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

For the reason Mini DisplayPort has rather uncommon presence, you probably cannot use your Macbook to give a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to another display, or share your photos to your friends or family on a bigger screen.

Although there are a few types of Mini DisplayPort adapter, it’s probably the safest to get yourself a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because essentially every display, old or new, carries a VGA port. This is also true if you need to frequently hook up your Mac laptop to a projector to give a presentation. While some new projectors have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, however they all include a VGA port.

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

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

* Give presentation to your favorite 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 some things you should consider before you purchase one.

1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?

A lot of Mac users usually are not sure what precisely their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?

Well, by now, there is only a very short list of items that are employing Mini DisplayPort:

* Apple’s latest (2008 or latter) Mac laptop, 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 that will work with the above mentioned computers and displays.

To confirm which port you got, 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 great Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920×1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the SD (for example, DVD) resolutions.

This is the basics of the basics. If your Mini DisplayPort adapter won’t support such 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 specification, and it will feature Mini DisplayPort in the future v1.2 specification.

With the free license, other firms can now make inexpensive Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specification makes certain your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter can have the best compatibility.

4. Appearances

This is more or less of your own personal taste, so use your very best judges and pick one that you like, which, for example, matches your Apple computer’s design and general appearance.

Summary

A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter needs to have the following qualities:

* Matching your computer;

* Support all standard definition and high-definition 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 purchase, you should be in good shape.