11-11-2009, 04:29 PM

OK guys...

Another new to mac not sure if it's possible question

I need to get desktop monitor for my MBP when I'm working at home on my desk so my neck isnt always looking down.

I honestly love but dont wanna pay $900 for an apple display. And to be honest just need something simple anyway for when I do all my writing mainly.

Size isn't too big of an issue either. no smaller than 20 inches and no bigger than 24 will do just fine.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

And is this possible to hook up? And what other hardware or wires do I need for the hookup?

Thanks for putting up with my "duh" questions yet again guys!

11-11-2009, 04:32 PM

I probably have about 15 computer monitors (CRT & LCD)...and only two of them are Apple products.

So yes you can definitely use non-Apple monitors with your Apple computer.

- Nick

11-11-2009, 04:34 PM

Show off... lol

11-11-2009, 04:37 PM

Get any monitor you like and then buy the appropriate mini adapter. If you have a newer MBP, then mini Display Port, if an older model then mini DVI.

11-11-2009, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by pigoo3

I probably have about 15 computer monitors (CRT & LCD)...and only two of them are Apple products.

So yes you can definitely use non-Apple monitors with your Apple computer.

- Nick

Can I have one?

11-11-2009, 04:43 PM

Do you mean this adapter?

Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter - Apple Store (U.S.)

Is that ALL I'll need?

Thank you so much by the way!

11-11-2009, 05:05 PM

It depends on what monitor you end up getting and as I said previously, which connector your MBP has. If the monitor only has a VGA connection, then yes, you'll need a VGA adapter. If the monitor also has a DVI connector, then I would suggest getting yourself a DVI adapter.

Let's first determine which model MBP you have. Do you know for certain whether you have a mini DVI or a mini DisplayPort connector? If not, then when did you purchase the MBP? That can help us determine which port your laptop has.

11-11-2009, 05:22 PM

This may come as a surprise to some people, but in the consumer market area, Dell makes some of the best monitors out there for the money. A lot of amateur photographers whom can't afford multi-thousand dollar monitors swear by them, as do professionals who also review them.

There are very specific types however, so if you give me a bit, I'll find that info out for you. In fact, I need to know for myself, because I'll be getting one as well.

Doug

11-11-2009, 05:26 PM

I'm using a Samsung 2232BW on my PowerMac, and it works really well. I'm also using the DVI part since I have DVI but using on the Windows PC was really difficult. On the Apple I plugged it in and it just worked. Funny how that phrase "I plugged it in, and it just worked" is used more and more with me now.

11-11-2009, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by Kash

It depends on what monitor you end up getting and as I said previously, which connector your MBP has. If the monitor only has a VGA connection, then yes, you'll need a VGA adapter. If the monitor also has a DVI connector, then I would suggest getting yourself a DVI adapter.

Let's first determine which model MBP you have. Do you know for certain whether you have a mini DVI or a mini DisplayPort connector? If not, then when did you purchase the MBP? That can help us determine which port your laptop has.

Good point! I have a 2009 MBP 15 inch. It's the latest update. I got it in direct from apple new about 2ish weeks ago. So it's the latest.

Originally Posted by Doug b

This may come as a surprise to some people, but in the consumer market area, Dell makes some of the best monitors out there for the money. A lot of amateur photographers whom can't afford multi-thousand dollar monitors swear by them, as do professionals who also review them.

There are very specific types however, so if you give me a bit, I'll find that info out for you. In fact, I need to know for myself, because I'll be getting one as well.

Doug

I've heard this plenty about dell, and can't wait to see them up close when I head to bestbuy a bit later.

11-11-2009, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by TheGreatApple

I've heard this plenty about dell, and can't wait to see them up close when I head to bestbuy a bit later.

Don't expect to find the specific Dell's I'm talking about over at BB. Plus, I don't know what you'll be using the monitor for BUT... If it's for photography work, you'd better invest in a calibration tool. Monitors in common house holds and straight out of the box look craptastic.

This is no myth. The closest thing to an already calibrated monitor (so many people say) are the monitors on a Mac. So if purchasing an LCD, please calibrate it if you'll be doing any printing work or photo processing etc.. Anything involving graphic work, actually.

Also, there is more to a monitor than the brand name. Some manufacturer's don't make their own panels, and the panel is very important. Please look at this site for very detail oriented reviews as well as explanations about different monitor/panel technology:

PRAD | Index Welcome Page

What ever you do, stay away from the TN type of panel if you're doing anything outside of internet browsing and getting mail. IPS or PVA types are recommended. But read that site to get better knowledge of what I'm saying. cheers !

Doug

Edit: Two monitors of interest:

Dell http://www.prad.de/en/monitore/revie...ll-2209wa.html

And

HP http://www.prad.de/en/monitore/revie...p-lp2475w.html

Both of which have likely been updated. So please consider that.

11-11-2009, 05:55 PM

I'm using a Samsung 204t that I've had for a long time with my PC running Linux. I now have my Mac Mini connected to it as well over a KVM and it works great..

Regards

11-11-2009, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by TheGreatApple

Can I have one?

Sure...I'll send you one of my 21" CRT monitors that weighs about 75-80lbs.

You just have to pay about $60-$70 bucks shipping!

- Nick

11-11-2009, 06:20 PM

I use a Dell monitor connected to my MBP. You need a minidisplay to VGA or VGI adapter depending on the monitor, which you can pick up at any Apple Store for around $20.

11-11-2009, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by TheGreatApple

Good point! I have a 2009 MBP 15 inch. It's the latest update. I got it in direct from apple new about 2ish weeks ago. So it's the latest.

In that case you'll need a mini DisplayPort adapter. Now you just need to figure out what monitor you want and then we can figure out whether you need the VGA or DVI version of the adapter. Most likely it'll be the mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter, but it doesn't hurt to be sure.