Macbook Pro & external monitor - how to get 1920 x 1080?

Unlight · 9 Feb 2012 at 17:05

Hi all,

I just bought an AOC i2353FH, which is 1920 x 1080 native.

I've plugged it in using a mini display port to HDMI adaptor, and it will only let me select either 1080p (which doesn't fill the sides of the screen) or a lower resolution.

Anyone know how to get the MBP to display the monitors native resolution? Its a 2011 revision 13" pro, with the Intel HD Graphics 3000...

UnworthyBean · 9 Feb 2012 at 18:48

Can't really help you here other than 1080p = 1920x1080?

Unlight · 9 Feb 2012 at 19:04

Yeah thats no problem, but the picture doesn't appear to be that sharp on the screen, and there is an approx 1 inch border on each side of the display...

shine · 9 Feb 2012 at 19:25

Are you mirroring your MBP display to the external monitor? If so, you will only get the max resolution of the smallest display on both. Turn off mirroring to use both screens in their native resolutions.

Unlight · 9 Feb 2012 at 19:34

Thanks, turning off the mirroring function sorts it out (although the text isn't that sharp to be honest) - how do I do get all of the workspace onto the main monitor though when I have it hooked up?

startrek2 · 9 Feb 2012 at 19:36

theres a slider scale you move up down i think its called overscan

Unlight · 9 Feb 2012 at 19:39

Its set for no overscan though - sliding the bar up means that the picture on the screen gets any smaller.

Is there a way for me to browse on the main monitor in native resolution, I have no need to use the macbook screen - just want the full picture on the monitor!

startrek2 · 9 Feb 2012 at 20:20

close lid on matchbook

Unlight · 9 Feb 2012 at 21:13

startrek2 said:
close lid on matchbook

Whenever I close the lid, the display cuts off on the monitor too.

FreeStream · 9 Feb 2012 at 21:18

You need to wake the Mac with a USB keyboard or mouse once it falls asleep with the lid shut, that will make the external screen the main (and only) screen.

startrek2 · 9 Feb 2012 at 21:19

beaten to it,, lol yup as above

TRS · 11 Feb 2012 at 12:38

Are you running Lion? This behaviour was changed, now you can shut the macbook and it will switch to just using the main display. Unfortunately this also means that if you open it to use the built in keyboard/trackpad the screen starts up again! Previously if you woke it using USB the built in display would remain off.