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

Considering that Mini DisplayPort has rather unusual presence, probably you cannot use your Macbook to give a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to a different display, or simply share your photos to your family or friends on a bigger screen.

Although there are a few types of Mini DisplayPort adapter, it’s probably the safest to buy a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because practically every display, old or new, uses a VGA port. This runs specifically true if you need to frequently hook up your Macbook to a projector to give a presentation. While some new projectors will have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, however they all feature a VGA port.

With a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, you can now easily output video from your favorite Macbook or laptop to almost any display. You can:

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

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

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

There are a few things you should look at before buying one.

1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?

Some Mac users usually aren’t sure precisely what their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?

Well, at this moment, there is only a very short list of products that are employing 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 that will work with the above mentioned computers and displays.

To be sure which port you 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 quality Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the standard-definition (e . g ., DVD) resolutions.

This is the basics of the basics. If your Mini DisplayPort adapter will never support such 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. However, Apple now licenses the Mini DisplayPort for free. Later in ‘09, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort specifications, has implemented Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a standard, and it will incorporate Mini DisplayPort in the new v1.2 specification.

With the free license, other firms have the ability to make inexpensive Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specification makes certain 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 very best judges and choose one that you want, which, for instance, matches your Apple computer’s colour and general style.

Summary

A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter really should have these elements:

* Matching your computer;

* Support all standard definition and high-definition resolutions;

* Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specs;

* Matching your preferences.

For those who have checked all these features when deciding which Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to purchase, you should be in good shape.