A long shot iMac question

MrsKizdoodle

I have an iMac running 10.4.11 that has developed lots of vertical lines (BOO!)  I have an external monitor that I've hooked up to my iMac with a mini-DVD adapter.  In the preferences I checked to "mirror" the screens so both screens display the same thing.  Now, I want to make my iMac display turn off while the external display is on.  Is this possible?  I've Googled it but haven't found a solution that fits my exact needs.  I guess there is a handy short cut but it only works on 10.5+.  We're not quite ready to get a new computer but these lines are driving be BONKERS!!!

Thanks!!

estherandgeoff2

I'm not sure but can you try to just turn the brightness down all the way? Another one I read was to use CTRL + SHIFT + EJECT but not sure if that works for 10.4.11.

Burgandy05

What year is your iMac?  Mine did the same thing (2006/2007 model) - it eventually started to black screen on me, and I had to trash it (my warranty ran out and it would cost over $800 to fix).  It's a graphics card issue - if you are still under warranty - I would bring it in and they will fix it for you free.    

MrsKizdoodle

estherandgeoff2:

I'm not sure but can you try to just turn the brightness down all the way? Another one I read was to use CTRL + SHIFT + EJECT but not sure if that works for 10.4.11.

It only dims down about half way.  And that shortcut only works on 10.5+.  Phooey!

Thanks though! :-)

I think I might just create a foam core sleeve to cover the screen while I'm using the other screen.  It's silly but the computer still works fine on the inside...it just has a few blemishes.  :-)

MrsKizdoodle

Burgandy05:

What year is your iMac?  Mine did the same thing (2006/2007 model) - it eventually started to black screen on me, and I had to trash it (my warranty ran out and it would cost over $800 to fix).  It's a graphics card issue - if you are still under warranty - I would bring it in and they will fix it for you free.    

It is not still under warranty. I think I got mine in 2005?  The quotes to fix it were ridiculous.  We could get a brand new Mac for the same price!  If we weren't in the middle of a kitchen remodel we would do just that.  If I can make this computer last a little longer that would be great!

DH read that this model had a ton of problems with vertical pixelating and other screen issues.  Awesome.  :-(  I think someone was trying to drum up a class-action lawsuit but we haven't read anything else about that.

 

Burgandy05

I may have a short term work around.

Try reinstalling the OS - Tiger - and not do the OS updates or OS upgrades, it should work ok.  I think the combo of the OS upgrade & OS updates creates the graphics card "issue".  Good Luck! 

mudphudstudent

Do the lines show up on your external? If so, your video card is probably toast.

Can you just turn the brightness down on your imac to the lowest level?