About a year ago I purchased a 13” MacBook. While I enjoy the portability, the screen is really too small and I am developing some minor physical problems because I cannot comfortably use it at eye level.

I thought the only solution was ro purchase a new desk top but a friend recently told me that I could plug a separate monitor into the laptop. But I wonder about the keyboard... Could I use my old iMac keyboard with it? Any ideas? Thanks!

Yes, you can use an external keyboard with your MacBook. Or an external mouse! My wife hated using our old iBook keyboard/trackpad when she traveled, so she carried the keyboard and mouse from a G3 iMac in her suitcase.

You could even use a wireless keyboard or mouse since the MacBook has Bluetooth built-in.

Thanks Dave. I don’t suppose there is any way I can use my iMac as a monitor, is there? (It’s the one that sits on a white ball. I really like the adjustable screen.) Where would I buy a new monitor?

...And just how would all of this work? I assume I would plug the monitor & keyboard into the ISB ports on the MacBook and the mouse into the keyboard. Then I could dim the screen on the MacBook. Anything else I should know?

Thanks again for your help!

You can buy a monitor just about anywhere. You plug the monitor into the DisplayPort jack (or into an adapter if the monitor isn't a DisplayPort monitor - most aren't) and your keyboard into a USB port (unless you use a Bluetooth keyboard, then you just pair it up).

You may need to get a DisplayPort to DVI or VGA adapter if your MacBook didn't come with one.

Dave will know best, but some Mac laptops can be run with the lid closed if they have an external monitor and keyboard. I'm not sure if your model can or not.

You can't use your old iMac as a normal monitor - you could use screen sharing, but that tends to be a bit slow as compared to having an actual monitor, and I wouldn't recommend it.

The display output on the MacBook is a Mini DisplayPort -- a smaller version of DisplayPort.

If you get a display with either of HDMI or DisplayPort, the adapter and cable or adapter cable is available for under $25. Mini DisplayPort to DVI is more.

Depending on which model MacBook you purchased, you either have the Mini Display port or Mini VDI port for external video output. Is yours the Plastic or Aluminum MacBook?

Plug your keyboard into the USB port and you're in business!

As far as using your old G4 iMac as a monitor, there is a way do this but it requires purchasing software and cables from a 3rd party source. I can't recommend this option as being reliable or easy. You can purchased a nice flat panel monitor for as low as $75-100 (Best Buy - MicroCenter) these days and the correct video adapter for $19 from Apple.

I have the 13 inch aluminum MacBook which I purchased last November. Please excuse my ignorance but I am not familiar with the terms VGA adapter, HDMI, DisplayPort (Mini or otherwise) or Mini VDI (perhaps video display input?).

Where would you suggest that I go to get what I need? I have had experience in the past with employees who said basically: "Oh, you have a Mac. I'm afraid I can't help you."

I appreciate your help and understanding. Thanks.

HP makes a nice sharp monitor that adjusts up and down. My sister uses one with her PB 12" with a regular KB and a Wacom mouse on it's tablet. She puts the PB under the desk on a little shelf, open slightly and standing upsidedown like a little tent. Only the monitor, KB, and mouse are actually seen. She loves this setup. I think she may have external speaker(s) also.

BestBuy carries a 18.5" Dell monitor Model: IN1910N | SKU: 9366312 that is on sale now for $99.95. Comes with VGA and DVI cables so you can use either one. VGA is lower quality video and DVI is higher quality. Then you need the mini Display to DVI video adapter from Apple ($29.95), so you can hook up the display to your MacBook. This will do what you are looking to end up with.

I just looked up all this info online in less than 5 minutes and that includes typing this post

See the post on Apple Miniature Display Connectors at http://macgroup.org/blog/2009/...tor-options

Just about any new monitor comes with an assortment of input choices. Look at them in the store to see which looks better to your eyes. My sister and I found the HP to be the sharpest and the ability to raise it up and down and tilt is similar to what you are used to. I bought mine at Staples.

Thanks everyone! You guys are great!!

One more question: Jack said that Dave would know whether my MacBook can be run with the lid closed. If not, I'll go with the plan suggested by Donna.

This certainly will be a lot cheaper than buying a new desktop--which was the original plan.