How to Pick The Perfect Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
On August 18, 2010 in Computers
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 today, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on the latest Apple computers.
Considering 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 nearly 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 deliver a presentation. While some new projectors do have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, however they all employ a VGA port.
With a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, now you can easily output video from your favorite Mac laptop or laptop to any type of display. You can:
* Extend or mirror your favorite workstation to a new screen;
* Give presentation to your own 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 consider before you purchase one.
1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?
Some 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 the moment, there is only a very short list of products that are utilizing Mini DisplayPort:
* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Mac laptop, 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 compatible with the above computers and displays.
To make sure which port you 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
An excellent Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the SD (for instance, DVD) resolutions.
It is the basics of the basics. If your Mini DisplayPort adapter is not going to support any of 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 specification. Thankfully, 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 incorporate Mini DisplayPort in the upcoming v1.2 specification.
With the free license, other companies can then make affordable Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specification makes certain your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter will surely have 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 want, which, as an example, matches your Apple computer’s design and general looks.
Summary
A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter needs to have the following elements:
* Matching your computer;
* Support all standard definition and HD resolutions;
* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specs;
* Matching your personal taste.
When you have checked all these features when deciding which Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to buy, you should be in good shape.