Connecting an external display to an apple powerbook running osx

(Should also work for other macs running osx.)

Plug the screen into your monitor port (this will require apple adapter on powerbook / iBook).

Open System Preferences (apple-shift-a, or via Finder > Go > Applications, or via Dock). In system preferences, click on Displays (top row, or under hardware section).

Click 'Detect Displays'. A screen for the new display should pop up.

You should seen your screen content appearing on the external screen. You can now go ahead using the external display. (On remote for external Hitachi LCD display: Press the 'SIZE' button on the remote such that '<<NORMAL>>' appears on the screen, or until you're happy with the zoom level.)

If you want differnet content to appear on your laptop screen and the external screen, click 'Arrangement' tab to get to this screen.

Uncheck 'Mirror Displays' and arrange the displays as you would like them by dragging.

(On remote for external Hitachi LCD display: Press the 'SIZE' button on the remote such that '<<FULL>>' appears on the external display, or until you're happy with the zoom level.)

tip by Björn Haßler (email B.Hassler(at)damtp), July 2003.