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Mr Mushroom · Jul 12, 2005, 04:39 PM

Hello all,

I am considering buying one of the large cinema displays, as even though I have the 17" display I am finding it quite limited for a lot of the things I am trying to do.

Is my Powerbook capable of running these Cinema Displays?

I am thinking about either the 23" or the 30" models as I need as much screen res as possible.

I heard that you need a special video card to run the big one - can I get that as an external add on?

And if I do get the smaller one, can my powerbook power the full 1920 res?

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

CKr · Jul 12, 2005, 04:56 PM

I know the newest models have the capability to power the new 30 inch cinema.

"Thanks to its built-in, dual-link DVI support and 128MB of graphics memory, you even have the option of connecting your PowerBook to Apple’s breathtaking flat-panel displays, including the massive 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display." - via apple.com

Braddlac · Jul 12, 2005, 07:22 PM

you need to have the 128mb video card to run the 30incher, but the other video cards should run all the other displays fine

Mr Mushroom · Jul 12, 2005, 08:18 PM

I got the 128 card as an upgrade when i got my PB - does this mean I can run the big boy for sure?

Originally Posted by Braddlac

you need to have the 128mb video card to run the 30incher, but the other video cards should run all the other displays fine

Scooterboy · Jul 12, 2005, 09:02 PM

No, you cannot. You need a dual-link DVI port to use the 30". The 1.67 GHz 17" PowerBook has this, but, alas, our 1.5 GHz models do not. Even with the extra vram. Bummer.... but I'd be satisfied with the 23 incher and my wallet will be a little thicker.

Mr Mushroom · Jul 16, 2005, 02:58 PM

So the 23 incher is fine with my PB? Maybe I will go for that.

Is there anything else out there that compares - should I check out some other company's products? I love the look of the Apple, but always like to see whats out there before I buy. I heard good things about the Samsung 23 or 24 incher

Any recomendations/warnings?

Thanks again

Originally Posted by Scooterboy

No, you cannot. You need a dual-link DVI port to use the 30". The 1.67 GHz 17" PowerBook has this, but, alas, our 1.5 GHz models do not. Even with the extra vram. Bummer.... but I'd be satisfied with the 23 incher and my wallet will be a little thicker.

Scooterboy · Jul 16, 2005, 03:15 PM

Many here have the Dell 24 incher. I haven't bought a monitor yet but the 23" ACD is on my radar.

ibook_steve · Jul 17, 2005, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Scooterboy

No, you cannot. You need a dual-link DVI port to use the 30". The 1.67 GHz 17" PowerBook has this, but, alas, our 1.5 GHz models do not. Even with the extra vram. Bummer.... but I'd be satisfied with the 23 incher and my wallet will be a little thicker.

Not true. The current 15 inch Powerbooks with the 128 MB VRAM option are dual link and can drive the 30 inch:

http://www.apple.com/displays/

Steve

mhuie · Jul 17, 2005, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Mushroom

So the 23 incher is fine with my PB? Maybe I will go for that.

Is there anything else out there that compares - should I check out some other company's products? I love the look of the Apple, but always like to see whats out there before I buy. I heard good things about the Samsung 23 or 24 incher

Any recomendations/warnings?

Thanks again

I'd go with the HP L2335. 23", DVI, VGA, Component, Composite, S-Video, swivels, and even has PIP.

You can find it for ~$1100.

Scooterboy · Jul 18, 2005, 07:01 PM

Personal Injury Protection?

OogaBooga · Jul 18, 2005, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by ibook_steve

Not true. The current 15 inch Powerbooks with the 128 MB VRAM option are dual link and can drive the 30 inch:

http://www.apple.com/displays/

Steve

But he doesn't have a current 15 incher. He has the last Rev. 17", @ 1.5ghz. These CANNOT drive a 30" display.

The only models that can drive the 30" display are the 1.67ghz 15" PBs upgraded to 128mb VRAM and the 17" PBs, both latest Rev.

Mr Mushroom · Jul 25, 2005, 02:54 AM

Thanks for all the input - I am thinking of going with 2 of the 23" models instead of trying to figure out a way to run the 30".

So my new question is:

Can my Powerbook run 2 of the 23" displays, plus my existing 17" display?

Or if not - 2 20"s?

Evinyatar · Jul 25, 2005, 02:59 AM

Originally Posted by Mr Mushroom

Thanks for all the input - I am thinking of going with 2 of the 23" models instead of trying to figure out a way to run the 30".

So my new question is:

Can my Powerbook run 2 of the 23" displays, plus my existing 17" display?

Or if not - 2 20"s?

Not without an extra display adapter. Your PowerBook only has one DVI out port, but there's PC Card video cards you can use.