Connecting MacBook Pro to external monitor

I want to connect my late 2011 MacBook Pro (Thunderbolt port) running OS X Ver 10.9.1 to an external monitor. Am considering the HP ZR2740W 27 in LED IPS monitor. Any issues or experience in community to do this? Will I need a special cable? Any other monitors to consider/recommend?

Note that the Thunderbolt port functions as a Mini DisplayPort. This is important because you probably won't find any non-Apple monitors that list a Thunderbolt port, but many now list a Mini DisplayPort. On those monitors all you need is a Mini DisplayPort cable.
If you choose the Nixeus display, the one I'm looking at lists DisplayPort, Dual-Link DVI, HDMI, and VGA. That means you won't be able to use a straight Mini DisplayPort cable with it and your Mac. You'll need a cable with Mini DisplayPort at one end, and a plug on the other end that matches one of the ports on the display. For best performance and highest resolution support, you should use a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable.
Also, although some monitors may use "the same panel" as the Apple displays, keep in mind that Apple tends to take only the cream of the crop of that run of IPS panels, which is why they charge more. Other panels from the same lot, which have been rejected by Apple, end up in the budget IPS displays like the ones from Monoprice. These are still great panels, near the top of the lot, but just not quite good enough for Apple. They may be slightly off in terms of brightness uniformity or dead pixels, but if you're not like a pro photographer or something the budget monitor should be more than good enough.

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I have a mid year 2010 17" MBP and needed to do the same thing.
I got a mini-DVI port adaptor to HDMI, and connected it to my stereo - so I could watch on big flat screen TV and hear 5.1 sound via surround speakers, works great. I down load missed episodes of castle and stuff and watch them all in HD. (Via ITUNES).
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(even thought the packaging said they carried sound, the cable in fact was not recognized by the sound drivers, so no sound through Mac X (Snow Leopard). I got the second cable form Moshi, and it worked instantly.
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Hi,
I recently purchased a new MacBook Pro with Retina display. I plugged in an external monitor for the first time today and noticed that the screen looked blurry. I have seen on other forums that its a font smoothing issue but I ran that command in the terminal with no sucess. In my case its just not the font that is blurry, everything is blurry. I believe the problem is stemming from OS X detecting my external monitor as a television. Is there anything I can do to fix the issue or am I stuck waiting for Apple to update their video drivers. As a developer I like having as much screen space as possible but reading text on the secondary monitor is giving me a headache its so blurry.
My external monitor is a 24 inch Samsung with a max resolution of 1920x1080. I am connecting it via the Apple mini display port to DVI adapter.

It was set to 1080p, 1920x1080 did not show up as an option (even when holding the option key). 1080p should be equivlant. As as experiment I grabbed another monitor that was not being used. It is a 22 inch LG with a maximum display of 1920x1080, and its currently set to 1920x1080. The issue is a little different, was not detected as a TV this time, but the screen still looks blurry. There may be some improvement but not much.

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The graphics card in the MBP supports resolutions far greater than that of the internal display, so any modern monitor will work fine - up to and including Apple's excellent (but pricey) Thunderbolt display and Cinema display.
The MBP will detect the external display and set the image to the correct resolution automatically, or you can choose the resolution in System Preferences -> Displays, so you don't need to worry about a black border.
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Just got a new macbook pro retina and got it home. After getting everything transferred over from my old toshiba I connected it to my 1 month old HP external monitor and the display is blurry. I have read on many sites that this is a common problem however I can not find a solution. I am hook up from HDMI to HDMI. O don't really want to go through trial and error of different adapter for the lightning port if that will not work. I have tried different HDMI cables to no success. Any Ideas?

Hi AO1 James,
If I understand correctly, the external monitor was blurry from the moment you plugged it into your MacBook Pro with Retina display. I would first check the resolution settings for the monitor with the "How do I select additional resolutions on my display?" section of the following article:
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
If it remains blurry after selecting your monitors optimal resolution, I would use the steps under the "Reset the system" section of the article to help troubleshoot the issue.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
All the best,
Sterling

Macbook Pro and external monitor sleep issues.

I recently upgraded to a new 13 inch MacBook Pro to replace my previous one. With the upgrade, I'm now on the latest OS and I have a Thunderbolt instead of Mini-displayport output. I have a Dell U2410 monitor which has worked great up until now, but I now have the following behavior:
When the laptop sleeps (or puts the display to sleep) the monitor begins to turn on and off. It goes to powersave mode and immediately wakes up, realizes there's no signal, and goes back to powersave mode, etc etc etc.
When I wake the computer up from sleep, the monitor's behavior stays the same. The laptop never detects the display and begins sending a signal.
If I unplug and replug the adapter, all is well.
There seem to be two separate issues: whatever signal the computer continues to send down the display cable after sleep seems to confuse my monitor, secondly, the computer never again sends a real video signal down the line after it wakes up.
I'm on the latest 10.8.3. My adapter is the same adapter I have been using for years, an apple mini-display port to DVI adapter. Supposedly this adapter is still compatible with the Thunderbolt port.
I've seen lots of issues online about wake up issues with the latest OS. Is there a workaround for this yet or do I have to uplug my monitor anytime I sleep the computer?

Hi Steve,
I have had the exact same issues after adding a WD Thunderbolt Duo external drive to a Mid 2011 iMac and then daisy chaining the Dell U2410 monitor off that.
My Mini DP to DVI cable ceased working properly - sleeps issues.
After buying one of these adapters of Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-in-1-Mini-Displayport-to-HDMI-with-audio-DVI-DP-ada pter-3in1-convertor-Macbook-/110861703462?pt=US_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item1 9cfdf5926
I then tried all the different cables that came originally with the Dell U2410 with that adapter, and none of then would put the U2410 to sleep properly. The backlight would stay on, or "No Displayport Cable" would float around the Dell display with the backlighting still on. Or otherwise the Dell would try to go to sleep and then wake up again and cycle like you found.
Apples Mini DP to VGA adapter was sleep successful with the VGA cable (Analogue) but the output picture was not as sharp as DVI or Displayport, plus there was RF interference with the cable.
After lots of internet searching I have found a near perfect solution:
A HDMI to DVI cable with the HDMI end connected to the Ebay 3 in 1 adapter, which then connects to the Thunderbolt port.
Connect this to DVI-D 1 on the Dell U2410.
On the Dell in Menu - Other Settings, disable DDC/CI
Now in OSX Settings - energy Saver you will have to tick:
"Put Hard Disks to sleep where possible" and select a short time frame for "Computer Sleep"
I have found that the display would go black but the backlighting on the Dell U2410 would stay on, when the display went to sleep on the Mac as per the Energy Saver "Display Sleep" setting.
The backlighting on the Dell would only turn off when the time for 'Computer Sleep" has elapsed and the external Thunderbolt hard disk went to sleep as well.
The Dell U2410 would then wake up correctly as well when my iMac woke, with this setup.
Cheapest solution for you would be to try an Apple or Ebay HDMI to DVI adapter and then use the DVI - DVI cable that came with the Dell.
If that fails get the 3 in one Adapter and use my Mini DP/Thunderbolt to Ebay Adapter to DVI-DVI cable setup.
I'm assuming your new Macbook Pro comes with the HDMI port ?
I believe the Sleep Issues with this monitor are all related to appropriate signal on the cable, and only the HDMI to DVI solution will work correctly on Mac's connected to the Dell U2410.
Good Luck. :-)

Connecting MacBook Pro to external display

Hi,
I have an external display which has dvi & displayport outputs. I currently connect it to my desktop using the displayport however my MacBook Pro (late 13) only has the thunderbolt / mini displayport & HDMI. Bearing in mind that my monitor is 2560 x 1440, what would be the best way to connect my MacBook to it?
Thanks in advance,
-James

It sounds like you're already using the best way. The Thunderbolt port is also a Mini DisplayPort, so you're connecting it DisplayPort to DisplayPort. The reason that is the best way is most other cables, including HDMI in my experience, will not reach the 2560x1440 resolution. (HDMI will probably drive that monitor at 1080p, or only 1920x1080.)
If DVI were to be used, it would have to be the expensive Dual-Link DVI because regular old Single Link DVI isn't capable of 2560x1440. It's a good thing the MacBook has Mini DisplayPort on it instead of DVI (like the older Apple laptops did) because DisplayPort cables are far cheaper than Dual-Link DVI adapters.
You can't do better than the connection you're already using.

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Hello all,
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First off, whenever I plug the adapter to the end of the monitor's cord it immediately goes to sleep mode without even being connected to my MBP. Nothing seems to awaken it and all it will display when I press buttons on the monitor is "In Power Save Mode, Press and Key on Keyboard or Move Mouse".
Secondly, when I do connect it to my MBP, my laptop flashes blue as if connecting and then nothing happens. Also when I go to displays, it does not detect the external monitor at all. I clicked 'detect displays' multiple times and it will not recognize that the monitor is plugged in.
I have tried multiple methods from forums of unplugging, restarting and resetting PRAM. Nothing has changed.
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MacBook Pro
Mac OS X
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4 GB 1333MHz DDR3
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Searching on Amazon, I find the monitor has HDMI. a Mini-Displayport to HDMI adapter from the Apple Store is a much better choice than any VGA adapter. Also your machine will support audio over HDMI if there is audio on the monitor. If not, that's immaterial for that monitor:
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-E228WFP-Widescreen-1680x1050-resolution/dp/B001BKR5D8
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Hi Wizard0705,
If you have questions about connecting an external display to your MacBook Pro, you may find the following article helpful:
Apple Support: How to use multiple displays with your Mac
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5019
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I have a an Apple 20 inch monitor connected to a MacBook Pro. I want to add another DVI or Non DVI monitor so I can put photoshop palettes etc on a separate monitor. The way my desk is configured the MacBook Pro is used with the top closed.
Can this be done??? Somehow?
Mac OS X (10.3.8)

Sorry, you can't use dual external displays with the Macbook Pro (or any Macintosh portable, to the best of my knowledge, with the possible exclusion of the 1990s Powerbook Duo series of machines).
The "dual link" DVI support stated by Apple only indicates that it provides two sync channels to help control a larger monitor (such as the Apple 30" display), not that it supports dual external monitors.
It would certainly be excellent to be able to use dual external monitors, though.
I generally just use the Macbook Pro monitor as my main monitor and an external one to hold my debugging window; if the iCurve isn't for you, you may wish to check out other stands.

MacBook Pro with external monitor and keyboard.

Hello, everyone.
I've tried to find the answer for this question but haven't found a clear answer with my Google search.
My older Powerbook G4 will not allow me to work with an external monitor and keyboard with the screen in a closed position. I am about to purchase a new MacBook Pro and would like to be able to use it at home with a larger monitor and keyboard but with the lid closed and its built-in screen turned off. Can this be done ?
How can a MacBook Pro be used (turned-on) with external monitor and keyboard while the lid is closed and the its screen is off ?
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Joseph

Hi Niel,
I have the same problem with my MacBook and I followed the instructions you posted. My issue is that when the computer wakes up after clicking the buttons on the keyboard it then quickly goes back to sleep. I can't seem to keep it awake when the lid is closed. I've been searching for an answer without any luck. Any idea how to solve this problem?
Thanks!
P.S. After I finished posting this message I figured out my problem. While fiddling with my computer and monitor, I inadvertently disconnected the power. After reconnecting the power, I was able to wake my computer and keep it awake. A note to other people having this issue: the computer must be connected to a power outlet to run in closed mode.
Message was edited by: qwertyphd

17" MacBook Pro with external monitor issues under 10.6.4

I have a 17" MacBook Pro 2.4ghz "connected" to a 23" Apple cinema display. For years now I've been able to just connect and wake from sleep with the MBP closed and start working. Ever since I've upgraded to 10.6.4 I have had problems getting my external monitor to switch on. I've had them both in the my local service centre and had them tested and they're both working fine individually. I though it may have been a power supply or Nvidia problem but they're fine. I can't get my monitor to wake either with the MBP closed or open. The sleep light will be lit but there is nothing on the monitor. I've zapped the PRAM, reset the SMC, run DiskWarrior and repaired permissions. Nothing works. I've even followed Apples guide to using them together under clam mode. Still no joy. So for now I'm stuck without being able to use my monitor which has been tested and is functioning properly. I'm wondering if anyone else has the same issues.

that works, although the laptop isn't really close enough to my other monitor for that to make sense. I'd still like to know why it's acting this way.................... thanks for the feedback, though

Sleeping Macbook Pro with External Monitors: Bluetooh prevents and annoys.

I have a 2007 Macbook Pro.
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Anyone?

Connect Macbook pro to 2 monitors?

Hi
I have a 13'' MacBook Pro (6 months old), with Thunderbolt port.
I want to connect it to 2 external displays, both have VGA / DVI ports.
I want to have my macbook pro display as primary, and each of the 2 external as extended, not cloned.
Can I use the Dual-Link DVI connector to accomplish that?

Try the macbook pro forum.
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro

Very frustrated. Macbook Pro to external monitor questions

Hello all,
Long story short, I have a 13" late 2010 Macbook Pro and have been using my Moshi mini display to hdmi adapter to extend my display to either a television or a monitor. No matter the external display they both support 1080p yet when I plug my mbp into it, it can't scale correctly unless I underscan it. If i don't underscan it I lose half of my dock and the tool bar is invisible.
Underscanning it makes the text fuzzier and less sharp. Does anyone have a solution for this? Is it my adapter?

I had a similar experience with my external monitor - the MBP was in mirror mode and the external monitor's resolution was only as high as my MBP laptop monitor resolution.
The trick is you have to close the lid completely. You will see your TV shut off for a bit, but the catch is you then need a wireless keyboard or mouse to "wake" your computer up while the lid is closed. Only then will you get your full resolution on your TV. Give it a few seconds once you close it, then when having a wireless bluetooth mouse, wake it, and in about 3-5 seconds your TV should turn on.
I should note I'm using the same Mini Display port to HDMI out that you are. It works great, but took a while for me to realize that you have to close the lid on your laptop completely.

Connecting MacBook Pro to external monitor

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