[ydl-gen] dvi/video out on alubook 1,67 ghz (powerbook 5,6)

[Derick Centeno]

Hi Benoit:

I'm explaining that hacking Xorg will not be as useful as discussing 
with Apple (call that Apple warranty support number -- it is posted on 
Apple's website) that under the warranty you are interested in 
upgrading the VRAM from 64 to 128MG and that you want that dual digital 
video out plug also.  They usually go together anyway.

You don't have to stay within OS X to use the "full power" of your PB.  
YDL is more efficient and faster than OS X; professional studies by 
engineering labs have brought this fact out, especially as Apple was 
blaming the PowerPC for being too slow.  The actual culprit, from the 
engineering study was OS X itself.  What is challenging about YDL, of 
course is that not every user is a programmer, engineer or system 
administrator and the different aspects of Linux -- all of it available 
to any user is like asking someone visiting a modern hospital to 
comprehend how the operating room interfaces with the hospital network 
from an IT perspective.

What is important is understanding computer fundamentals as thoroughly 
as possible, expanding our own understanding a bit each day.  YDL and 
other Linux distributions allow that to happen and although it can be 
frustrating, we ourselves are in control.  Other operating systems such 
as Solaris, OS X, AIX and others require that "they" someone else is in 
control of your machine -- you can change parts of it but not every and 
anything regarding to software.  Let's understand that Apple does many 
things absolutely wonderfully.  However, if one develops enough of a 
background in almost any area of expertise one will eventually want to 
do things one's own way for one's own purpose.
Apple is becoming extremely flexible, but just as with any company the 
perspective and truth reported is none-the-less the Apple Corporate 
view.

This isn't a problem, unless it is a problem which interferes with what 
you want to do or are thinking about doing.

For the sake of clarity let's suppose that your PB did not come with 
Bluetooth technology.  The current version of YDL allows has software 
for Bluetooth.  Is it possible for your PB to use Bluetooth, after you 
acquire YDL?

The answer will be no.

Why?  Because the PB was not designed with the hardware necessary for 
Bluetooth to function.

This is exactly similar to your discussion regarding Xorg and the video 
out ports.  In short, the VRAM capacity is not physically present at 
this time and trying to program Xorg so that it overcame that (with 
brilliant and insightful programming) limitation is not as efficient as 
calling Apple and investigating the possibility of an upgrade of the 
VRAM and video out ports while your PB is still under warranty.

Good luck...

On Jan 14, 2006, at 11:44 AM, Benoit Chesneau wrote:

> As I understand your answer I can't use a second screen without 
> hacking xorg.  Am I right ? Do you have any link about such hack .
>
> I've also a mac mini I could use with my external scxreen (currently 
> under linux) . But the speed under X isn't very good and even with 
> r300 the directe rendering is only about 1000 fps :( . So do you have 
> to stay on macosx to use full power of my powerbook ?
>
> Hope there is some hacks to apply :) ANd my powerbook  is still under 
> warranty but... :)
>
> - Benoît
> On Jan 14, 2006, at 5:34 PM, Derick Centeno wrote:
>
>> Benoit:
>>
>> Of course, you know where the dvi plug is.  I wasn't indicating that 
>> as your difficulty.
>>
>> I had interpreted your question as a misunderstanding.
>>
>> The limitation is with the firmware and the VRAM.  Xorg can interface 
>> no doubt with aspects of whatever is there, however it is unlikely to 
>> be able to overcome what the VRAM limits it to.  As you've got the 
>> same VRAM I have, you are limited to utilizing (for digital video 
>> output) a screen to be no more than a certain size (23 inches).  
>> Although Xorg can be hacked it is much easier to investigate getting 
>> the maximum digital video out you can -- 64MG VRAM is definitely not 
>> it.
>>
>> You may be lucky if you are still under the Apple warranty; you may 
>> still be unlucky in that Apple may choose to stick to your original 
>> "build to order" choice.
>>
>> Best wishes...
>>
>> On Jan 14, 2006, at 4:37 AM, Benoit Chesneau wrote:
>>
>>> I mean with Xorg under linux .... I know where is the dvi out plug ;)
>>>
>>> On Jan 13, 2006, at 5:44 AM, Derick Centeno wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi:
>>>> You may have overlooked the section of the manual which came with 
>>>> your laptop entitled, "Connecting an Apple Flat-Panel Display"; it 
>>>> may best describe your options.
>>>>
>>>> On Jan 11, 2006, at 7:47 PM, Benoit Chesneau wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Hi all,
>>>>>
>>>>> Anyone know if it's now possible to use video/dvi out with this 
>>>>> powerbook (details on bottom)? I man dual head with the apple 
>>>>> ciindema display. Tell me :)
>>>>>
>>>>> - Benoît
>
>
=================
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