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30 inch monitor options for Mac Mini

I

IdaReggaeMon

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 16, 2012
5
3
I would like to find a good high-end monitor to pair with the latest Mac Mini Server, but unfortunately the only thing offered from Apple is a glossy screen display, which is a deal-killer for me.

Therefore I'm looking into the possibility of pairing the Mini server with a 30 inch monitor. I would like to be able to drive the monitor at its native 2560 X 1600 resolution, but the Mini will only do this through the Thunderbolt port.

These monitors typically have DisplayPort (not Mini DisplayPort) as well as Dual-link DVI inputs. I know there are various adapter options on the market, but I would be interested from hearing from other users who may have tried this or know something about it.

What adapter options are available? Which are preferable? What are the tradeoffs? What are your experiences?

Thanks!
 
IdaReggaeMon said:
I would like to find a good high-end monitor to pair with the latest Mac Mini Server, but unfortunately the only thing offered from Apple is a glossy screen display, which is a deal-killer for me.

Therefore I'm looking into the possibility of pairing the Mini server with a 30 inch monitor. I would like to be able to drive the monitor at its native 2560 X 1600 resolution, but the Mini will only do this through the Thunderbolt port.

These monitors typically have DisplayPort (not Mini DisplayPort) as well as Dual-link DVI inputs. I know there are various adapter options on the market, but I would be interested from hearing from other users who may have tried this or know something about it.

What adapter options are available? Which are preferable? What are the tradeoffs? What are your experiences?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I thought that the Mac Mini TB port also would drive MDP signals. Is this not true?

/Jim
 
My mini drives an Apple 30" display via dual link DVI. (which is not glossy)

Perhaps you can get a refurbished 30" ACD?
 
The Dell U3011 uses the same IPS panel as the Apple's displays but has a matte finish rather than glossy. It has a multitude of connection options.
 
Thanks everyone. Let me refine the question a little: Given that the maximum resolution from the Mac Mini is through the Thunderbolt port, what are my options to convert Thunderbolt to DisplayPort or dual-link DVI so that I can drive a 30" monitor at its native resolution?

Thanks.
 
on ebay a seller is selling refurbed dell 3007fwp-hc for 799$ with a 30 day return policy .. i used to use the original 3007 for 5 years a long time ago and it was awesome .. considering buying two of these
 
alphaod said:
The Dell 3008WFP and the U3011 both are good choices. Both have DisplayPort inputs. All you need is a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable and you're done.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I was looking at the Dell U3011 for a current generation Mac Mini, but I'm not seeing where the Mini has a Mini DisplayPort, only Thunderbolt and HDMI. According to the specs here http://www.apple.com/macmini/specs.html, it looks like I would need to go from Thunderbolt --> Mini DisplayPort --> DisplayPort if I wanted to drive the monitor at 2560 x 1600. Is this correct or is there a simpler way?
 
IdaReggaeMon said:
Thanks. I was looking at the Dell U3011 for a current generation Mac Mini, but I'm not seeing where the Mini has a Mini DisplayPort, only Thunderbolt and HDMI. According to the specs here http://www.apple.com/macmini/specs.html, it looks like I would need to go from Thunderbolt --> Mini DisplayPort --> DisplayPort if I wanted to drive the monitor at 2560 x 1600. Is this correct or is there a simpler way?
Click to expand...

Thunderbolt is Mini Display Port! I currently use it with my 2011 iMac and a 20" Cinema Display.
 
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