2013 Macbook Air & Dell UltraSharp U2913WM

[icecold723]

Hello All -

I've been going around in circles with this topic for the last few hours and need a definitive answer. I recently bought a widescreen Dell Ultrasharp that has an HDMI, DVI-D, DisplayPort & Mini-DisplayPort connection capability. My Macbook Air on the other hand only has a Thunderbolt Port Out. The resolution on the Dell is 2560x1080.

My question is very simple: What is the best/easiest way to connect my Macbook Air with a Thunderbolt Port to my Dell and realize the full resolution on the Dell monitor. I'm reading that I can connect with a mini-display port (hooked up in the macbook air's thunderbolt port) to a dual-link dvi-d. But these cables are very expensive. Can I use a mini-display port to mini-display port connection and still realize the full resolution of the Dell at 2560x1080?

Thanks!!

 

[mfram]

Yes, if the monitor has mini-display port. Then get a mDP-to-mDP cable. Plug one end into the monitor and the other into the Thunderbolt port.

 

[Edgecrusherr]

Mini Display Port and your MacBook Air support up to 2560×1600 on an external monitor. Apple uses the Mini Display Port for both Thunderbolt and Mini Display Port. No need to get the Dual-Link DVI.

I think you can also do sound over Mini Display Port, but not certain.

 

[dudarro]

2012 iMac Dell UltraSharp U2413WM

Apple Thunderbolt Cable didn't work at all.
Provided MDP - DP cable works, but if I switch inputs, I have to reboot the iMac in order to rediscover the external monitor.
Turning the sharpness down to 10% or even 0% helped with image and text display on the attached monitor.