The built-in display does function when an external display is connected to the PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze keyboard) or PowerBook (FireWire).

The PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze keyboard) and PowerBook (FireWire) provide an image on both the built-in display and an external display connected to the VGA connector. The desktop is extended across both displays.

You can also mirror the image so both displays show the same information. This is useful when giving a presentation, for example. This capability is also available when using a television or other composite signal monitor connected to the S-video port.

Using an external display and/or TV out

To use an external display and/or TV out follow the following steps with the computer shut down or in sleep.

To connect an external monitor or other video device:

1. With the PowerBook shut down or in sleep, attach the end of the monitor cable to the video out port on the back of the PowerBook.


Video out port and icon

2. If you are connecting an older Macintosh-compatible monitor that does not have a VGA cable, attach the monitor adapter to the end of the external monitor's cable and plug the VGA-to-Macintosh adapter into the port as shown in the following illustration.


Monitor cable Monitor adapter

3. Turn on the external monitor and then press the Power button to turn on or wake your computer.

When you are finished using the external monitor, shut down your PowerBook or put it in sleep and turn off the monitor. Then disconnect the external monitor.

Switching to video mirroring

By default, your PowerBook starts up in dual display mode. You can use the Video Mirroring portion of the Control Strip to make the images on the PowerBook display and the external monitor the same.

Video Mirroring

Displaying images on a television, VCR, or other device

The following steps must be done with the computer shut down or in sleep.

To connect a television to the computer:

1. With your PowerBook in sleep or shut down, attach one end of a S-video or composite video cable (not included with your computer) to the video-in port on the television.

2. Plug the S-video cable or composite video cable (attached to the composite to S-Video adapter included with your computer) to the TV out port on your computer.


TV out port and icon

3. Turn on the television and then press the Power button to turn on or wake your computer. TV Mirroring should turn on automatically after you wake or start up the computer. When you are finished using the television, shut down or put the computer in sleep and disconnect the cable.