[Mastrap]

http://www.heise.de/ct/03/16/links/192.shtml

A script that enables screen spanning on your late generation iBook.
Use with caution.

[Mskr]

Very interesting that this feature can be turned on via software! I know there was a non-reversable hack that people were doing to enable this, but this is just an AppleScript that seems to modify NVRAM. Here is the text of the script (though I think you should download the original, and not copy/paste/run this):

Code:
property pech : "Dieser Rechner unterst�tzt keinen erweiterten Zwei-Monitor-Betrieb."
property neustart : "Soll das Skript den Rechner neu starten, damit die �nderungen wirksam werden?"
property maches : "Achtung!
Sie f�hren dieses Skript auf eigene Gefahr aus. M�glicherweise startet Ihr Rechner danach nicht mehr.

Soll der erweiterte Zwei-Monitor-Betrieb aktiviert werden?"
property ja : "Ja"
property nein : "Nein"
property abbrechen : "Abbrechen"

on run
	set click to button returned of (display dialog maches buttons {ja, nein, abbrechen} default button 3)
	if click = abbrechen then
		return
		
	else if click = nein then
		my ChangeNVRAM("", "false")
		
	else if click = ja then
		set c to (do shell script "ioreg | grep '.Display_' | wc -l") as integer
		if c ? 2 then
			display dialog pech buttons {"OK"} default button 1
			return
		end if
		
		my ChangeNVRAM("0", "true")
	end if
	
	set click to button returned of (display dialog neustart buttons {ja, nein} default button 2)
	if click = ja then
		tell application "System Events"
			restart
		end tell
	end if
end run


on ChangeNVRAM(wert, anaus)
	try
		if anaus = "false" then
			set cmd to ""
			
		else
			set cr to ASCII character 13
			set cmd to "\" /\" select-dev" & cr & "0000000" & wert & " \" graphic-options\" get-my-property 2drop !" & cr & "unselect-dev" & cr
		end if
		
		set cmd to quoted form of cmd
		do shell script ("/usr/sbin/nvram nvramrc=" & cmd) with administrator privileges
		do shell script "/usr/bin/sudo /usr/sbin/nvram use-nvramrc\\?=" & anaus
		
	on error what
		error what
	end try
end ChangeNVRAM

Since I don't speak German, I don't really know what some of the variables are, but it does look like it's just running the /usr/sbin/nvram command with some canned arguments. Very cool that it's reversable, though!

[stew]

Originally posted by Mskr:
Very interesting that this feature can be turned on via software! I know there was a non-reversable hack that people were doing to enable this, but this is just an AppleScript that seems to modify NVRAM.

The original hack was reversible and done in software too. They both do exactly the same, the AppleScript just a more convenient method for those who want to mess with things they don't understand.

[Mojo]

Does this AppleScript work with a 600MHZ Combo iBook?

[stew]

If it has a Radeon graphics chip (16MB VRAM), it works. If it has a Rage128 chip (8MB VRAM), don't even think of trying it.

[Mojo]

I have the 8MB Rage; thanks for the clarification.

[Spliff]

Why is a hack needed to do this? Why does Apple just enable this capability?

[stew]

Apple wants you to buy the more expensive Powerbook.

[Spliff]

Originally posted by stew:
Apple wants you to buy the more expensive Powerbook.

Then they're just being asses.

Is there any risk to the iBook by doing this? Will using it void your warranty?

[dole]

Originally posted by Spliff:
Then they're just being asses.

Is there any risk to the iBook by doing this? Will using it void your warranty?

Yes, if something goes wrong, you could render your iBook useless and yes it will void your warranty.

[Hi I'm Ben]

i don'tunderstand

[antisonne]

you dont understand because you are listing a pc above a mac, I have almost same configuration for my pc... I retired it once i got my 800 ibook (my pc just collects dust now, I got a geforce 128ddr same day as my ibook, never tested it yet, been 4 months), this mod allows you to span your desktop ( or in other words have 2 desktops) when using your vga adapter and having it connected to a 2nd display. This gives you extra workspace and such... Instead of both displays showing the same thing (mirroring). Understand now?

[stew]

Originally posted by dole:
Yes, if something goes wrong, you could render your iBook useless and yes it will void your warranty.

I see this claim everywhere but could never find anything backing it. Where in the warranty says it "you are not allowed to run certain programs"? Also, this modification does not render iBooks useless. It may become unbootable but that can be fixed by zapping the NVRAM and resetting the power manager.

All that the "hack" does is change one byte in an OF variable. Changing your boot drive from the Preferences panel is changing a couple of them, but I don't see anyone saying that that would make the iBook useless or void warranty.

[lagarto]

I enabled this some time ago, so far no probs...

One thing to bear in mind, when running with an external monitor, especially with mirroring disabled and a higher resolution, the GPU runs hotter. It's the only time I hear my fan come on.

[bmmp]

I really really want this script to work, but I have only 8MB on my ibook. Is it possible to upgrade the card?

I really need more space for my animation palattes and video work.

[jokell82]

Originally posted by bmmp:
I really really want this script to work, but I have only 8MB on my ibook. Is it possible to upgrade the card?

I really need more space for my animation palattes and video work.

If you *need* more space then it's time to buy a new machine...