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

Given that Mini DisplayPort has rather unusual presence, it is likely you 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 family or friends on a bigger screen.

Although there are a few types of Mini DisplayPort adapter, it’s possibly the safest to have a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because pretty much every display, old or new, includes a VGA port. This is especially true if you need to frequently connect your Macbook to a projector to give a presentation. While some new projectors will 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 any display. You can:

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

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

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

There are some things you should look at before you decide one.

1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?

A lot of Mac users may not be sure just what exactly their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?

Well, at this time, there is only a very short list of items that are using Mini DisplayPort:

* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Macbook, Macbook Air, Mac laptop 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 have, simply Google keywords like “Mini DisplayPort”, “Mini-DVI”, “Micro-DVI”. Since each one does 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 (e . g ., DVD) resolutions.

This is the basics of the basics. If your Mini DisplayPort adapter isn’t going to support any of these resolution, it is not worth buying at all.

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

You want 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 implemented Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a standard, and it will integrate Mini DisplayPort in the coming v1.2 specification.

With the free license, other makers are able to make affordable Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specs makes sure 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 best judges and pick one that you like, which, for example, matches your Apple computer’s colour and general style.

Summary

A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter needs the following features:

* 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 buy, you should be in good shape.

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