External Monitor Help

NikBhat · Jul 23, 2006

I have a 17 inch external monitor I would like to use in conjunction with my new Macbook. Do the new macbooks have dual monitor capability? Also, what kind of a connection will I need to hook my monitor to the Macbook?

Thanks

baggss · Jul 23, 2006

I know the iBooks came with a a MiniDVI to VGA adapter. Did they stop shipping these with the MBs and MBPs?

EDIT: After looking at the MB order page, it is an option you have to select. You can buy them from Apple on-line or in Stores.

karudzo · Jul 23, 2006

well, it definitely came with my MBP.

NikBhat · Jul 23, 2006

yeah but do the macbooks have dual monitor capabilities?

kaidomac · Jul 23, 2006

Yes, they do. If you want to use a VGA monitor (most CRTs and some LCDs) you will need the Mini-DVI to VGA adapter. If you want to use a DVI monitor (most LCDs) you will need the Mini-DVI to DVI adapter. I'm currently using my MacBook with a 20" widescreen LCD monitor and it's working beautifully.

baggss · Jul 23, 2006

How do you hook up two monitors (dual screen) at once to a MB? I think that is what he is asking.

D3v1L80Y · Jul 23, 2006

baggss said:
How do you hook up two monitors (dual screen) at once to a MB? I think that is what he is asking.

Nope. He just wanted to know if he could use an external monitor.

baggss · Jul 23, 2006

D3v1L80Y said:
Nope. He just wanted to know if he could use an external monitor.

So what does this post mean:

NikBhat said:
yeah but do the macbooks have dual monitor capabilities?

D3v1L80Y · Jul 23, 2006

I assume he was talking about screen spanning and not screen mirroring... hence using two displays ('book LCD included) for his desktop on his Mac.

baggss · Jul 23, 2006

Ok, that makes sense, maybe he'll clarify....

NikBhat · Jul 24, 2006

Yes, Screen spanning, exactly. 2 monitors combined into one large one. So the 13 inch macbook screen + a 17 inch external. So the desktop is 2x as long. I appoligize for my vague question

deus_ex_machina · Jul 24, 2006

NikBhat said:
Yes, Screen spanning, exactly. 2 monitors combined into one large one. So the 13 inch macbook screen + a 17 inch external. So the desktop is 2x as long. I appoligize for my vague question

It's totally possible on the PB's I don't see why they'd drop it for the MBs

NikBhat · Jul 24, 2006

yes so h ow do i do that in terms of settings on the mac?

deus_ex_machina · Jul 24, 2006

NikBhat said:
yes so h ow do i do that in terms of settings on the mac?

System Preferences>Displays>Arrangement. Works only when both displays are connected from startup.

Aptmunich · Jul 24, 2006

Naw, you can hot-plug a 2nd monitor and have that show up as well...

Screen spanning WASN'T (officially) possible on the iBook G4 & iMac G5 that's why a lot of people assume this still might be the case on the intel models.

But as others have said, all intel macs have screen spanning capabilities.

NikBhat · Jul 24, 2006

I guess I should actually wait for my mac to get here, and then i can toy around with the settings. Regardless, thanks for your help