[mlangbau]

I have an iMac DV. I also presently have a 17 inch monitor hooked up to an old powermac. Is there a way I can connect this monitor to my iMac to give me bigger screen space?

[bradoesch]

Yes, the DV models have a VGA out port on the back. You may need to change cover plates to allow access to the port. When using an external monitor, everything is MIRRORED. As in the same thing appears on your iMac screen as on the 17" monitor. There's no way to create a desktop extending between both monitors. Same thing on both.

------------------
Why 1984, won't be
like "1984"

[Sender]

What's the minimum resolution for the external?

[bradoesch]

It's likely 640x480 (VGA).

[sine -''-..-]

using switchres you can force the monitors to go to higher resolutions. in fact, the internal imac monitor will run at 1280x1024 @ 60hz. if you use switchres, watch out what resolutions you switch to, as some can damage the internal imac monitor.

[MacmanX]

Originally posted by bradoesch
:
<STRONG>Yes, the DV models have a VGA out port on the back. You may need to change cover plates to allow access to the port. When using an external monitor, everything is MIRRORED. As in the same thing appears on your iMac screen as on the 17" monitor. There's no way to create a desktop extending between both monitors. Same thing on both.
</STRONG>

What do you mean by "�change the cover plates�?" I've been pondering the fact that every source I've looked at speaks of the iMac DV's VGA port yet I've been unable to find one anywhere on my iMac. I've even looked around with a flashlight shined through the case. Truly this is a strange usage of the word "includes" that I'm not familiar with. Is it hiding behind the cover plate for the other I/O ports? If you could point me to a resource, I would be ever so thankful.

Cheers!

[as2]

If you place your iMac on a soft surface with it's screen facing down, you will notice the panel that you use to acces the ram slots. Above this is a oval shaped piece of clear plastic with holes in it.

At the top end of this, in the middle there is a small slit into which you can insert a flat headed screwdriver to prise the cover off. You should have found a similar cover with a hole in it in the box when you got yout iMac, and this then fits into the gap you have just made. You can then attach the external monitor.

I am using my iMac with a 17" AppleVision monitor, and it is working wonders.

Hope this helps.

[MacmanX]

Thanks! And to think, I haven't noticed that all this time.

[cbr600f4]

I wish I could shut the darn iMac display off when I had teh external on. That is why I do not use it! Or maybe just an iMac without a diplay in a really slim case....

Nick

[bradoesch]

Originally posted by cbr600f4:
<STRONG>I wish I could shut the darn iMac display off when I had teh external on. That is why I do not use it! Or maybe just an iMac without a diplay in a really slim case....

Nick</STRONG>

Perhaps there is a way to disable the internal monitor internally. I believe in the tray loading iMacs, the display connected via the standard 15-pin VGA connector inside, and you could just unplug it? Can you do the same with the newer models?

[SunSeeker]

Will Switchres enable the ibook to output a higher resolution?

[broadsword]

Great info regarding recent DV slot-loading models. My question is can older non DV iMacs still use an ext. monitor by using an adaptor (possibly made by 3rd party), which would also be accessable by way of the VGA port "cover"?
Many teachers in our school district could benifit with this set-up in their classroom, since they each have unused monitors after receiving their own iMac/iBook this year.

[Phoible]

I believe that some device like this was made for the original iMacs (by Griffin). It wasn't a mezzanine slot device, but it did obstruct the mezzanine slot. It would probably fit in the revision A-D iMacs.