapter.

[richwig83]

Originally Posted by C.A.T.S. CEO 

Will the IR censor/Front Row work while the display is connected? iSight?

Yes, yes, isight wont work 4 obvious reasons

[Simon]

Once closed-lid mode has been activated you can open your MB and the display will stay off until you select 'detect displays'. That way you can use your iSight while you're in closed-lid mode.

[rocky raccoon]

and what about plugging speakers into the mini stereo connection of the monitor/tv?

[C.A.T.S. CEO]

Originally Posted by richardwigley 

Yes, yes, isight wont work 4 obvious reasons

What about the IR censor? Will Front Row work in duel-display mode? And I know that It won't work, I was talking about in duel-display mode.

[hookem2oo7]

the IR sensor works with the lid closed even without an external display connected. I've made my macbook wake from sleep a few times by accidentally pressing the menu button on the remote...

[Simon]

duel: a contest with deadly weapons arranged between two people in order to settle a point of honor.
dual: consisting of two parts, elements, or aspects.

[analogika]

And while we're at it:

Originally Posted by Simon 

The displays can be mirrored (both show the same), they can be spawned (both show a different part of one 'virtual' surface)

spawn
verb [ intrans. ]
(of a fish, frog, mollusk, crustacean, etc.) release or deposit eggs : the fish spawn among fine-leaved plants | [ trans. ] a large brood is spawned.
• ( be spawned) (of a fish, frog, etc.) be laid as eggs.
• [ trans. ] (of a person) produce (offspring, typically offspring regarded as undesirable) : why had she married a man who could spawn a boy like that?
• [ trans. ] produce or generate, esp. in large numbers : the decade spawned a bewildering variety of books on the forces.
• Computing [ trans. ] generate (a dependent or subordinate computer process) : from time to time it spawns two copies of the ip-up program, other times only one.

span
verb ( spanned , spanning ) [ trans. ]
(of a bridge, arch, etc.) extend from side to side of : the stream was spanned by a narrow bridge.
• extend across (a period of time or a range of subjects) : their interests span almost all the conventional disciplines.

[Simon]

Point taken. Fixinated.

[Chips G]

Isn't there a heat concern running the MacBook with its lid closed?

[analogika]

no.

[jsnyder]

I just thought I'd chime in since I've been using this style of setup.

I've been doing exactly this with a Dell 1704FPT for some time now over DVI, and I've had pretty much zero problems with the setup. As for the closed lid operation, I do it on occasion, though I do notice things are a bit on the warm side if I open the display later after using things for a bit. Is the machine overall warmer, I don't think so, but the keyboard & display definitely are holding more heat than they would with the display open.

Performance is awesome, no lag or slowdown like I've had with G4 PowerBooks/iBooks in the past. It doesn't seem any slower than running just with the internal display.

[Daragon]

Maybe a dumb question, but is it possible to drive the (G5) iMac screen with your MB (mirrored or spanned)?
What cables would you need if it were possible?

Thanks.

[analogika]

no.