Buying The Best Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
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 this time, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on the latest Apple computers.
Given that Mini DisplayPort has rather rare presence, you probably cannot use your Macbook to give a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to a different display, and / or share your photos to your family or friends on a bigger screen.
Although there are a few types of Mini DisplayPort adapter, it’s probably the safest to get a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because virtually every display, old or new, includes a VGA port. This runs specifically true if you need to frequently connect your Macbook 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, nevertheless they all include a VGA port.
With a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, now you can easily output video from your favorite Mac laptop or laptop to virtually any display. You’ll be able to:
* Extend or mirror the workstation to an alternative screen;
* Give presentation to your favorite class mates, students or colleagues with your favorite MacBook or laptop;
* Share videos your family and friends on a bigger external screen or TV.
There are several things you should think about before you decide one.
1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?
Many Mac users usually aren’t sure what precisely their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?
Well, at this moment, there is only a very short list of items that are using Mini DisplayPort:
* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Mac laptop, 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 that will work with the above mentioned computers and displays.
To make certain 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 effective Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the SD (for instance, DVD) resolutions.
This is the basics of the basics. If the Mini DisplayPort adapter will never support such resolution, it’s not 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 standard. However, 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 integrate Mini DisplayPort in the new v1.2 specification.
With the free license, other producers can make affordable Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specs ensures your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter can have the best compatibility.
4. Appearances
This is more or less of your own personal taste, so use your best judges and choose one you want, which, as an example, matches your Apple computer’s design and general appearance.
Summary
A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter needs the following features:
* Matching your computer;
* Support all standard definition and hi-def resolutions;
* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specs;
* Matching your tastes.
When you have checked all these features when deciding which Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to get, you should be in good shape.