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    Using external monitor w/ MacBook

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by superman23, Jun 27, 2007.

  1. superman23

    superman23 Notebook Consultant

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    I just tried hooking up my external monitor to the MacBook. Is there a way to set it up so the external monitor is the only display, not mirrored or an extended desktop?
     
    superman23, Jun 27, 2007
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  2. M@lew

    M@lew Notebook Evangelist

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    You have to uncheck the "Mirror Display" checkbox. I think it's under the Display settings.
     
    M@lew, Jun 27, 2007
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  3. dragon529

    dragon529 Notebook Consultant

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    u have to close the lid to let the external monitor be the only display. Once you hit the power button, close the lid fast.
     
    dragon529, Jun 27, 2007
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  4. zephyrus54

    zephyrus54 Notebook Guru

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    The closing the lid trick can also work with the OS already started up. Close the lid and then plug a peripheral, such as a mouse or keyboard into any usb port. The desktop will now show up on the external monitor.
     
    zephyrus54, Jun 27, 2007
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  5. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    The Front Row will also wake it up.
     
    cashmonee, Jun 28, 2007
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  6. SoundsGood

    SoundsGood Notebook Virtuoso

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    You mean the laptop monitor won't shut off by itself "on the fly"?

    Yuck.

    One of the things I love about my Dell laptop is that it automatically switches from laptop monitor to external monitor. It's very easy & convenient that way... nothing to click, no settings to change.
     
    SoundsGood, Jul 3, 2007
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  7. l33t_c0w

    l33t_c0w Notebook Deity

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    right. the trick that nobody has mentioned yet goes like this:

    Put your macbook to sleep by closing the lid.
    Plug in the monitor and power cable.
    Wake it up without opening the lid. attaching a USB device works. Maybe Front Row does?

    from then on you can open the macbook back up if you want. the screen won't come back on. I do this sometimes, and leave it shut and use an external mouse and keyboard.

    (edit) whoops. zephyrus54 beat me. you do need the power cable plugged in though.
     
    l33t_c0w, Jul 3, 2007
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  8. SoundsGood

    SoundsGood Notebook Virtuoso

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    My Dell D420 has a "Media Base" docking station. It's the exact same footprint size as the laptop, and you literally just snap the laptop in (or out) of the Base. It's very easy to use, and best of all it doesn't take up ANY extra footprint space -- not an inch.

    Does the Mac have anything like this?
     
    SoundsGood, Jul 3, 2007
    #8