Hello Everybody:

I am filling in for the good Dr while he is on vacation.

So while he is on vacation I will be Dr. Scott - Your magic OS X Helper.

Today's tip is a request from one of the Dr's patents Marc Friedland.

This was his request ....

> Any tips on how to play a DVD on an external monitor with the PowerBook
> closed?
>
> This would be a great tip!

Ok so here we go ....

To use a PowerBook G4 computer or the PowerBook G3 (FireWire - Pismo) with the display closed and an external monitor connected:

1. Place your PowerBook in sleep mode by closing the display.
2. Connect the power adapter and external monitor.
3. Connect an external USB keyboard and mouse and the PowerBook will wake.

To activate the internal display again, put the PowerBook to sleep and wake it with the display open.

A few notes for you:

1. If you are using your PowerBook with it closed, you cannot utilize Video Mirroring.

2. Connecting an external monitor increases the power requirements of the PowerBook. So you must use the AC adapter whenever the PowerBook is connected to an external monitor. The PowerBook will not wake if the power adapter is not hooked up, and if you unhook the power adapter the computer will go to sleep.

I hope that you find this tip useful.

See you all tomorrow.

Thanks

Scott

To discuss this tip (or anything you like) in Dr. Mac's OSXFAQ Forum, click here: