Close Lid Operation

[chairman]

Does anyone here use his powerbook/ibook on the "close lid" mode. Meaning you're plugged in to an external display, keyboard and a mouse then you're 'book is closed. Have you had any trouble with this setup? I'm trying this today for the first time since I got my powerbook. I wanted to use a CRT so that I'm sure to get colors right. In as much as the display of the powerbook is good, the CRT still provides a much higher contrast ration. The subtle changes in color can be seen clearly on a CRT vs. the powerbook display.

Due to the nature of my work, i still need to use a PC a lot so here's my current setup. I share a 17" CRT display with my PC and Powerbook through a KVM cable but the monitor is the only thing they share. My PC and powerbook each have their own separate keyboard and mouse.

Here are the two things that are lingering at the back of my head.

1. Is using a KVM switch on my powerbook ok? will this cause any problems for my powerbook?

2. I used a VGA-DVI adaptor to connect the KVM to my powerbook. I already had which was included in my PC's video card and this is the one I'm using instead of the one that's included in my powerbook. My brother said that this shouldn't be any problem since they are basically the same. He's a computer science guy so I'm taking his word for it. Is this true? Is it ok to use this adaptor or should I use the one included in my powerbook?

Any thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.

[tdbur]

I don't foresee any problems with how you're doing things. Unless someone else has more input i'd say you're good to go.

[Henjie]

What tdbur said. Everything should be a-okay.

Originally posted by chairman
Here are the two things that are lingering at the back of my head.

1. Is using a KVM switch on my powerbook ok? will this cause any problems for my powerbook?

Yup, it's okay to use a KVM switch to connect your PB to your CRT monitor.

2. I used a VGA-DVI adaptor to connect the KVM to my powerbook. I already had which was included in my PC's video card and this is the one I'm using instead of the one that's included in my powerbook. My brother said that this shouldn't be any problem since they are basically the same. He's a computer science guy so I'm taking his word for it. Is this true? Is it ok to use this adaptor or should I use the one included in my powerbook?

Your bro's right. Either will work. :-)


~Henjie

[Arel]

Do let us know how it all works out, Juan. Never done it that way before. Sure would be interesting to discover another way of going about it.

[alia]

it should work but don't literally close your lid if you are working long hours. we had a powerbook(?) back at my old agency which was used the same way. the lcd got sira because of the heat daw.

[chairman]

Originally posted by alia
it should work but don't literally close your lid if you are working long hours. we had a powerbook(?) back at my old agency which was used the same way. the lcd got sira because of the heat daw.

Thanks for the head's up Alia, I'll be sure to keep the lid open then.

Arel, so far so good. I've been using my Powerbook on "close lid" mode and It's working out ok. Here are some observations:

1. The powerbook's screen is good but it's still not up to par with a CRT. This is expected. Although there are some areas where the Powerbook screen beats the CRT. Glare, vivid colors but when it comes to contrast the CRT still has a wider range.

2. It's really better typing on a full sized keyboard. I guess this is quite obvious.

3. The KVM works like a charm. I'm able to switch computers with a couple of key strokes. In hindsight though, I should've bought a keyboard that's compatible with both mac and pc and just got a ps2 to usb adaptor. It's a hassle to keep switching keyboards. Although the apple keyboard is quite nice compared to my old PC keyboard.


So now my desk is filled with clutter. hahaha I got my CRT, powerbook on top of a coolpad, 2 keyboards, 2 mice, a wacom tablet, a set of speakers and some cds.