Apple loves mini stuff; it used Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI on earlier versions of Mac and MacBooks. However, for some reasons it didn’t choose Mini-HDMI this time around, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on all of the latest Apple computers.
For the reason Mini DisplayPort has rather uncommon presence, you probably cannot use your Mac laptop to give a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to another display, or simply share your photos to your friends or family 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 basically every display, old or new, has a VGA port. This is also true if you need to frequently hook up your Macbook to a projector to deliver a presentation. While some new projectors will have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, but they all include a VGA port.
Having a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, you can now easily output video from your favorite Macbook or laptop to any kind of display. You are able to:
* Extend or mirror your own workstation to an alternative screen;
* Give presentation to the classmates, students or colleagues with your favorite MacBook or laptop;
* Share videos your family and friends on a bigger external screen or TV.
There are some things you should think about before you decide one.
1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?
Quite a few Mac users aren’t sure what precisely their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?
Well, currently, there is only a very short list of products that are employing Mini DisplayPort:
* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Mac laptop, Macbook 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 that will work with the above mentioned computers and displays.
To verify 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 photos with the video port on your computer.
2. Supported Video Specifications
A solid Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the SD (for instance, DVD) resolutions.
This is the basics of the basics. If the Mini DisplayPort adapter doesn’t support these resolution, it is not worth buying at all.
3. Is It Mini DisplayPort v1.1a Compliant?
You want a v1.1 compliant Mini DisplayPort adapter.
Mini DisplayPort was the Apple’s own specification. The good thing is, Apple now licenses the Mini DisplayPort free-of-charge. Later in ‘09, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort standards, has implemented Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a standard, and it will include Mini DisplayPort in the coming v1.2 specification.
With the free license, other manufacturers could make affordable Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specification makes sure your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter can offer the best compatibility.
4. Appearances
This is more or less of your individual taste, so use your very best judges and choose one that you like, which, for example, matches your Apple computer’s tone and general style.
Summary
A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter must have these features:
* Matching your computer;
* Support all standard definition and high definition 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 buy, you should be in good shape.