External screen for my iBook

Question

Dear all forumers,
I am about to go to Canada to begin my university education, and realised that writting essays on my last generation iBook G4 12'', 1.33GHZ would be uncomfortable on the long term.
This is why I have come to you to see what my options are for plugging my iBook with the cable that was given to me when I bought my iBook. After reading the caracteristics (sp?) on apple.com, I read :
"Video mirroring supports VGA video out to an external display or projector (requires included Apple VGA Video Adapter) and S-video and composite video out to a TV or VCR (requires optional Apple Video Adapter, sold separately)."
I guess this is right, so technically the cable I have in my iBook box is the VGA Video Adapter.
Now my question is. What screens would you recommend?
Can I get wide screens or am I restricted to.. so to speak un-wide ones? How about the apple 20'' screen? 23''? Do they function with my iBook?
How about the Dell 20''?
Any recommendations? Brand recommendations? My budget isn't worked out yet, but I suppose a couple hundred CAD$?
Also do screens like the Apple 20'' have dual voltage for America & Europe? I live in Switzerland but will be studying in Canada.
Thank you very much for your help,
Sincerely Yours,
Edouard

Answer 1

Also consider using a locally found CRT and not buying a second display
new; you could get by without the added expense and have a workable
solution to the smaller LCD in the computer.
I'd try an external Apple keyboard and mouse (not BT wireless, just USB)
and buy a cheap monitor stand that has a keyboard drawer beneath it;
and either set the whole iBook up on there -- it may require some other
item under the iBook to raise it to proper eyelevel -- and use the iBook as
a desktop when not actually carrying it around. A powered USB hub can
help tie on a printer and the keyboard/mouse to the iBook when you use
it "docked" in a dorm or apartment; and you can take the iBook away when
you go elsewhere, and leave the keyboard/mouse, etc behind. I've tried this
and it works fairly well -- best without a second display.
Since the iBook series can't be run when closed, and using an external
display, keyboard and mouse, it takes up extra room when used with an
additional external display. That's the main problem; plus posture. I
prefer the desktop posture for longer use intervals and that is why I'd
recommend considering such an idea if it'd work for you, too.
In any event, good luck & happy computing!