[jamil5454]

I am a recent switcher and love my new iBook, but this external display thing is annoying the hell outta me.

Well, I've got the latest 12" iBook, everything stock except the extra 1gb RAM. I've also got a decent 17" CRT that I'd like to hook up at 1024x768 @75Hz. Therein lies the problem. OS X 10.3.6 automatically detects my monitor specs and displays at 1024x768 @85Hz. Well, when my monitor runs at 85Hz, the picture is stretched offscreen, really fuzzy, and not very bright. It may be time for a new monitor, but until then, can anyone tell me how to change the refresh of an external display? I looked in the Display properties but since the iBook thinks I'm using its LCD, it has no option to change the refresh. I know I could use the display hack and get it to work, but I need the dock menu and everything on my ext. monitor, so that wouldn't work.

I'm guessing there's a config file I need to change, as is the case with most 'NIXes.

[Mithras]

Do the display hack. You can choose which monitor you want the menubar etc. to appear on, and you will be able to choose resolutions & refresh rates.

[macgfx]

Does the iBook work in Clam Shell Mode i.e. Plug in the monitor and USB Keyboard and Mouse, close the iBook? Otherwise the Hack would be the way to go. Be sure to Adjust your ext. monitor to get the proper picture, most monitors must be setup at the monitors control for Each screen rez. AND refresh rate. Got to love my trusty GDM-2010 and it's remote.

On most CRT's custom fine tuning should stick as long as the power to the monitor is not cut.

[jamil5454]

OK, thanks. Looks like I'll be doing the display hack!