can i use a macbook as an htpc?

[thespeakerbox]

Back 3 years ago, everyone would think this is crazy, but how about now. With upgrades in the processor market and laptop graphics, can a macbook render a decent picture on my 50" 720p dlp tv? I plan to use it for surfing the net and word processing.

 

[Chosonman]

maybe.. I used a p4 2.0ghz laptop and it barely rendered 720. I'm sure the Macbook you have is a better computer.

 

[alevasseur14]

Buy the adapter and gift it a whirl. They are only 20 bucks. I think it'll be able to handle the net and word processing just fine.

If nothing else, you'll have the adapter if you ever need to use your MacBook in a presentation or something...

 

[ther00kie16]

The core 2 in the macbook should definitely be enough power, perhaps even for 1080p.

 

[bigsnyder]

If the macbook is like the iBook's, then you can only clone the built in display. Since the macbook is already widescreen, might not be as big a deal as the iBook resolution. However, there is probably a hack to enable two independent display resolutions. All of this could be a moot point, but just my perspective from dealing with iBooks.

 

[TheEarthWillShake]

I can run my Macbook at 1280 x 800, and connect it to my 22 inch monitor which is at 1680 x 1050 together.

 

[alevasseur14]

When I connect my MacBook to my 24 widescreen, I just set the 24 as my main screen and almost close the lid so I can't see the macbook display. It works well enough. It runs 1920x1600.