Apple loves mini stuff; it used Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI on previous versions of Mac and MacBooks. However, for some reasons it didn’t choose Mini-HDMI this time, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on the latest Apple computers.
Given that Mini DisplayPort has rather uncommon presence, it is likely you cannot use your Macbook to give a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to a different display, and / or share your photos to your family or friends on a bigger screen.
Although there are a few types of Mini DisplayPort adapter, it’s probably the safest to get a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because virtually every display, old or new, includes a VGA port. This is especially true if you need to frequently connect your Macbook to a projector to give a presentation. Whereas some new projectors have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, nevertheless they all employ a VGA port.
Using a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, anyone can easily output video from your favorite Mac laptop or laptop to virtually any display. You are able to:
* Extend or mirror your workstation to a new screen;
* Give presentation to your class mates, students or colleagues with your own MacBook or laptop;
* Share videos your family and friends on a bigger external screen or TV.
There are a few things you should think about before you decide one.
1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?
Quite a few Mac users usually aren’t sure what exactly their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?
Well, at this time, there is only a very short list of products that are employing Mini DisplayPort:
* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Macbook, Mac laptop Air, Macbook Pro 13 inch, 15 inch, and 17 inch;
* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Mac, Mac Pro, Mac Mini, iMac, Xserve;
* Toshiba Satellite Pro S500, Tecra M11, A11 and S11 notebooks;
* AMD Radeon HD 5870 Eyefinity 6 Edition with its 6 Mini DisplayPorts;
* Adapters and cables compatible with the above mentioned computers and displays.
To check which port you have got, simply Google keywords like “Mini DisplayPort”, “Mini-DVI”, “Micro-DVI”. Since each one does have very distinct appearance, you can easily tell by comparing the pictures with the video port on your computer.
2. Supported Video Specifications
An excellent Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the SD (for example, DVD) resolutions.
It is the basics of the basics. If your Mini DisplayPort adapter isn’t going to support these resolution, it isn’t worth buying at all.
3. Is It Mini DisplayPort v1.1a Compliant?
You’ll need a v1.1 compliant Mini DisplayPort adapter.
Mini DisplayPort was the Apple’s own standard. However, Apple now licenses the Mini DisplayPort for free. Later in 2009, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort standards, has adopted Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a standard, and it will incorporate Mini DisplayPort in the upcoming v1.2 specification.
With the free license, other makers can now make inexpensive Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specs makes certain your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter can have the best compatibility.
4. Appearances
This is more or less of your individual taste, so use your very best judges and pick one you want, which, for instance, matches your Apple computer’s colour and general appearance.
Summary
A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter must have the following qualities:
* Matching your computer;
* Support all standard definition and hi-def resolutions;
* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specs;
* Matching your preferences.
If you have checked all these features when deciding which Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to use, you should be in good shape.