iMac G5: Getting an extended desktop on the iMac G5

Though Apple's specifications indicate that the iMac G5 only supports display mirroring and not extended desktop functionality, MacFixIt reader Howard Stollery found he was able to get an extended desktop with the help of two components:

• A small software patch available from http://macparts.de/ibook that is listed as only supporting iBooks; and
• Part M8639G/A, the US$19 Apple VGA Display Adapter.

Stollery writes:

"Prior to my purchasing the G5 iMac 20" I had looked over the specs, noticed that mirror only was supported, called the Apple Store, and they said that was correct, extended desktop was not possible. Well it is. It's just that the operating system software has disabled this feature for some strange reason. The patch enables a VGA connection.

"Had I known that extended desktop was possible, I would have bought the 17" version, because it is smaller, just as powerful, but 18.5 pounds vs. 25 pounds plus, and thus more luggable. For my purposes, spending roughly half a week at home and half at the cottage, I can lug."

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