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 now, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on all of the latest Apple computers.
As Mini DisplayPort has rather rare presence, probably you cannot use your Mac laptop to give a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to a different display, or simply just share your photos to your family or friends on a bigger screen.
Although there are a few types of Mini DisplayPort adapter, it’s the safest to have a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because almost every display, old or new, features a VGA port. This is also true if you need to frequently connect your Mac laptop to a projector to give a presentation. At the same time some new projectors will have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, nonetheless they all include a VGA port.
With a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, you can now easily output video from your favorite Mac laptop or laptop to any type of display. You can:
* Extend or mirror your workstation to another screen;
* Give presentation to your class mates, students or colleagues with your MacBook or laptop;
* Share videos your friends on a bigger external screen or TV.
There are some things you should look at before you purchase one.
1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?
Quite a few Mac users may not be sure what exactly their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?
Well, at the moment, there is only a very short list of items that are utilizing Mini DisplayPort:
* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Mac laptop, Macbook Air, Mac laptop 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 verify which port you have got, simply Google keywords like “Mini DisplayPort”, “Mini-DVI”, “Micro-DVI”. Since they actually have very distinct appearance, you can easily tell by comparing the pictures with the video port on your computer.
2. Supported Video Specifications
A favorable Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the SD (for example, DVD) resolutions.
This is the basics of the basics. If a Mini DisplayPort adapter doesn’t support such resolution, it isn’t worth buying at all.
3. Is It Mini DisplayPort v1.1a Compliant?
You need 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 for free. Later in 2009, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort specifications, has adopted Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a specification, and it will incorporate Mini DisplayPort in the new v1.2 specification.
With the free license, other firms can then make affordable Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specs ensures 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 best judges and pick one you want, which, for instance, matches your Apple computer’s tone and general appearance.
Summary
A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter must have these elements:
* Matching your computer;
* Support all standard definition and high definition resolutions;
* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specifications;
* 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.
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