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 this time around, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on all the latest Apple computers.
Considering Mini DisplayPort has rather uncommon presence, you probably cannot use your Mac laptop to deliver a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to another display, or 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 get a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because just about every display, old or new, uses a VGA port. This runs specifically true if you need to frequently connect your Mac laptop to a projector to give a presentation. While some new projectors have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, however they all feature a VGA port.
Using a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, anyone can easily output video from your favorite Macbook or laptop to any display. You can easily:
* Extend or mirror your workstation to a different screen;
* Give presentation to the classmates, 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 buy one.
1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?
Some Mac users usually are not 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 using Mini DisplayPort:
* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Macbook, 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 mentioned computers and displays.
To be 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
A proper Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the standard-definition (for example, DVD) resolutions.
It is the basics of the basics. If the Mini DisplayPort adapter will not support these resolution, it’s not worth buying at all.
3. Is It Mini DisplayPort v1.1a Compliant?
You want a v1.1 compliant Mini DisplayPort adapter.
Mini DisplayPort was the Apple’s own standard. Thankfully, 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 incorporate Mini DisplayPort in the upcoming v1.2 specification.
With the free license, other manufacturers are able to make inexpensive Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specs makes sure 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 that you want, which, for instance, matches your Apple computer’s design and general style.
Summary
A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter needs to 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.
When you have checked all these features when deciding which Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to purchase, you should be in good shape.