Connecting external monitor to 2011 iMac?

[tears2040]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...d=1042802&p_id=8119&seq=1&format=1#largeimage
I'm assuming this adapter would work?

It would go out of the iMac via thunderbolt and connected to my monitor via vga or hdmi.

Thanks

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Since that adapter only includes HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort as output, you are limited to HDMI, which is okay of course. But that adapter does not have a VGA output.

Mini DisplayPort (MDP) / Thunderbolt

Mini DisplayPort is the current digital standard on all current Macs to transfer video to an external display or TV. It has been introduced in 10/2008 with the release of the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros and has gradually been adopted on all other Macs.
MDP is capable of transmitting video, and since 2010, audio too. MDP is a miniaturised version of DisplayPort. It is also license free and can support resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, which Mini DVI and Micro DVI are not able to do.
Since 2011, all Macs come with a Thunderbolt port, which is meant for fast data transfer and also as means to connect to an external display device to mirror or extend the Mac's screen.

To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP): Introducing Thunderbolt​

MDP adapters and cables can be bought online from:

Apple Online Store (or the physical Apple Store)

• MDP to VGA adapter
• MDP to DVI adapter
• MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter
• Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter

Monoprice

• Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

• Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cables
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cables

Also of interest: "What is "Mini DisplayPort"? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from or better than Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?"
​

from

Most common video interfaces on external computer displays and TVs

Common video interfaces on Macs and the appropriate adapters to connect to other display devices
​

 

[tears2040]

What advantage does vga have over hdmi?

Thanks

 

[simsaladimbamba]

What advantage does vga have over hdmi?

Thanks

It offers a bigger resolution, as HDMI is limited to 1920 x 1200 pixel, but other than that, HDMI is fine.
I just mentioned VGA because you mentioned it.

 

[tears2040]

It offers a bigger resolution, as HDMI is limited to 1920 x 1200 pixel, but other than that, HDMI is fine.
I just mentioned VGA because you mentioned it.

Ok, thanks for your help. All I was really worried is if it would even work, but it looks like it would.

Thanks!