I have a MacBook late 2008 aluminum 13" and want to get a 2nd display. I am almost certain that it is compatible, but want to be absolutely certain. Also, could someone explain Desktop Mirroring and recommend a display that's not expensive but still works for my needs (Video editing, gaming, writing).
Thanks
--Ben
MacBook, Mac OS X (10.7.4), MacBook Late 2008 Aluminum 13 in
Here's various LCD monitors on NewEgg.com http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=19&name=Monitors (D-Sub is another name for VGA)
Depends on what input plug you'll be using on your external monitor. VGA, DVI or HDMI. You'll need a Mini DisplayPort adapter and a cable from that to your external monitor. Here's the various types of Mini DisplayPort adapters on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=min i-dvi&x=9&y=13#/ref=nb_sb_ss_sc_2_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mini+ displayport&sprefix=mini+displayport&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amini+displayport
When you first hook it up it will probably have the display set in Extended Desktop mode. The Menu Bar and Dock will be on the MacBook display and your background screen on the external monitor but you can move the cursor onto the external monitor screen.
In System Preferences>Display on the MacBook screen there should be an Arrangement tab when you have the MacBook hooked up to the external monitor and both screens working. When you click the Arrangement tab do you see two monitors side by side? One of them will have a Menu Bar at the top. Just click on the Menu Bar and drag it to the second monitor. That will make the second monitor your main screen.
You can now use your MacBook in Clamshell Mode with a wired or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131 When you disconnect from the external monitor your Menu Bar will automatically change back to the MacBook.
Or if you want to use the MacBook’s keyboard and trackpad to work on the MacBook screen while showing it on a TV you can check the Mirror Display box on the lower left hand side of the Arrangement tab under the two monitors box. That will give you the same screen at the same resolution on both the MacBook and the external monitor.
Thank you, I think that I am going with a HDMI one, but would I need the MiniDisplay to HDMI adapter, or MiniDisplay to Female HDMI adapter? In other words, does the monitor have a cable coming out of it, or just a port?
Thanks
--Ben
Most monitors have ports only. You would use a male to male HDMI cable from the monitor to the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. Or you could get a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable.
Ok, thanks, but one more thing. The one that I want to get (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236102) says that it includes a DVI cable as well. The projectors that I use at my school, which I have never been able to hook up to before, also use DVI. If I could connect my computer to the screen, and those projectors with the same cable (not at the same time of corse), that would be better. Could I do that? And would that affect the speed that it transfers between my computer and the screen, because I do a lot of gaming and would like the screen partialy for better resolution.
Thanks again
--Ben
DVI and HDMI are about the same in video sharpness. So if you get a Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter that would work with both the monitor and the projector.
For audio you would use a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack to RCA sound plugs or a 3.5mm stereo input plug for audio. You attach it from the headphone jack of your MacBook to the appropriate audio input plugs on your monitor to use the monitor's speakers.
Thanks again
--Ben
Multi Display on Late 2008 Macbook Aluminum
