using a PC laptop as external monitor for MBP

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using a PC laptop as external monitor for MBP

Hi!

I just purchased my first mac. I want to have a dual monitor setup so I can have a bigger workspace when I design graphics on my Macbook Pro.

Can I use my other laptop, which is a Toshiba, as an external monitor? The guy at Radioshack was worried that both the MBP and the PC laptop would try to send output signals and end up frying both video cards.

Thanks!

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on May 14, 2007 3:14 PM

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Answer 1

May 14, 2007 3:34 PM in response to keeby

ScreenRecycler works very well. Contrary to what others have said on these boards, it is possible to use a second laptop as an external display.

http://www.screenrecycler.com/home.html

You will need a fast network connection between the two machines. Gigabit ethernet would be best, but performance is very good with 100 Mb. I wouldn't try using wireless to connect the machines - too much lag.

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Answer 2

May 16, 2007 11:41 PM in response to keeby

No, there's no way to use regular display cables - a laptop is not designed to work like a monitor. Screen Recycler makes the second laptop act like a monitor, but it's actually sending screen contents over the network cable. Not as quick as an external monitor, but at least it gives you a way to re-use that extra laptop.

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Answer 3

keeby Author

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May 17, 2007 12:13 AM in response to Steven Davidson

Yeah, Screen Recycler looks pretty cool, but I have no idea how to do all that networking mumbo jumbo (to me it's mumbo jumbo jargon).

I'll just have to wait till I can get an external monitor.

thanks.

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Answer 4

May 20, 2007 9:39 AM in response to keeby

Just give it a try, as it uses Bonjour you don't have to setup your network. It will just work.
When you use a PC for displaying it's as easy as typing in the address that ScreenRecycler shows you in the panel.

If you can't get it working you can still mail me.

Have fun - Patrick

P.S. Yes, I'm the author

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Answer 5

keeby Author

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May 20, 2007 1:46 PM in response to Patrick Stein

Alright. Well I downloaded it and will install it and everything once I get deeper into my designing and need that extra monitor. So far it's not such heavy work.

I appreciate the help and wish you success with ScreenRecycler. It's really quite innovative.

All the best,

daniel

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Answer 6

keeby Author

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May 15, 2007 3:24 PM in response to Steven Davidson

Awesome. Thanks! I'm going to try Screen Recycler.

Do you know if there any way to do it just with regular display cables?

Appreciate the help.

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