[Genshin]

Many laptop owners have an external screen, keyboard and mouse for home/office use, but get the best of both worlds by being able to "carry" their computer wherever they go. You can then set-up your device spacing as per a desktop computer.

gazza

If I may ask, is this easy to set up? Are external screens easy to plug into a MacBook Pro? Would this take up more desk space?

[gazza]

If I may ask, is this easy to set up? Are external screens easy to plug into a MacBook Pro? Would this take up more desk space?

I've not done it Genshin, but there are quite a few forum members who have this type of set-up and I believe it is quite straightforward. It won't take up a lot more desk space than an iMac setup, but beware, there are some different opinions on having the lid on the MBP closed while operating with an external monitor. (heat build-up and cooling issues) You can, of course run both monitors at the same time, which has some distinct advantages. The video output port allows video mirroring, which allows you to see the same image on your MacBook Pro display and on an external monitor or projector. It also allows extended desktop, in which the second display gives you additional desktop real estate. Yes, connection is easy, there is a monitor port inbuilt on the MacBooks. Have a look at this Apple Support doco.

gazza

[Genshin]

I've not done it Genshin, but there are quite a few forum members who have this type of set-up and I believe it is quite straightforward. It won't take up a lot more desk space than an iMac setup, but beware, there are some different opinions on having the lid on the MBP closed while operating with an external monitor. You can, of course run both monitors at the same time, which has some distinct advantages.

gazza

How very interesting, thank you. I think I'll be asking about this when I visit the Sydney Apple shop in a couple of weeks.

Is it necessary to have a cooling plate/rest thingy under a MacBook Pro? A friend has a Dell laptop which gets quite hot and she uses a cooling plate fan thingy under it on the desk.

[Some Random Bloke]

If I may ask, is this easy to set up? Are external screens easy to plug into a MacBook Pro? Would this take up more desk space?

The biggest issue is whether the lid can be closed or not - it's a matter of debate. As far as the keyboard and screen go, it's a no brainer, actually. You'll just need an Apple mini-DVI to whatever your external display is (I presume DVI) and you set it up under display prefs in the system manager. I do this regularly on Windows, and the Mac is even easier.

If you want a wireless keyboard and mouse, you just need to choose BT or RF (RF will come with a dongle that plugs into the Macbook Pro). Set up is a breeze. If you want a wired keyboard and mouse, just plug them in.

They will take up more space in that the iMac is vertical in the screen, but the MBP sits flat on the desk, but that's the only difference.

[Genshin]

Thank you both. I have an Apple aluminium keyboard and a Logitech VX Revolution, so I'll stick with those.

I like the idea of being able to plug in another larger screen, I'll be looking into this.

Looking at the specs on the Apple site for the current MacBook Pro, it is much better spec wise than my current classic white iMac! (besides the reduced screen size) I will wait to see how much better the new ones will be in a couple of weeks.

I'm starting to like the idea of having a laptop now that I know that I can extend it with an external screen.

This may be a silly question, but are there any limits to the MacBook vs. the iMac in regards to software or such? Is there anything that a MacBook can't manage that an iMac can?

[gazza]

How very interesting, thank you. I think I'll be asking about this when I visit the Sydney Apple shop in a couple of weeks.

You jumped in before I'd actually finished editing my post Genshin! Did you see the extra info re external monitors and the link to the Apple Support Document??

Is it necessary to have a cooling plate/rest thingy under a MacBook Pro? A friend has a Dell laptop which gets quite hot and she uses a cooling plate fan thingy under it on the desk.

This is one of those questions which really stimulates strong opposing opinion. Some (most?) say that Apple designed the MBP with sufficient cooling to work without additional external cooling. They do run very hot, at times, especially with intensive processor activity.

gazza

[gazza]

......This may be a silly question, but are there any limits to the MacBook vs. the iMac in regards to software or such? Is there anything that a MacBook can't manage that an iMac can?

There is no such thing as a silly question as far as I am concerned. Only by asking questions do we increase our knowledge and learn new skills. Everyone's needs are different so the questions are obviously different. Some people unfortunately can be intolerant and not allow others to "have their say" with respect.

To answer your question re the software on MBP vs a desktop - both can run all software designed for the Mac if they both have the same OS version - the individual specifications re the processor speed, bus speed and amount of RAM, etc will impact on the speed with which the individual computers process a task. These differences occur between different desktop spec macs, too.

gazza

[Genshin]

You jumped in before I'd actually finished editing my post Genshin! ohmy.gif Did you see the extra info re external monitors and the link to the Apple Support Forum??

oops! Yes, and that was informative. It certainly has some nice peripheral options. That has made me reconsider my dislike for laptops.

Only by asking questions do we increase our knowledge and learn new skills. Everyone's needs are different so the questions are obviously different.

I am indeed glad to have found such a lovely and helpful forum dedicated to Mac support. Tolerance, patience and genuine assistance is indeed hard to find these days.

To answer your question re the software on MBP vs a desktop - both can run all software designed for the Mac if they both have the same OS version - the individual specifications re the processor speed, bus speed and amount of RAM, etc will impact on the speed with which the individual computers process a task. These differences occur between different desktop spec macs, too.

That is very good to hear.

[mickdevlin]

You'll just need an Apple mini-DVI to whatever your external display is (I presume DVI) and you set it up under display prefs in the system manager.

The current MacBook Pros have a full-size DVI port so no adaptor is required. This may change on the updated version, if rumours are correct…

[t0MMb]

There is no such thing as a silly question as far as I am concerned.

Albert Einstein once said something similar .

[t0MMb]

I'm counting down the days until the release. As soon as the MacBooks and MacBook Pros are released, I plan to purchase one the following weekend! I can't decide if I'm going to buy from a store or from the Apple online store.

[gazza]

I'm counting down the days until the release. As soon as the MacBooks and MacBook Pros are released, I plan to purchase one the following weekend! I can't decide if I'm going to buy from a store or from the Apple online store.

I think I asked you this a few days ago and I don't think you saw it, where is your closest Apple dealer up Bendigo way?

gazza

[t0MMb]

Yeah, I answered. It's under "Why doesn't Apple make a TV?"

We have a Myer, an OfficeEverything and an Office National. All stock Apple products.

[gazza]

Yeah, I answered. It's under "Why doesn't Apple make a TV?"

We have a Myer, an OfficeEverything and an Office National. All stock Apple products.

OK, so not a dedicated dealer - yeah I understand your quandary about whether to order online from Apple or not.

gazza

[Some Random Bloke]

Albert Einstein once said something similar .

Wow, Gazza's a genius!

[gazza]

Wow, Gazza's a genius!

No such luck I'm afraid!!

gazza

[pmoeser]

Glad to hear all the positive feedback. We were going for a much more streamlined approach with this design, which should make things a lot more user-friendly.

For example, we felt that one mouse button was too confusing, so we got rid of it.

Glad to have you on board Steve!

[pmoeser]

Glad to hear all the positive feedback. We were going for a much more streamlined approach with this design, which should make things a lot more user-friendly.

For example, we felt that one mouse button was too confusing, so we got rid of it.

Glad to have you on board Steve!

[Ken Gracey]

LOL... I always wondered why know-body took up that name, in here After reading the first post now i know why



TL