Macbook with Acer 22" external monitor

Question

Level 1

8 points

Macbook with Acer 22" external monitor

I have the Acer P221W and for some reason it does not look as sharp as the 22" monitor at the apple store even though it had the same specs. Am I missing something?

Has someone figured out the best way to "manage" the space? Is Spaces necessary with two monitors?

Finally, while running two monitors is there a way to get the Menu at the top to show up on the external monitor? For example, when iPhoto is open on my external monitor, the menu is still at the top of the MacBook monitor.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Dec 10, 2007 9:10 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Dec 10, 2007 9:41 PM in response to Shmoolik

Shmoolik wrote:
I have the Acer P221W and for some reason it does not look as sharp as the 22" monitor at the apple store even though it had the same specs. Am I missing something?

Try checking the resolution and refresh rate settings, and maybe re-calibrate?
System Preferences: Color: Calibrate...

Has someone figured out the best way to "manage" the space? Is Spaces necessary with two monitors?

Depends on what you are working on. I used virtual desktops on a UNIX machine at work with dual monitors. Once you spread out your work you can't live without it. For home use, I don't really need the extra space so much.

Finally, while running two monitors is there a way to get the Menu at the top to show up on the external monitor? For example, when iPhoto is open on my external monitor, the menu is still at the top of the MacBook monitor.

System Preferences:Displays:Arrangement
Drag the white menu bar from one display to the other one.

Have fun.

Reply

Answer 2

Shmoolik Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 10, 2007 10:18 PM in response to Shmoolik

thank you for your help. moving the white menu bar is GREAT!!! Calibrating also worked.

Reply

Answer 3

BSteely

Level 5

7,643 points

Dec 10, 2007 10:18 PM in response to Shmoolik

Apple's monitor is 20", not 22". A 20" at the same resolution will look sharper because the individual pixels are smaller.

Reply

Answer 4

Shmoolik Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 27, 2007 8:54 AM in response to BSteely

should I upgrade to the 24" Acer with higher resolution?

Reply

Answer 5

BSteely

Level 5

7,643 points

Dec 27, 2007 5:11 PM in response to Shmoolik

You might be happier with that monitor. You might be happier with another brand, too. Check some of the user reviews of the Acer. It gets panned a lot.

Reply