External display with MacBook Pro.

What is a good external display to use with the MacBook Pro? I hooked it up to my TV (Samsung HD) and it did not look great. Is there any other option aside from the DVI (or whatever it is called) to VGA to get better quality?
I do photography and want to have a display running as I shoot at trade shows. I know a apple display would be great, but I would just get an iMac instead.
Thoughts welcome,
Todd.

I own a mac mini that stays connected to the 52" LCD 120hz in my living room. The image is perfect, and fits just fine. I did a mini-display port to dvi and got a monster cable adapter for dvi to hdmi which too it to my tv. I did have to go into the tv and set the tv to overscan I think on the image to make it fit and you will have to adjust the resolution on the computer. I can say the colors are darker on the tv and this is just due to the nature of the screen size. Newer LED tvs may be better, but mine is only 1 1/2 years old.
For an external display, just go to the educators link, select your college and you get $100 off. My wife is an educator and I am back in college so it's no hassle. Or they just ask for an ID. I own 2 24" ACD and they are nice. I do photography and a screen calibration is a must. Once done you'll be happy. And docking with the laptop is handy.

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External display with MacBook Pro in Lion

Hello,
Yesterday I bought a Mac OS X Lion, and I found one annoying feature of the system - working on a MacBook Pro (MBP), and very often use an external display, with that do not use display in the MBP. When connecting an external monitor doing video processing,and this activity I was used by Mac OS X Snow Leopard to open the MBP there wasaccess of air to cool the computer. After installing the Lion was the fact that even at very small opening MBP is switched to internal MBP display. This is the functionality of the Lion off somewhere or somehow set? I looked in Preferences, and I have found nothing. Thank you in advance for information on how to solve this problem.

I own a mac mini that stays connected to the 52" LCD 120hz in my living room. The image is perfect, and fits just fine. I did a mini-display port to dvi and got a monster cable adapter for dvi to hdmi which too it to my tv. I did have to go into the tv and set the tv to overscan I think on the image to make it fit and you will have to adjust the resolution on the computer. I can say the colors are darker on the tv and this is just due to the nature of the screen size. Newer LED tvs may be better, but mine is only 1 1/2 years old.
For an external display, just go to the educators link, select your college and you get $100 off. My wife is an educator and I am back in college so it's no hassle. Or they just ask for an ID. I own 2 24" ACD and they are nice. I do photography and a screen calibration is a must. Once done you'll be happy. And docking with the laptop is handy.

Can't detect some external displays with Macbook Pro 17"

My macbook pro 17" connects just fine to my Apple Cinema display. But twice now I've tried to use it for presentations where I am connecting to either a video projector or a plasma screen through some sort of switchbox installed in the room. There's a VGA cable I'm supposed to connect to, and I use my DVI-VGA adaptor for that. But the macbook never recognizes the external monitor. In one case, everytime I hit "detect displays" i would see a brief bit of noise on the external screen like it was about to connect, but then nothing -- and Display Preferences showed no evidence of any connected external monitor. In both cases, I know the host systems generally handle Macs just fine. Is there something different about a Macbook Pro with dual-DVI? A design flaw or a mysterious switch that needs to be set right? Or maybe there's a glitch in my specific macbook??

Have you tried resetting PRAM…
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238
… ?

Cannot use external Display with MacBook Pro 13

i bought new mac pro 13 , i bought new macbook pro 13 & tried to connect to external Samsung screen (Sync Master SA300) but failed ihave VGA adapter & VGA cable
please can any body help me with detailed steps how i can solve this problem

I have just used air display with macbook pro. i have disconnected now from apple tv. but my laptop screen is still very small like its connected to the tv. this means all the tabs and writing is very small, how do i full disconnect my laptop?

i have just used air display with macbook pro. i have disconnected now from apple tv. but my laptop screen is still very small like its connected to the tv. this means all the tabs and writing is very small. like the display down the bottom where al the applications are, is n the middle of the page and not spread down the bottom. this is seriously annoying! all the writing is every small and the tabs are small and its hard to read. the air display link has disappeared from my computer. but the laptop screen is still very small. i want to know how do i get rid of this and return my macbook screen to its normal size. thank you

Hello chrispyw,
If your content is still being displayed incorrectly, I would check the resolution setting for the built in display with this article:
OS X Yosemite: Adjust your display’s resolution
If it keeps happening whenever you use AirPlay then I would use this section of the following article to reset the display system:
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
Reset the system
You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.Reset the resolution
Start by resetting the Mac's parameter RAM. If the display does not come up, was previously set to an unsupported resolution, and still results in no video:
Start up in Safe Mode.
From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
Choose Displays from the View menu to open the preferences pane.
Select any resolution and refresh rate that your display supports.
Restart your computer.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Regards,
Sterling

24-inch Mid 2007 as external display for Macbook Pro Retina?

I'm a video editor looking for a new laptop. Tough decisions, but these facts may help my decision...
Can I use my 24-inch Mid 2007 as external display for Macbook Pro Retina?
And if so, would the Macbook be able to access the external hard drives that are connected to the iMac? Or do the external hard drives have to be connected to the Macbook Retina?
Retina's picture quality is just incredible but compared to Macbook Pro non-retina you sacrifice: disc drive, port options, customization, anti-glare screen. And its more expensive. Arghh

I would use the retina as the primary screen for the canvas and viewer, while putting the browser and timeline on the iMac.
Apple won't help here. Unfortunately, they leave they're old products in the dust and wouldn't waste time writing an article about connecting a macbook retina to an '07 iMac.
Thank you for replying though Ralph. The answer has to be out there somewhere.
N

External monitor with MacBook Pro

I have a new Macbook Pro and have it hooked up to an external monitor and an USB Apple keyboard in my home office. How am I able to power the laptop on without opening the display and have it display only on my external display? When I am at home I'd like to use my external monitor and not my Macbook display.

Having the computer with the lid closed is dangerous cause even when just browsing the web with flash content it starts heating up and I've heard about casess of melted displays. Besides, the wifi strength is reduced and you can't use the keyboard and the trackpad.
So, for Lion users, it's possible to just use the external display with the lid open:
1. In Mission Control Preferences activate one Hot Corner to put the display to sleep.
2. Connect the external monitor and plug in the power source to your computer.
3. Move the mouse to the Hot Corner to put the display to sleep.
4. Close the lid and wait a few seconds.
5. Open the lid and voila!
Take care!

Compatibility of Past-Years Cinema Display with Macbook Pro Late 2011, and other displays.

Hello.
I'm inquiring about the compatibility of Apple cinema displays from years past with Macbook Pro 15" Late 2011.
For instance, will all Apple Cinema Displays from, say, 2008 onwards work with my mbook?
They can be had fairly cheaply on the used market.
What is the earliest model that will be compatible?
I've never had an external monitor for my lappies, so I am very clueless. I know DVI is a common connection, but there is no DVI port on my lappie.
I would also be very curious as to what would be suitable displays from other manufacturers, particularly Samsung and Dell.
The size doesn't have to be big, 20-23 inch is fine, I am more worried about good resolution [no obvious pixellation]
If a screen is big, but has good resolution that's even better of course, but I'm not ****-bent on a big thing.
The mbook 15" screen is just a bit squashy for home use really.
Thank you very much in advance for any advice.
Feel free to link me to other threads as an answer, I have done a bit of searching around, but still confused.

I have the same MBP and recently bought a 23" cinema display on Craigslist for $140. It works great. I had a display port to DVI adapter and it worked fine. Built a stand to hold the laptop vertically so it's out of the way. Don't know about older displays but anything with DVI should work fine.
The screen size and resolution are great for photo editing. I now have the best of both worlds, a display that rivals my wife's iMac and portability.

External display with MAcbook closed?

Trying to set up an external display with my macbook. Is there some way to use the Macbook closed? I want to be able to use the external monitor as my main display and don't need the built in screen. Thought this was possible. Thanks for any insights.

Yes, it is. Connect an external USB keyboard and external monitor. If you don't have the keyboard then you can use third-party software that will allow the lid to be closed without putting the computer to sleep. Try InsomniaX, for example - VersionTracker or MacUpdate.

External display on MacBook Pro

I'm using the latest MacBook Pro 17" 2.5GHz along with an external 22" digital display (which isn't from Apple).
_First issue_: the system is not detecting the loss of the external display when it is turned off or unplugged. this is not solved by clicking "detect display" where the two display will still be shown on the list until I reboot.
this situation is very annoying since I do not use a mirroring setup and the external display is using a primary. so when I disconnect the MBP from it, I will end up stuck with the secondary display.
I have posted a similar topic in the MBP forum (http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1475634&tstart=0) because I'm under the impression that this may be related to the MBP more thant Leopard since *my PowerBook G4 doesn't have this problem at all*.
_Second issue_: from time to time with no apparent reason, the LED display of the MBP switch to the external monitor's profile. when this is happening, I go in the system preferences and, as soon as I click on Display, the MBP's display immediatly get back to his profile without doing anything.
thanks for any help with these issues. at least let me know if I not the only one have them.

the bug is solved with snow leopard.

Resolution problem on external display on Macbook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)

Hi there guys. I recently bought a 23inch Dell Ultrasharp display for my 15inch Macbook pro.
Max resolution I can get from the screen is 1080p. Althought, I've noticed a weird thing.
After using my screen for like 2 and a half weeks, when I started my Macbook today the external monitor had a fixed 600x800 resolution which I couldn't change from the display menu on system prefs. Actually, I don't even get any resolution options when I choose the scaled radio button. So I can't do anything.
I can't reset pram cause obviously command+option+p+r don't work regardless the way I press them (i just get the recovery screen).
And its the same thing on windows as well (using bootcamp), fixed resolution and no option to change it.
Thing is that I updated my Macbook's ram from 4 to 8gigs from crucial. At first everything was fine but again after a restart this occured again.
I opened the case and used one 4gig from crucial and the default 2gig from apple. It worked for the screen and I got back to max resolution.
Then put the 8gigs again, worked fine for 2.5 weeks and now this again.
Do you think that this has anything to do with ram or its just Mountain Lion?
Looking forward for your help!!!
Many Thanks, Thanos.
(forgot to mention, I'm using a minidisplay to display port cable)

Give this a shot.
Clinton

External Speakerphone with MacBook Pro?

Hi All,
I'm really liking iChat with my Macbook Pro with internal iSight. But, the audio is good, but not good enough for serious applications and I don't really want to use a headset. I'd like to get more audio volume and have a more sensitive microphone, handsfree.
Is there such a beast as an external "speakerphone" mic/speaker combo that could be used to sit on the desk either wired or bluetooth that can interface with iChat?
Thanks,
Paul

I own a mac mini that stays connected to the 52" LCD 120hz in my living room. The image is perfect, and fits just fine. I did a mini-display port to dvi and got a monster cable adapter for dvi to hdmi which too it to my tv. I did have to go into the tv and set the tv to overscan I think on the image to make it fit and you will have to adjust the resolution on the computer. I can say the colors are darker on the tv and this is just due to the nature of the screen size. Newer LED tvs may be better, but mine is only 1 1/2 years old.
For an external display, just go to the educators link, select your college and you get $100 off. My wife is an educator and I am back in college so it's no hassle. Or they just ask for an ID. I own 2 24" ACD and they are nice. I do photography and a screen calibration is a must. Once done you'll be happy. And docking with the laptop is handy.

Can I use Front Row on external monitor with MacBook Pro's cover closed?

I've seen that you can use the remote to control Front Row even when the lapatop's cover is closed (on a MacBook Air). Is it possible with a first generation MB Pro? Are there special settings?
Thx

You can use a MacBook Pro in "clamshell" mode if you have the AC adapter plugged in for power, an external display attached and an external keyboard and mouse (USB or Bluetooth) to wake the computer after it's been closed. This is the official word from Apple:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131
However, even if you don't have a keyboard and mouse, you should still be able to wake the MacBook Pro using the Apple remote by pressing the "menu" button. (You do still need to have the power plugged in and the display plugged in.)
-Doug

Using iMac as external display from Macbook Pro flickers static and crackles.

I'm trying to use my iMac as an external display.
When I plug in my early 2011 Macbook Pro into my Mid 2010 iMac via a Belkin Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort, the iMac screen flickers with static and there's random crackling noises.
Weird thing is, when I try the same thing with a new Macbook Air, everything works perfectly!
Here's a quick video demonstrating what I'm talking about - http://youtu.be/xxTXVRffWwE
Are the two not compatible or do I just have a defective Macbook Pro? The Macbook Pro works fine with the Cinema Display I have in the office...

Huh, It should work like this:
Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Apple Support
iMac Model
Cable Supported
Port on Source Computer
iMac (27-inch Late 2009)
Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort
Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt
Actually that table seems illogical. The cable supported is mini to mini display but the port says "or Thunderbolt"
Does that seem contradictory to you?

Trouble using external iSight with MacBook Pro (which has built in camera)

Hey Jim,
Have a question for you. I have a new MacBook Pro 17". I also have a 23" Cinema Display, and a left over Firewire external iSight camera (which I used to love).
Frequently I "dock" my MBP with my 23". I either use the dual-screen between the two, or I close the lid on the MBP, let it go to sleep, then wake it back up with a BT keyboard or mouse, letting it go to a single-screen mode on only the 23" Cinema Display.
So, I'm trying to use my external Firewire iSight with my MBP, and I'm getting mixed results -- the best of which is where I am getting some video with regular, occasional freezes with the picture being split (like a v-hold problem on an old TV). After a pause it goes back to smooth video.
I guess primarily, I'm wanting to know what the world of two iSights (FW and built-in) look like, and can they work together? I cannot for the life of me get this FW iSight to work consistently, but I know it works perfectly in another G5 tower (which has no built-in camera).
Any suggestions or guidance?

Hello Exivus
... two iSights (FW and built-in) ... can they work together?
You can have two iSights connected at one time, but, as explained in Apple's iSight "Your camera is in use by another application" message, iSight can be used by only one application at a time. (my emphasis)
Different apps select between multiple connected cameras in different ways. For instance, iChat > Preferences... > Video settings can select which camera to use with the iChat app, but iMovie 6 uses a drop-down menu as shown in this picture:
The suggestions in How to Troubleshoot iSight should help you determine whether one of your iSights is causing trouble. I suggest you test each one separately and without your external display or other peripherals to rule out possible conflicts.
After you are certain that your iSights are working individually, test them when both are connected. After your system successfully passes these tests, you can add your external devices back one-by-one to be sure one of them is not causing the problem.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.1) External iSight

External display with MacBook Pro.

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