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 all the latest Apple computers.

Mainly because Mini DisplayPort has rather unusual presence, you probably cannot use your Macbook to deliver a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to a different display, or just share your photos to your friends or family on a bigger screen.

Although there are a few types of Mini DisplayPort adapter, it’s probably the safest to have a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because basically every display, old or new, features a VGA port. This runs specifically true if you need to frequently connect your Macbook to a projector to give a presentation. While some new projectors have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, but they all feature a VGA port.

Using a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, you can now easily output video from your favorite Macbook or laptop to just about any display. You can easily:

* Extend or mirror your workstation to a new screen;

* Give presentation to the class mates, students or colleagues with your MacBook or laptop;

* Share videos your friends and family 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?

Quite a few Mac users are usually not sure what exactly their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?

Well, right now, there is only a very short list of items that are utilizing 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 computers and displays.

To verify which port you’ve got, simply Google keywords like “Mini DisplayPort”, “Mini-DVI”, “Micro-DVI”. Since they do have very distinct appearance, you can easily tell by comparing the pictures with the video port on your computer.

2. Supported Video Specifications

A good Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the SD (e . g ., DVD) resolutions.

It is the basics of the basics. If the Mini DisplayPort adapter isn’t going to support any of these 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. The good news is, Apple now licenses the Mini DisplayPort free-of-charge. Later in ‘09, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort standards, has adopted Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a specification, and it will integrate Mini DisplayPort in the coming v1.2 specification.

With the free license, other makers can then make inexpensive Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specs ensures your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter is sure to offer the best compatibility.

4. Appearances

This is more or less of your own taste, so use your very best judges and choose one that you like, which, as an example, matches your Apple computer’s tone and general appearance.

Summary

A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter needs to have the following attributes:

* Matching your computer;

* Support all standard definition and hi-def resolutions;

* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specs;

* Matching your taste.

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

Tags: apple computers, class mates, mac laptop, macbook