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 on this occasion, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on all of the latest Apple computers.
Mainly because Mini DisplayPort has rather rare presence, probably you cannot use your Mac laptop to deliver a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to a different 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 buy a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because virtually every display, old or new, uses a VGA port. This is especially true if you need to frequently connect your Macbook to a projector to give a presentation. Whereas some new projectors have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, but they all feature a VGA port.
Using 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 a different 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 consider before you purchase one.
1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?
A lot of Mac users may not be sure just what exactly their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?
Well, at this time, there is only a very short list of products that are employing 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 check which port you’ve 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 pictures with the video port on your computer.
2. Supported Video Specifications
A high-quality 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 your Mini DisplayPort adapter will never support any of these 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 standards, has adopted Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a specification, and it will include Mini DisplayPort in the future v1.2 specification.
With the free license, other manufacturers can 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 own personal taste, so use your best judges and choose one that you want, which, for instance, matches your Apple computer’s tone and general style.
Summary
A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter must have the following attributes:
* Matching your computer;
* Support all standard definition and hi-def resolutions;
* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specifications;
* Matching your taste.
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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