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 on this occasion, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on all the latest Apple computers.
Given that Mini DisplayPort has rather rare presence, probably you cannot use your Macbook to deliver 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 the safest to get a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because practically every display, old or new, uses a VGA port. This runs specifically true if you need to frequently hook up your Mac laptop to a projector to deliver a presentation. At the same time some new projectors will have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, however they all contain a VGA port.
Having a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, anyone can easily output video from your favorite Macbook or laptop to just about any display. You could:
* Extend or mirror your own workstation to a new screen;
* Give presentation to the classmates, students or colleagues with your MacBook or laptop;
* Share videos your friends and family on a bigger external screen or TV.
There are some things you should consider before you purchase one.
1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?
A lot of Mac users usually are not sure precisely what 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 products that are utilizing Mini DisplayPort:
* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Macbook, Mac laptop 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 that will work with the above computers and displays.
To make certain 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 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 standard-definition (e . g ., DVD) resolutions.
This is the basics of the basics. If the Mini DisplayPort adapter will not support any of these resolution, it isn’t worth buying at all.
3. Is It Mini DisplayPort v1.1a Compliant?
You will need a v1.1 compliant Mini DisplayPort adapter.
Mini DisplayPort was the Apple’s own specification. However, Apple now licenses the Mini DisplayPort for free. Later in 2009, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort standards, has implemented Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a specification, and it will integrate Mini DisplayPort in the future v1.2 specification.
With the free license, other makers can make inexpensive Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specification ensures your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter will offer the best compatibility.
4. Appearances
This is more or less of your own taste, so use your very best judges and pick one you want, which, for instance, matches your Apple computer’s color and general looks.
Summary
A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter really should have these attributes:
* Matching your computer;
* Support all standard definition and hi-def resolutions;
* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specs;
* Matching your preferences.
When you have checked all these features when deciding which Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to get, you should be in good shape.