Mac Mini to Gain Support for Dual Displays?

[MacRumors]

AppleInsider reports that the rumored upcoming revision to the Mac mini will bring support for dual displays via one Mini DisplayPort connector and one Mini DVI connector. Apple's low-cost desktop computer has featured only a single DVI connector since its introduction in January 2005.

Evidence recently discovered in OS X configuration files points to the adoption of NVIDIA's MCP79 chipset in the forthcoming Mac mini and iMac revisions. The current models of the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air already utilize the chipset, which offers a substantial increase in graphics performance over the Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics found in the now-dated Mac mini.

The report also casts doubt on recent rumors that the Mac mini will see a shift to a black plastic and aluminum enclosure, which would bring its appearance more in line with that of Apple's iMac and notebook models.

Article Link: Mac Mini to Gain Support for Dual Displays?

[Tallest Skil]

As I already said, this goes against BYODKM, as it forces EVERY switcher to buy at least ONE adapter to use ANY display they might have.

[ZiggyPastorius]

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

As I already said, this goes against BYODKM, as it forces EVERY switcher to buy at least ONE adapter to use ANY display they might have.

Agreed. This is unlikely to happen and man, I hope it doesn't.

[KingofAwesome]

The whole thing could be resolved if they included your choice of DVI or VGA adapter.

[snberk103]

I actually think, from a marketing perspective, 2 display ports is a brilliant move ... if true.

Apple is offering a reasonably affordable starter system that will connect to your existing BYODKM - albeit with a display adapter that I'll wager will be dirt cheap if bought with the Mini. Now you have a clear upgrade path to justify the purchase and the switch.
1) When you can afford it you trade in your existing monitor for the new Apple one (no adapter needed since the Mini has the mini DP).
2) Then, when you decide you need/can afford an Apple notebook, you already own a 2nd display that will work with it. Makes it "seem" cheaper to buy since you can use it with a 2nd display with no extra purchase. You may not ever do it, but it feels "cool" to be able to.
3) The mini gets retired as a media server or something similar.

In other words the new Mini will sell more Apple displays and notebooks because you can add the pieces incrementally.

Just my 2 cents worth....

I'm curious to see just what will be introduced though!

[mikeinternet]

would this have any effect on the possibility of an HDMI port?

[TheNorthWaves]

i pray it still has firewire or my current mini will be driven into the ground.

[MattInOz]

Originally Posted by snberk103

I actually think, from a marketing perspective, 2 display ports is a brilliant move ... if true.

Apple is offering a reasonably affordable starter system that will connect to your existing BYODKM - albeit with a display adapter that I'll wager will be dirt cheap if bought with the Mini. Now you have a clear upgrade path to justify the purchase and the switch.
1) When you can afford it you trade in your existing monitor for the new Apple one (no adapter needed since the Mini has the mini DP).
2) Then, when you decide you need/can afford an Apple notebook, you already own a 2nd display that will work with it. Makes it "seem" cheaper to buy since you can use it with a 2nd display with no extra purchase. You may not ever do it, but it feels "cool" to be able to.
3) The mini gets retired as a media server or something similar.

In other words the new Mini will sell more Apple displays and notebooks because you can add the pieces incrementally.

Just my 2 cents worth....

I'm curious to see just what will be introduced though!

Wasn't one the major points of DisplayPort Spec is that it has the bandwidth to delivery to 4 Monitors in Daisy chain.
so two mini Displayports on the mini would in theory allow up to 8 monitors not that the GPU is going to be able to drive more than two.

[Eminemdrdre00]

Originally Posted by KingofAwesome

The whole thing could be resolved if they included your choice of DVI or VGA adapter.

The "switchers" that the Mac Mini would attract, would have NO idea if they needed DVI or VGA

[Tallest Skil]

Originally Posted by Eminemdrdre00

The "switchers" that the Mac Mini would attract, would have NO idea if they needed DVI or VGA

So you're saying that all people, from newbies to IT professionals, who are fed up with Windows are blithering idiots?

People can tell what a connector is from the look of it.

[AidenShaw]

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

As I already said, this goes against BYODKM, as it forces EVERY switcher to buy at least ONE adapter to use ANY display they might have.

But it follows the "upsell principle" - increase profit margins by adding overpriced accessories to each purchase.

[zap2]

This is something I could get into....but why Mini DVI?

Give me DVI and Mini Display Port

Its a win-win, Apple get to push Mini Display Port onto people, while still supporting older ACD and 3rd party displays.

[DaBrain]

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

But it follows the "upsell principle" - increase profit margins by adding overpriced accessories to each purchase.

By Upsell, you mean Apple nickle and dime'ng people? No not Apple!

[Kilamite]

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

As I already said, this goes against BYODKM, as it forces EVERY switcher to buy at least ONE adapter to use ANY display they might have.

It'll definitely come with an adapter.

The laptops are different - you don't need an adapter to use the Mac, it comes with a display! The Mac Mini needs an adapter if people are to use existing displays with it.

It will come with one. Definitely.

[KingofAwesome]

Originally Posted by Kilamite

It'll definitely come with an adapter.

The laptops are different - you don't need an adapter to use the Mac, it comes with a display! The Mac Mini needs an adapter if people are to use existing displays with it.

It will come with one. Definitely.

Here's hoping! It's not definite until someone opens the first box.

[Tallest Skil]

Originally Posted by KingofAwesome

Here's hoping! It's not definite until someone opens the first box.

Or... goes on the Tech Specs page after the Philnote and reads the part that says "In The Box"...

[Doodledoo]

This makes no sense. Apple has already said they're switching to DisplayPort for their future products.

This sounds to me like some guy saw an early prototype a few months ago before the new MacBooks - interim enclosures and preliminary port setups. This would also explain why the article claims it won't have a black/aluminium exterior. I call bull.

[mashinhead]

Originally Posted by Doodledoo

This makes no sense. Apple has already said they're switching to DisplayPort for their future products.

you are wrong it is precisely for this reason it makes total sense. It is a computer designed to work with the display you already have, so they can't alienate those people by forcing them to buy an apple display, it defeats the purpose, but at the same time, they want it to work with their product hence the mini display port.

the real question is not will it have two inputs but will you actually be able to use two monitors with it, having two inputs doesn't mean the video card will support two monitors it just means it can support a wider selection of monitors. this is especially a concern on a mac mini.

[sighlent]

Originally Posted by mashinhead

you are wrong it is precisely for this reason it makes total sense. It is a computer designed to work with the display you already have, so they can't alienate those people by forcing them to buy an apple display, it defeats the purpose, but at the same time, they want it to work with their product hence the mini display port.

the real question is not will it have two inputs but will you actually be able to use two monitors with it, having two inputs doesn't mean the video card will support two monitors it just means it can support a wider selection of monitors. this is especially a concern on a mac mini.

For starters when data is coming out of a port its called an output.

You obviously didn't read everyones posts before yours because you would have caught on that having Mini DisplayPort still allows you to use DVI and VGA monitors with an Apple adapter. If you need to have an adapter to use Mini DVI then why not just have Mini DisplayPort with a DVI adapter and cease confusion and waste of space.

On another note...

I'm not sure what to think about the Firewire issue, I think they removed it from the MacBook solely to create enough distinction between the Pro and non Pro models. They haven't removed it from any other system yet, so we will see. If Apple nixes Firewire they better offer their Home Server solution at MWSF.

[zap2]

Originally Posted by Kilamite

It'll definitely come with an adapter.

The laptops are different - you don't need an adapter to use the Mac, it comes with a display! The Mac Mini needs an adapter if people are to use existing displays with it.

It will come with one. Definitely.

Sure hope its small(ideally smaller then the current)....I wouldn't love a huge thing dangling out the back of my Mac Mini

[Kilamite]

Originally Posted by zap2

Sure hope its small(ideally smaller then the current)....I wouldn't love a huge thing dangling out the back of my Mac Mini

Current one isn't that big - and I doubt they'd make a smaller one since they have so many for the new MacBooks.

Plus, you aren't going to see it since it's behind the Mac Mini, and monitor cables are bulky anyway.

[zombitronic]

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

As I already said, this goes against BYODKM, as it forces EVERY switcher to buy at least ONE adapter to use ANY display they might have.

Unless it comes with an adapter. I haven't bought a new Mac since my G4 MDD, but it came with an adapter. Then again, back when my G4 MDD was new, it was more in line with Apple's Pro line of computers.

As long as I can get this Mini hooked up to my TV via it's HDMI input, I'll be peachy.

[themoonisdown09]

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

As I already said, this goes against BYODKM, as it forces EVERY switcher to buy at least ONE adapter to use ANY display they might have.

Originally Posted by Kilamite

It'll definitely come with an adapter.

The laptops are different - you don't need an adapter to use the Mac, it comes with a display! The Mac Mini needs an adapter if people are to use existing displays with it.

It will come with one. Definitely.

I loved the old days when Apple included everything. Now they don't include anything so you have pay for all extras.

[Thiemo]

Hm, i was given two free adapters with my late 2008 MBP.

[dextermorgan]

I will buy one immediately if this is true.