Using a second monitor with MacBook

[Pundle]

Hi all. I'm a recent Mac convert, I've had an iMac for about 6 months now. Anyway it's coming up time for me to get a new laptop for work and I've pretty much settled on the MacBook. I write Windows-based software for a living, and I plan to run Parallels to use Windows XP for Visual Studio, then use OSX for everything else I need for work.

I currently use a second monitor when I'm at work, and I hope to keep doing so with the MacBook. My current laptop is a Dell Inspiron 700m and it has integrated graphics. I use a 20" widescreen monitor, at 1680x1050, rotated on its side in portrait orientation (much better for dealing with documents and code), and the Dell runs it OK but can be a bit laggy sometimes, and really struggles to run something like Google Earth on the big monitor.

So has anyone got any experience with using a monitor of this size with their MacBooks? Can it handle it OK or does it struggle a bit? Thanks in advance.

 

[Kash]

Extended desktop and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 1920 by 1200 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors

Looks like the Macbook will be more than capable of running your external monitor :black:

Don't forget to get the mini-DVI to DVI connector to use your external monitor.

 

[1234321]

I find that my Macbook in sig runs really nicely with my second monitor also in sig. I don't see any lagging, but then again, I don't work it very hard, watching videos and web surfing is what I usually use it for. Occasionally editing photos with aperture and even that it runs very smoothly, if not perfectly.

 

[Virusyn]

so with parallels I can run xp on the external and osx on the macbook? cuz that woiuld be kool

 

[walkerj]

so with parallels I can run xp on the external and osx on the macbook? cuz that woiuld be kool

Yep, that's exactly what you can do. Full screen on external monitor with Parallels, or even full screen on the Macbook LCD when you're mobile. There's also a 'coherence mode' where the Windows apps look like they're running as part of OS X. External, internal, it's very flexible.

Don't bother with gaming since Parallels doesn't do 3D rendering (nor does the Macbook, though I've found that UT2004 runs rather well on Mac OS X.) Also, OS X is always running. Parallels is merely another process under OS X whether it is displayed on an external monitor or as a window in the internal LCD.

In all ways, however, it is very cool indeed.

 

[chrisiw]

Can I just ask, how an extra Monitor plugs into a MacBook, as it only has USB and FIREWIRE Ports, all the screens I have seen have parallel type plugs.

Chris

 

[Richie_Gecko]

Can I just ask, how an extra Monitor plugs into a MacBook, as it only has USB and FIREWIRE Ports, all the screens I have seen have parallel type plugs.

Chris

There is a mini-DVI port between the firewire and ethernet ports. All you need is the mini-DVI to DVI connector, and you're good to go.

 

[chrisiw]

Thanks for that, I can see that, im learning fast.

Chris

 

[Richie_Gecko]

Thanks for that, I can see that, im learning fast.

Chris

Your welcome.