Ermes Computer

Purchasing the Best Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter

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 now, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on the latest Apple computers.

Considering that Mini DisplayPort has rather unusual presence, it is likely you cannot use your Mac laptop to give a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to a different display, or perhaps share your photos to your family or friends on a bigger screen.

Although there are a few types of Mini DisplayPort adapter, it’s the safest to have a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because basically every display, old or new, features a VGA port. This is especially true if you need to frequently hook up your Macbook to a projector to deliver a presentation. At the same time some new projectors have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, but they all make use of a VGA port.

Using Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, now you can easily output video from your favorite Macbook or laptop to almost any display. You’re able to:

* Extend or mirror your own workstation to a new screen;

* Give presentation to your favorite classmates, students or colleagues with your own MacBook or laptop;

* Share videos your friends on a bigger external screen or TV.

Here are a few things you should consider before you decide one.

1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?

Many Mac users usually aren’t sure precisely what their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?

Well, now, there is only a very short list of products that are using Mini DisplayPort:

* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Mac laptop, Macbook 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 make sure which port you’ve 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 quality 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 a Mini DisplayPort adapter does not support these resolution, it is not worth buying at all.

3. Is It Mini DisplayPort v1.1a Compliant?

You will 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 free-of-charge. Later in 2009, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort standards, has adopted Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a specification, and it will have Mini DisplayPort in the upcoming v1.2 specification.

With the free license, other manufacturers can then make affordable 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 choose one you want, which, for instance, matches your Apple computer’s design and general appearance.

Summary

A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter must have the following qualities:

* Matching your computer;

* Support all standard definition and high-definition resolutions;

* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specs;

* Matching your taste.

When you have checked all these features when deciding which Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to get, you should be in good shape.