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

Given that Mini DisplayPort has rather uncommon presence, you probably cannot use your Macbook to deliver a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to a new display, or perhaps share your photos to your friends or family on a bigger screen.

Although there are a few types of Mini DisplayPort adapter, it’s the safest to buy a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because nearly every display, old or new, features a VGA port. This runs specifically true if you need to frequently connect your Mac laptop to a projector to deliver a presentation. While some new projectors do have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, nonetheless they all employ a VGA port.

Using a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, anyone can easily output video from your favorite Mac laptop or laptop to almost any display. You are able to:

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

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

* Share videos your family and friends 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?

A lot of Mac users are usually not sure just what exactly 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 utilizing Mini DisplayPort:

* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Macbook, 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 computers and displays.

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

This is the basics of the basics. If your Mini DisplayPort adapter does not support any of these resolution, it is not worth buying at all.

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

You’ll need a v1.1 compliant Mini DisplayPort adapter.

Mini DisplayPort was the Apple’s own standard. Thankfully, 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 standard, and it will feature Mini DisplayPort in the new v1.2 specification.

With the free license, other manufacturers can then make inexpensive Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specification makes sure your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter can offer the best compatibility.

4. Appearances

This is more or less of your personal taste, so use your best judges and choose one that you want, which, for example, matches your Apple computer’s colour and general appearance.

Summary

A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter should have the following elements:

* Matching your computer;

* Support all standard definition and hi-def resolutions;

* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specs;

* Matching your preferences.

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

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