Apple loves mini stuff; it used Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI on older versions of Mac and MacBooks. However, for some reasons it didn’t choose Mini-HDMI today, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on the latest Apple computers.
Considering that Mini DisplayPort has rather unusual presence, you probably cannot use your Mac laptop to deliver a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to a different display, or perhaps share your photos to your friends or family on a bigger screen.
Although there are a few types of Mini DisplayPort adapter, it’s possibly the safest to have a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because almost every display, old or new, contains a VGA port. This is also true if you need to frequently hook up your Mac laptop to a projector to give a presentation. While some new projectors do have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, nevertheless they all have a VGA port.
Using Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, you can now easily output video from your favorite Macbook or laptop to almost any display. You could:
* Extend or mirror your favorite workstation to another screen;
* Give presentation to your own class mates, students or colleagues with your own MacBook or laptop;
* Share videos your family and friends on a bigger external screen or TV.
Here are a few things you should think about before you purchase one.
1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?
A lot of Mac users are usually not sure what precisely their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?
Well, at this moment, there is only a very short list of products that are using Mini DisplayPort:
* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Mac laptop, 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 computers and displays.
To be sure which port you have, simply Google keywords like “Mini DisplayPort”, “Mini-DVI”, “Micro-DVI”. Since they actually do have very distinct appearance, you can easily tell by comparing the photos with the video port on your computer.
2. Supported Video Specifications
A good Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the standard-definition (for instance, DVD) resolutions.
It is the basics of the basics. If your Mini DisplayPort adapter won’t support such resolution, it’s not 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. Fortunately, Apple now licenses the Mini DisplayPort free-of-charge. Later in 2009, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort specifications, has adopted Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a specification, and it will feature Mini DisplayPort in the upcoming v1.2 specification.
With the free license, other producers could make affordable Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specification makes sure your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter is sure to offer the best compatibility.
4. Appearances
This is more or less of your individual taste, so use your very best judges and choose one you want, which, for instance, matches your Apple computer’s design and general appearance.
Summary
A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter needs these features:
* Matching your computer;
* Support all standard definition and HD 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 get, you should be in good shape.