[iREZ]

Hey all, I'm a graphic design student and I just bought a 17" LCD to compliment my 12" Rev B 1ghz PB. I was wondering if I would notice any quality loss when running both monitors at the same time (spanning mode), of would I be better off just using the 17" by itself (clamshell mode). I'm asking because I've read that the VRAM splits when spanning two monitors and I doubt that I'd be taking advantage if I had only 16MB of VRAM per screen vs. 32MB for the lone 17". Thanks a million.

[Eyenovation]

Can't say for sure using a powerbook, but I run a dual display system using a 23" and and a 17" off a G5 and notice no difference.

[madmacgames]

hey I am in nearly the exact same situation as you with a 12" revB and a 17" external LCD. I sometimes run the two in spanning mode and notice no real discernible performance difference. Exposé is a tad slower than normal it seems, because the VRAM is split, but its seems ok (I have not played videos or games while in spanning mode though).

That said, I either just run the 17" or just the 12" and usually don't span, I guess just because I am used to working on a single monitor for normal things. (Audio production I prefer 2 or more monitors to have the mixer, etc on its own monitor, but every day use and even coding and webdesign, a single monitor works best for me).

[euchomai]

You need to look at it from another perspective. Will having two monitors help you get more work done in an efficient manner? For me that answer is a resounding YES, I don't have to keep shuffling back and forth from one document or picture to the other. It is so much faster to have two monitors, I'd trade the video speed even if it were much slower.

Again, I get much more work done on two monitors. It's all about you're workflow.

[Eyenovation]

Agreed. If you try it, I DOUBT you'll go back to just one.

[Luca Rescigno]

Running dual display is what?



I've tried using two displays before, but I just don't like it. I need to just have one thing to focus on. Either way, though, it'll be great having a larger screen for use at the desk. I'd say go for it and try them both out to see which you like. 16 MB of VRAM per display is about the bare minimum for running OS X well, but it should still be okay.

[iMOTOR]

I run dual monitors in spanning mode with 19in samsung lcd at 1280x1024 on my revB 12in. Absolutely no problems with ps, fcp, and dreamweaver.

[godzookie2k]

Its really a wonder that I don't bring a second monitor into the office with me, I've been running dual (and tri) monitor set ups its hard to get used to single screen life. that being said, your powerbooks vram limitations will limit your color and resolution options, but its not like your screen will go all crazy pixelly, you just won't be rocking any 1600/millions of colors anytime soon.

[iREZ]

Well I finally got my 17" LCD, and it works fine in spaning mode. Only draw back is that expose is slightly choppy, but mehhh.... no biggie for me, as long as expose still works. It's good to have my serious work on one screen and iChat and iTunes (other crap) running on a second screen. I can run it with millions of color and the resolution is set for 1280 x 1024 so that is a moot issue. Thanks for all your guy's help.