[QM01]

Hi everyone,

I’ve just ordered a C2D MacBook from the online Apple Store to replace my old 12” iBook. I’m seriously considering buying a 23” ACD to use with my new MacBook. The obvious concern is the performance with 1920 x 1200 resolution, given the MacBooks relatively small 64MB video memory compared to the MacBook Pro. I’d be interested to hear comments from people that are actually using this combination. A few specific questions:

1. At 1920 x 1200, does the display ever appear choppy or slow?

2. Does the speed of the external LCD slow down in spanning mode compared to mirror mode?

3. Does running an external LCD with this resolution actually place an extra load on the CPU i.e slow down the speed of program execution?

4. How does this MacBook-ACD combination perform with Eye-TV? Any speed issues? Does it look OK at the highest resolution?

I guess, I’m not expecting blistering performance. Obviously a MacBook Pro, with it’s 256 MB video would be able to drive the external LCD better, but I prefer the MacBook because of it’s smaller form-factor and extra durability.

[zerock]

1. no
2. i havent noticed a thing.
3. same as 2.
4. havent tried it

p.s. i have 2GB of RAM.

[Gee4orce]

I regularly use a 20" screen with my Macbook (1280x1024 res) - I know this is quite a bit lower than a 23" Cinema Display, but even so, I experience no slow down at all. In fact, it's quite a bit faster (eg. smoother Exposé) than my Dual 1.8 G5 (card upgraded from stock too).

The G5 has EyeTV on it, as well as dual monitors - the only issue with Eye TV is if the CPUs are heavily loaded, you will start to get choppy video. The audio is preserved even under the heaviest load - and if you're loading the machine heavily it's probably because you're working on something else, and not watching the video anyway (in my case, using Aperture ). Apart from that, Eye TV is great.

The weirdest problem I have with EyeTV is that my cordless phone screws up reception when it rings ! Bizarre !

[theTechyDork]

This is actually very good to know as I was interested in getting myself a 20" display for my MacBook. Thank you for the info everyone.

[QM01]

Well, I've just purchased a 23" ACD for use with my new MacBook (C2D/2G/2GRAM/160GHD). Both will arrive over the next day or two. I'll let you know how they perform, for those interested in using this combination.

[Bunit]

What are you using to hook up your MacBook up to the moniter? I've thought about getting a moniter and stuff for my macbook, but I don't know how it all would work.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Bunit 

What are you using to hook up your MacBook up to the moniter? I've thought about getting a moniter and stuff for my macbook, but I don't know how it all would work.

A mini-DVI to DVI adapter (I think it's included with the MacBook) and the DVI cable that comes with the display.

[QM01]

Originally Posted by mduell 

A mini-DVI to DVI adapter (I think it's included with the MacBook) and the DVI cable that comes with the display.

That adapter isn't included with the MacBook. I managed to get Apple to throw it in for free when I purchased the 23" ACD though.

[kobetsang]

are you all running dual monitors?