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Apple loves mini stuff; it used Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI on previous 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 of the latest Apple computers.

Since Mini DisplayPort has rather uncommon presence, probably you cannot use your Mac laptop to give a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to a different 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 get yourself a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because basically every display, old or new, features a VGA port. This is also true if you need to frequently connect your Mac laptop to a projector to give a presentation. At the same time some new projectors will have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, however they all include a VGA port.

Getting a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, anyone can easily output video from your favorite Mac laptop or laptop to virtually any display. You can easily:

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

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

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

There are a few things you should consider before you decide one.

1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?

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

Well, currently, there is only a very short list of items that are utilizing Mini DisplayPort:

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

To confirm which port you have got, simply Google keywords like “Mini DisplayPort”, “Mini-DVI”, “Micro-DVI”. Since they actually do have very distinct appearance, you can easily tell by comparing the photos 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 standard-definition (for example, DVD) resolutions.

This is the basics of the basics. If your Mini DisplayPort adapter does not support any of these resolution, it’s 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 standard. The good news is, Apple now licenses the Mini DisplayPort free-of-charge. Later in 2009, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort specifications, has implemented Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a specification, and it will have Mini DisplayPort in the future v1.2 specification.

With the free license, other makers can make affordable Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specification makes certain your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter will offer the best compatibility.

4. Appearances

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

Summary

A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter needs these features:

* Matching your computer;

* Support all standard definition and HD resolutions;

* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specifications;

* Matching your personal 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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