Preferred adapter for VGA? Mini DisplayPort to VGA or Mini-DVI to VGA?

Which is the preferred adapter for connecting a VGA-only LCD display to the new Mac mini?
The official Mac mini accessories page <http://www.apple.com/macmini/accessories.html> prominently features the Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter.
However, the Tech Specs knowledge base article <http://support.apple.com/kb/SP505> suggests the Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter.
I'm sure Mac OS X will work fine with either. But is one more likely to work better with Windows XP using Boot Camp?

I've come up with my own answer to my earlier question...
It's the Mini-DVI to VGA adapter.
I ended up trying both adapters, and got the results I described here: [http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9255959].
Besides the simple fact that the Mini-DVI to VGA adapter is the only adapter that fully worked for me, it's also cheaper.
Also, from a mechanical point of view, the nuts to secure a VGA cable to the DisplayPort version of the adapter are recessed into the end of the connector housing. This prevented my VGA cable from being able to be properly secured to the adapter--although this might be a defect with my cable!

Similar Messages

Mini DVI to VGA incorrectly shipped with MBP instead of DVI to VGA

Has anyone else had a mini DVI to VGA adapter shipped with their macbook pro (2008) instead of a DVI to VGA adapter? I just needed to use it today and was told at the apple store that I had an adapter included with the computer. I went home to check and the adapter that was with the computer was a mini DVI to VGA adapter and the computer has a regular DVI output. I understand that later in 2008 the mac book pros were made with the mini DVI so I am thinking that there may have been a packaging error.......unusual for Apple???

Hi Tingrin,
Most likely an error when the machine was packaged for distribution. The MacBook Pro has never shipped with Mini DVI, it was a dual link DVI port until they went to Mini DisplayPort. The MacBook, however featured the Mini DVI.
I know Apple has ceased to ship the adapters with the MacBook Pro, to my knowledge they did around the time of the mid/late 2008 machines. I know with the first couple of generations (MBP) you actually got both a DVI and VGA adapter.
I'd contact Apple, inform of the discrepancy and I'm sure they'll make it right.

USB Power Adapter for use on both iPod Touch and Mini?

Will the Apple USB Power Adapter that charges the iPod Touch also charge my iPod Mini? The Mini is not listed specifically in the compatibility chart. 1st and 2nd generation iPods are listed as compatible. Would the Mini be considered one of these? Just wanted to check before ordering the charger.

It's fine. Any adapter that is 5.0 or 5.1V DC at 0.5 to 2A (500 to 2000ma) will work.

Why does thunderbolt/mini displayport to active Dual Link DVI apdater not work on Osx Lion 10.3

Hi I am using a Korean IPS display PCBANK 27 Inch on my Macbook Pro Late 2011 with OSX Lion 10.3
I am currently using a Official Apple Displayport/Thunderbolt -> Dual Link DVI D Adapter.
When I use a windows 7 boot cd it powers up the monitor and it displays. When I use a Linux Live CD it boots the monitor up and displays at full resolution.
When I use Osx Lion 10.3 it does not even detect the display at all which quite odd.
Can anyone help me trouble shoot.
I went to options and screen settings and tried detect display it comes up with nothing :S I am thinking it has to do with APPLES ATI drivers? perhaps? I have a 6750 HD.
Anyone ?

Above mentioned graphics card can only go as high as 2048 x 1536 where the 27" Cinema Display does 2560x1440 by native. Atlona's AT-DP400 will only pass the given resolution through the display and won't be able to reach to the maximum supported resolution and 1280x720 will become the next available/supported resolution by the monitor. Atlona makes another model of signal converter which also scales to the native resolution (2560x1440), Model#AT-HD620 which will work the best for your setup.

Mini DisplayPort to DVI to VGA doesn't work (why?!)

I purchased a Mini DisplayPort to DVI adaptor from eBay. It works just fine when connected to a DVI cable to a monitor, but there's no signal when I put a DVI to VGA adapter in-between to connect it to a VGA only display. I was hoping to use a single Mini DisplayPort cable to handle both DVI and VGA connections - am I missing something here?
Here's an image of the connection path: http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/313/photors.jpg
Thanks

Someone on Twitter mentioned the Mini DisplayPort to DVI output is DVI-D only, which means the VGA adapter wouldn't receive an analogue signal to convert to VGA.
Exactly correct. When you plug a DVI adaptor into mDP the port only sends out the digital signal. Likewise, when you plug a VGA adaptor into mDP the port sends only the analog signal. So using two adaptors in tandem is not possible. You need a separate adaptor for DVI and for VGA, unfortunately.
--Travis

Replacement for dvi to vga adapter for late 2008 17"Macbook pro

Hello,
I have a 17" inch late 2008 mack pro. The apple dvi to vga adapter cable is not working anymore. I can seem to find a replacement for it. I have tried the generic dvi to vga adapter (image attached). This does not work. Please advise

Hello mshameel,
It may help to reset your system's SMC and NVRAM.
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
About NVRAM and PRAM
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
Cheers,
Allen

HT3921 is mini display port to VGA different from mini dvi to VGA

What is the connector you need to buy to connect Macbook 13 inch(late 2009) to a LCD projector and LCD-HD Television.

The Late 2008 model 5,1 Aluminum Unibody and the Late 2009 model 6,1 and Mid 2010 model 7,1 White Unibody have a Mini DisplayPort. The Early 2006 model 1,1 through Early 2008 model 4,1s plus the Early and Mid 2009 model 5,2s have Mini-DVI ports.
To be sure which model you have go to the Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac, then click on More Info (and then System Report if you’re running 10.7 Lion). When System Profiler comes up check the Model Identifier and post it back here.
If you do have the model 6,1 it will depend on what input plug you'll be using on your TV. VGA, DVI or HDMI. You'll need a Mini DisplayPort adapter and a cable from that to your TV. Here's the various types of Mini DisplayPort adapters on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=min i-dvi&x=9&y=13#/ref=nb_sb_ss_sc_2_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mini+ displayport&sprefix=mini+displayport&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amini+displayport
If you connect the MacBook using a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter you will probably need to use external speakers or a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack to RCA sound plugs connected to a stereo sound system if your TV doesn't have separate RCA input plugs or a 3.5mm stereo input plug for audio with the HDMI plug. The Mini DisplayPort to HDMI doesn't carry audio unless you have the Mid 2010 model 7,1 and there're no audio plugs on most TVs to work with HDMI since it's expecting audio with the HDMI.
If you have the Late 2009 model 6,1 White Unibody with the Mini DisplayPort rather than the Mini-DVI there is an adapter that can combine video and audio to HDMI.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042802 &p_id=5969&seq=1&format=2

Can i connect a "Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter" to my macbook pro and t.v without having to buy the hdmi adapter?

I have a macbook pro 13 inch running on mavericks 10.9.2 and i was wondering if i could just use the "Mini Display Port to HDMI Adapter" and connect it directly from my computer to my t.v? because i see a lot of people on youtube connecting the "hdmi adapter" to the computer first, then connecting a regular HDMI cord to the adapter, then lastly to the t.v........ Does it make a difference whether or not I connect a "HDMI Display Port" directly from the computer to the t.v without using a adapter to connect with a regular hdmi cord??? what is the adapter really for anyways???

eric199398,
without knowing precisely which computers the people on YouTube are using, it’s hard to say whether they’re taking unnecessary steps or not. You should be able to connect the Mini DisplayPort side of a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter to your Thunderbolt port, and connect the HDMI side of the adapter to your TV’s HDMI port.

Mac mini - Mini-DVI to DVI to VGA?

My Mac mini just arrived today, and I'm rather chomping at the bit to get working with it (it's my first Mac). First, some background - I'm currently at work and am attempting to hook it up to a VGA monitor. Since I wasn't planning on really using it with a VGA monitor at home, I didn't bother buying a Mini-DVI to VGA adapter - instead I was planning on using an existing DVI to VGA adapter I had from one of my previous graphic card purchases. However, once I saw that the Mac mini comes with a Mini-DVI to DVI-D adapter (was expecting DVI-I) I went out and picked up a Mini-DVI to DVI-I adapter at lunch (made by Dynex), since that would suffice both at home and work.
However, now that I'm back in the office it's not working - the monitor, a Compaq 7550 CRT, can tell that something is plugged in as I'm not getting a "no signal" error, but I don't get anything on the screen. I'm currently doing Mac Mini > Mini-DVI > DVI-D > VGA, with the VGA going into the monitor. I hear the Mac boot but nothing ever appears on screen. Is this simply a case of one too many connectors? In hindsight I probably should have just gotten the Mini-DVI to VGA cable (I didn't since I wasn't sure how much I'd bring the mini into work), but I didn't see a reason that this wouldn't work.
Any feedback is appreciated.

Reports on other sites indicate that the Dynex adapter, although looks like it is transmitting DVI-I, is actually dropping the non-analog pins in which case it won't work with a DVI to VGA adapter. Your best bet is almost certainly going to be getting a true mini-DVI to VGA adapter.
Regards.

Mini displayport doesn't work any more

My Mini Displayport doesn't work any more with VGA, DVi, just with the Apple Cinema Display. It started one week ago, I've tried many different monitors, but it seems to be that it only works with the Apple Cinema Display, Thunderbolt Ethernet Adapter is also accepted but nothing else. PRAM, SMC, booting from an Harddisk with Mavericks (I'm on 10.10.2), Safe Mode, nothing works. I have a Macbook Air, 11 " from Mid 2013, no warranty any more. Today I was at Bense, a german reseller (thank you guys for your effort), they did the same tests and some more, but also found nothing. Is there anyone with the same problems and a solution for it?
Cheers
Ayhan

Does it work on the other command key? I typically use the one to the left of the space bar, and at one point of time, it stopped working. but then i started to use the command key to the right of the keyboard which worked. but, then i started using the one that wasn't working, and just clicking slowly rather than quickly, and now it seems to work again. Don't know why . . . but that is what happened for me.

MBP CD2 DVI to VGA not working with projector

I am having issues getting the MBP to recognize a DELL 2300 projector through a DVI to VGA apple cable.
A few months ago there were posts about this, but no solutions. The problem seems to be with the 'INTEL' side of things, as the same projector with the same DVI to VGA apple cable works on an older G4 tower running 10.4.9. The projector also works on an old G4 iBook with it's version of a VGA adapter. To make things more confusing, a DVI to Video apple cable works with the DELL 2300 on my new MBP C2D-but produces a terrible quality picture. Mysteriously, my previous 1st generation MBP CD worked with the DELL 2300 via a DVI to VGA apple cable (but I'm not sure which OS was out at the time 10.4.8?)
My new MBP CD2 definately recognizes the projector through the DVI to VGA adapter, but the projector doesn't recognize the video signal from the computer. It is DEFINATELY the MBP (or universal drivers), as I have checked the DVI to VGA dongle (works), have checked the projector (works with an ibook running 10.4.8 OSX with VGA dongle), have changed resolution settings before and after connecting, have restarted computer, have tested various orders of connecting the projector and cables. STINK! (I also have TWO DVI to VGA adapters, so it is not a bad adapter). I have also played with exchanging various plist files from older universal versions of 10.4.8 that worked with the projector-no help.
As I stated, the projector will work (in horrible quality) with a DVI to Video dongle. Why it will not work with the DVI to VGA dongle is a mystery and annoying I would hope that a newer MBP CD2 would be plug and play (like my previous MBP CD and an old G4 tower and an old iBook G4...but no).
Any ideas, any help, any answers?

Here are the actors in our play today
1. MacBookPro A. (my system a CD2 2.16 with OSX 10.4.9)
2. MacBookPro B. (my friends system a CD2 2.16 with OSX 10.4.9)
3. an iBook (my friends 1.07 GHz G4 with 10.4.8 and a VGA adapter)
4. DELL 2300 MP projector
Plugged in DVI to VGA adapter to the virgin MacBookPro B (never had the projector plugged into it before) Dell projector shows that it recognizes an analog RGB 800X600 signal from MBP B. It projects a beautiful desktop. All is well for a moment.
In Display preferences we see for the MBP B
Color LCD, Display: 800X600 stretched, Colors: Millions, Refresh Rate: N/A
VGA Display
Now, I unplug the DVI to VGA adapter and naturally MBP B readjusts to it's native resolution. Great.
Now I immediately plug back in the DVI to VGA adapter. The computer and the projector searches for signal with none found, while the computer shows no attempt at an automatic readjustment as above (800X600 stretched).
I try the 'detect display' option. It causes computer to stall for a second (as it searches) but it does not detect projector and does not readjust it's own resolution to 800X600 stretched as it did initially. F7 key does nothing.
This is a problem!
So, I shut down the projector. I unplug the projector's power source and waited 20 seconds. plugged it back in, started projector back up.
I shut down/restarted the MBP B.
I plug back in the DVI to VGA adapter into the MBP B. The MBP B screen flashes to all blue, but does not automatically change to 800X600 stretched (remains at native resolution and does not recognize an external monitor/projector)
Enter the iBook!
I plug the iBook's VGA adapter into the projector. The projector shows that it recognizes an analog RGB 1024X768 60Hz signal and projects desktop screen immediately. Plug and play!
iBook display prefs reveal:
Color LCD, 1024X768, colors: Millions, Refresh rate: N/A
Color tab: Generic RGB Profile
VGA display, 1024X768, colors: Millions,
Now. I unplug adapter from iBook, iBook readjusts to native display
plugged back in adapter to iBook, immediately recognizes and displays projected desktop.
Scene 2: The FREAKY thing!
Now, I immediately (after unplugging the adapter from the iBook) change adapters to the DVI to VGA adapter and plug the projector into the MacBookPro B, whallla! Back in business. (computer screen adjusted to 800X600, and projector recognized signal).
Now, what about my computer? I unplug from MBP B and plug into MacBookPro A, and NOTHING...the computer doesn't automatically adjust to a new resolution, and the projector doesn't recognize any signal from the computer.
Ahhhh Freak out! Now, I plugged adapter back into MacBookPro B, and now back to NOTHING. MBP B no longer recognizes projector or readjusts it's resolution. Was something somehow corrupted?
Now, I plugged iBook VGA adapter back in, and iBook once again with it's awesome G4 technology (or dated video drivers or something) recognizes the projector in an instant and projects the screen.
Now, logically I try again to immediately unplug the adapter from the iBook and switch adapters and plug back into MacBookPro B-it worked once right? But, sorry, NOT twice. The mystery deepens.
Well, I think, maybe it is because I didn't restart MacBookPro B before attempting the switcharoo from iBook to MacBookPro.
So, I plug back into iBook-projector. And the iBook works immediately again.
I restart MacBookPro B and plug in to the freshly restarted MBP B...HOUSTON WE HAVE LIFT OFF! The MacBookPro B recognizes the projector and the projector kindly displays the desktop.
Now what about MacBookPro A...Last time, when I did the switcharoo, it corrupted something to cause the MBP B not to work. Let's try it again. Will this plug-unplug-restart-switch adapters-immediatly plug in technique work...let's see. I restart MBP A, and plug DVI to VGA adapter in. Sorry. Same ol' no signals recognized. MacBookPro A not auto readjusting resolution, and does not list any projector in display prefs.
Let's get crazy and immediately plug the adapter into the MacBookPro B...it works-oh so logical...NOT! Why wasn't it corrupted this time by MBP A? MacBookPro B readjusts its screen to 800X600 stretched and projector immediately recognizes and projects desktop.
Now lets see if I can break it again as before. I unplug it from MacBookPro B and back into MacBook Pro B, knowing that this caused it to stop working previously. And...it still works-WHAT? I do it a third time. It still works on MacBookPro B.
So,
I plug it back into MacBookPro A...still nothing. Back to MacbookPro B works like a charm. This time it struggles a bit showing that initially it sees a signal from MacBookPro B of 1192X900 (i Think), then the MacBookPro B switches automatically to 800X600 and the projector works.
Wait..I see something amiss! I see in my MBP A menu bar an icon for Labtick which MBP B does not have. I shut down Labtick, plug back in the DVI to VGA adapter and 'Boom' the projector is recognized.
I unplug DVI to VGA adapter and plug back in to MBP A and 'Boom' the projector is recognized again...no it couldn't be!
Well, it is possible it couldn't be because, I shut down the projector, unplug it's power source, plug it back in. I plug it back into the recently working MBP A with Labtick not running, and sorry folks, now the projector doesn't work again. The MBP A does not readjust it's resolution, nor recognize a projector and the projector doesn't recognize the MBP A.
Let's try the projector in MBP B....same deal. Now it doesn't work. Same symptoms of MBP A.
Back to the good ol' iBook. Of course it works.
Now switching over directly to a restarted MBP B. -DOESN'T WORK (as it did using this technique previously)
Now switching over to MBP A- DOESN'T WORK.
As you can see, it is hard even with multiple computers to find a series of doing things that consistently makes the projector work.
Any thoughts, ideas, ways to diagnose? Thanks!

KVM switch one Cinema hd display (dvi) with macpro (dvi) and macbook pro (mini displayport)

I want to use a KVM switch to share one display with two computers.
Computer one is: MacPro 1,1 dual core 2.66 Ghz with two DVI ports.
Computer two is: MacBook Pro 4 core 2.66 GHz with one Mini Displayport.
Display is: Cinema HD Display with DVI connector.
To do that KVM switches only use (at least that is waht I found) one system either DVI or Mini Displayports
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=3113
DVI --> KVM SWITCH<-- DVI
                     V
               DVI (monitor)
http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-2x1-Mini-DisplayPort-KVM-Switch.html
Mini Displayport (Macpro) --> KVM SWITCH <-- Mini Displayport (Macbookpro)
                                                         V
                                                 DVI (monitor)
However what I want is:
DVI (Macpro) --> KVM SWITHCH<-- Mini Displayport (Macbookpro)
                                       V
                              DVI(monitor)
I couldn't find an existing KVM switcher that does this.
Then there is the following solution
DVI (Macpro) --> KVM SWITCH <-- ADAPTER (Mini Displayport to DVI) <-- Mini Displayport (Macbookpro)
                                    V
                            DVI(monitor)
The question is: Will this work?
I've been told that adapter behind adapter never works. Hope someone can help with this before spending money on nothing.
Thanx David

Maybe you're right just try and see if I can return the stuff if it's not working.
I won't be using a higher resolution then 1920 x 1200 however I still would buy the adapter
Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB571Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA3Ng
for connecting macbookpro to KVM DVI switch.
However if there's still someone with experiencing the exact same thing I would be much obliged.

Can i get an adapter for macbook to make hdmi port?

can i get an adapter for macbook to make hdmi port?

Yes, but the one you need depends on the specific MacBook you have.
Earlier MacBooks use a Mini-DVI and later ones use a Mini DisplayPort for their video output. To find out which MacBook you have, go to the  (Apple menu) and choose About This Mac. Click More Info... and in the System Profiler window that opens, choose Hardware. Your Model Identifier will be shown.
For MacBook1,1 though MacBook4,1 choose a Mini-DVI to HDMI Adapter
For MacBook5,1 and later choose a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter
Either one is commonly available for less than $10.

Is the mini displayport high definition?

I have a Mac Pro with Ati Radeon HD 5770 and just got the Apple 27" Cinema Display and one thing I can't find the answer to is - is the mini display port serving the high definition?

Yes. The 27" Thunderbolt display won't work with Mini DisplayPort but the 27" Mini DisplayPort version will.
<http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC007LL/A/apple-led-cinema-display-(27%22-flat -panel)>
"It’s also compatible with Mac desktop computers that have a Mini DisplayPort — Mac Pro, Mac mini, and iMac."

Using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter to connect Macbook Pro (2009) for a presentation via projector.

When I connect my Macbook Pro (2009 model) using a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to display a presentation via projector, only the top-left portion of what is displayed on my Macbook Pro's screen is displayed on the projector, as though I zoomed in on that portion of my screen. The projector is on and the adapter and the cable that connects the adapter to the projector machine is correctly connected. Any suggestions on how to fix this problem?

Hi glraczon.support,
It sounds like the external display you are using (projector) operates at a smaller resolution than your MacBook Pro. You may want to configure the display preferences in System Preferences for the external projector.
Here is an article that may help you with that process:
OS X Mountain Lion: About the Display pane of System Preferences
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5369
Thanks,
Matt M.

Preferred adapter for VGA? Mini DisplayPort to VGA or Mini-DVI to VGA?

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