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    macbook can I use any LCD monitor? How big?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by passive101, Mar 16, 2008.

  1. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    I want to watch dvd movies smoothly. How big of a lcd screen can I get and still smoothly play dvd's?

    Also what type of adapter do I need to hook into a DVI output for non apple monitors? I can't afford an apple monitor. I'm hoping I can use around a 20-30" lcd.
     
    passive101, Mar 16, 2008
    #1
  2. Underpantman

    Underpantman Notebook Virtuoso

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    Its the resolution that is the main issue. The macbook can handle upto 1680×1050 or WSXGA+.
    My wife uses a Dell 21" lcd with her macbook with no prob's.
    So the main thing will be to find a monitor that you like with the above resolution.
    a
    :)
     
    Underpantman, Mar 16, 2008
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  3. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    You don't need an Apple Cinema Display, any display works as long as you get that right connector. According to Apple, the MacBook can output up to 1920x1200 (Full HD) resolution.
     
    Sam, Mar 16, 2008
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  4. hollownail

    hollownail Individual 11

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    Right, apple no longer uses proprietary monitor connectors.

    The MBP has a standard DVI output while the MB has a mini dvi connector. That mini-DVI connector has a adapter that connects to it that you can plug in either DVI or VGA monitor to. Think it comes with that adapter.
     
    hollownail, Mar 16, 2008
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  5. mattireland

    mattireland It used to be the iLand..

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    I use my MacBook Pro with my 22" Acer LCD no probs.
     
    mattireland, Mar 16, 2008
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  6. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    Does anyone know for sure which resolution I can have? I have the older video card in mine. I have 1 gig of RAM and 2.0ghz C2D.

    I only want the display for watching movies and that is it really. I'll just move the macbook to the side and be able to watch nice high quality movies on a big screen :)

    Or would I be better off waiting and getting a better notebook in the future with a non integrated video card so everything will be smoother? I won't be able to afford a macbook pro for quite some time though.
     
    passive101, Mar 16, 2008
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  7. Modly

    Modly Warranty Voider

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

    Down about half way there are the supported computers for using an ACD.

    If the 23" works (1920x1200), then any other monitor with that resolution should as well.

    You won't be running a 30" monitor from it though.
     
    Modly, Mar 16, 2008
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  8. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    1920x1200 output for all MacBooks, since it was announced :).
     
    Sam, Mar 16, 2008
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  9. Underpantman

    Underpantman Notebook Virtuoso

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    oops sorry, my older macbook with an intel gma950 is only 1680x1050. I must be getting old, everything is moving so fast these days, and the young kiddies speak funny.
    a
    :)
     
    Underpantman, Mar 16, 2008
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  10. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    cool thanks for the update on the resolution. I have the gma950 as well.
     
    passive101, Mar 16, 2008
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  11. circa86

    circa86 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    it can probably only handle 1920x1200 through DVI, not VGA.
     
    circa86, Mar 16, 2008
    #11