Present setup:
- PowerMac G5, video ports: ADC & DVI.
- Have a ADC to DVI adapter
- 2 LaCie external Hard drives (Firewire 800 & 400 & UCB)
- Monitor: Viewsonic 20” (VG2021m) DVI cable

Going to get:
- MacBook Pro (MBP), which has a built-in Dual link DVI support. MacMall’s info says “ DVI for VGA adapter included.”
- New monitor (NM), size 19-22”.

Questions:
I want to be able to use the new monitor and my LaCie HD’s with either the G5 or the MBR. I realize that, most undoubtedly, I will not be able to have them hooked up to the G5 and MBP at the same time.

Most of the monitors (about 99%) I can find on the Internet, have a 15 pin mini d sub VGA (The remainder are single-link DVI’s).
- Do ALL the VGA cables have the 15 pin?
- Does the MBP have this 15 pin cable?
- Can I use the MBP on a single-link monitor?

- If I get a VGA monitor, I assume there’s a DVI to VGA (or ADC to VGA) adapter that I can use from my G5. There are several different types.

If what I read is correct, I should have no problem hooking up either LaCie HD’s to the MBP. Correct?

Anything else I should be aware of? Thanks.

Hi Jane, yes you can. You can share a USB drive with an airport extreme
http://www.apple.com/airportextreme/sharing.html
and switch a shared monitor, mouse and keyboard with a KVM such as :
http://drbott.com/prod/db.lasso?code=2640-FTUA You could call them to see which one meets your needs.
Don

Since the difference it price is small these days I would definitely opt for a monitor with a DVI input. The picture quality is much better than VGA.

Attn: dmchose

Thanks for your wonderful information. I’ve gone to both sites and am trying to digest what I’m reading. If you don’t mind some questions:

Re the AirPort Extreme Base Station.
- I can hook up either a printer OR a hard drive.

If I have more than 1 printer and/or1 HD, I must then buy a USB hub. Right now I have 1 printer AND 2 HDs. The HDs (has Firewire 700 & 400 & USB ports) are using Firewire 700 as it is the fastest of all three, and in tandem. Can I use tandem with this unit?

- The G5 is wired, so I would connect it to the “Gigabye Ethernet ports – correct?

Re the KVM.

- it states:
"flip your VGA monitor from one computer to the next."
Also it states:
"Monitors Supported: VGA and DVI-I (with VGA adapter)"

The way I read this is that if I have a DVI monitor, I must have a DVI to VGA converter, and thus treats it as a VGTA monitor? Sorry for such a stupid question.

attn:Rick Prather


You stated, "Since the difference it price is small these days I would definitely opt for a monitor with a DVI input. The picture quality is much better than VGA."

Thank you for that information. Since the DVIs are much better, why are there so many VGA's for sale? I've checked the prices on many models and the prices are right in line with the VGAs.

Probably because a lot of PC's still only ship with VGA outputs as opposed to all Macs for the last several years that have DVI and/or ACD.

If you are committed to using a KVM switch then you may have to use VGA since they are for switching VGA lines only or pay quite a bit more and get a KVM switch that switches DVI.

I don't want to steer you wrong on the Airport extreme at this time. I have a few issues my self I would like to iron out before I tell you what does work instead of what should. Hopefully this will be ironed out in a day or so.
The airport should be able to share at least one USB printer or USB drive. I have not gotten to that point yet to prove or disprove. Yes.. you could share printers off the G5 and then share a drive off the USB port. There may be some other options as you mentioned about using a USB hub off the airport. I do not think that sharing files off of internal or hooked up through Fire wire on the cpu,s is a good idea. Yes it can be done and I move files all the time this way myself. Lets just say there can be issues doing it this way instead of using a networked drive or server.
When I get through my issues with my airport extreme I'll get back to you and do a set up like you want. Hmm.. I wonder if that ole unused inkjet printer o mine worx on Leopard
Don

I've been looking at MacMall (ClubMac & PCMall are the same company). I've been looking primarily at Viewsonic because that 's what I already have and have had absolutely no problems with it. They are for PCs and Macs. I understand that PCs have about 95% of the market, therefore it makes since for the monitor companies to go with them instead of Macs.



Ah! The price of using diverse 'machines' to do what you want! Isn't life wonderful?

Say, I'm starting to figure out how you people can quote. Quite as hassle right now, but I'll get better.

attn: dmchose

Thanks for your care and concern. Since I'm planning on buying the latest version MacBook when they come out, there is absolutely no rush for you to try things out.

Looks like you have it figured out just fine.

To clarify a bit, the DVI/VGA thing isn't a PC/Mac deal it's a quality of display issue. A lot of PC's and most decent PC graphics cards also use DVI.

The only Apple only output you have is the ADC one and that is actually a combination of DVI combined with power and USB.

I certainly getting an education. Thanks!