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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Connecting a 30" Cinema Display to a PowerBook G4

Kevin B Carey - Jan 9, 2006 - 10:07 pm

Help

I am running a PowerBook G4 17" 1.5GHz PowerPC G4
Running MAC OS X 10.4.3

I just received a 30 Inch Apple Cinema Display and when I connect the display to the PowerBook the highest resolution is 1280 x 800.

I had assumed I would need to upgrade to a more powerful Video Card, and the Apple Site recommend the ATI Radeon 9650 or the NVIDIA GeForce 6800.

However, as soon as I contacted Apple I ran into a barrage of conflicting information and astonishing confusion.

The first technician stated it was impossible. I naturally went back to the web site and checked. There it states you can run the 30" display from your PowerBook 17, and the web site is showing on the screen of the 30" display, albeit at an inferior resolution.

So I rang back. A different technican with a different story. Sure I can use the PowerBook, I just need to follow the recommendations on the web site and install an upgraded video card. Cool. He gave me the number of the Local Apple Store who could perform this service.

I contacted the technican at the store, who informed me that it was impossible to connect a 30 inch display to a Powerbook!

As I can return the display within 14 days I am anxious to make the right decision.

Is it possible to update my PowerBook to run a 30 Inch Display at the higher resolution they use to promote the thing?

What video card should I invest in?

Where should I send my Powerbook to get the upgrade done?

I have been working in and on computers since the early 1970's so yes I am a dinosaur, but what the hell is going on?

Is this that difficult a question to answer, and wouldn't you think Apple Certified Technicians would have an answer?

I hope you can display some clarity and resolve my pixel problem.

Thanks

Kevin

ishan - Jan 9, 2006 - 10:16 pm

You can't update your PB with a new video card; it's part of the motherboard and not replaceable. So your choices are to either live with the low resolution–which is a waste given how beautiful the 30" display is at it's maximum resolution–or hope that Mr. Jobs introduces some new Macintel PBs tomorrow which have a video card which will drive a 30 inch display at its ideal resolution.Also, there's rumors of updated displays tomorrow (as well as lower prices, since Dell's 30" display is substantially better and retails for $300 less and is avaialable now) as well as a 42" display to be introduced at NAB in March. If you want to keep the 30 inch display and the price drops within 14 days of the date of purchase, Apple will credit the purchaser the difference.

I would see what happens tomorrow (the Jobs keynote starts at 1 pm EST) and then make a decision.

HTH and good luck.

Kevin B Carey - Jan 9, 2006 - 10:24 pm

Thank You for the Bad News.

Which is in reality good news, as I will go crazy looking at this beautiful display at a degraded resolution. I appreciate your clarity and your expertise.

I know you are right, I can feel it!

I should have asked if the 24 Inch Cienma Display will work, but I am frightened to ask the question.

Best wishes

Kevin