4 Things To Consider When choosing A Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
Aug0
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 around, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on the latest Apple computers.
For the reason 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 simply just 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 practically every display, old or new, contains a VGA port. This runs specifically true if you need to frequently hook up your Mac laptop to a projector to deliver a presentation. And some new projectors will have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, however they all use a VGA port.
Getting a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, anyone can easily output video from your favorite Macbook or laptop to every display. You’ll be able to:
* Extend or mirror your own workstation to another screen;
* Give presentation to the classmates, students or colleagues with your own MacBook or laptop;
* Share videos your friends on a bigger external screen or TV.
There are some things you should look at before you buy one.
1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?
Many Mac users are not 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 utilizing Mini DisplayPort:
* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Macbook, 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 mentioned computers and displays.
To make sure which port you 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 photos with the video port on your computer.
2. Supported Video Specifications
A solid Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the standard-definition (e . g ., DVD) resolutions.
It is the basics of the basics. If your Mini DisplayPort adapter doesn’t support such 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 news is, Apple now licenses the Mini DisplayPort for free. Later in ‘09, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort specifications, has adopted Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a standard, and it will feature Mini DisplayPort in the new v1.2 specification.
With the free license, other manufacturers have the ability to make inexpensive Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specification makes sure your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter will offer the best compatibility.
4. Appearances
This is more or less of your personal taste, so use your best judges and choose one you want, which, for instance, matches your Apple computer’s color and general style.
Summary
A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter really should have these features:
* Matching your computer;
* Support all standard definition and high definition resolutions;
* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specifications;
* Matching your taste.
For those who have checked all these features when deciding which Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to use, you should be in good shape.