I'm thinking about getting an LED monitor as an external display for my 2011 macbook pro. In order to do so, would i need any cables or adapters? I want the best resolution possible. Also would i be able to run it in clamshell mode? thanks
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Connecting MacBook Pro to LED monitor
- Thread starter iphone305
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
It depends on what connectors are on the display.
Yes, of course.
Apple Portables: How to use your computer in closed clamshell (display closed) mode with an external display
since you're going to run off the thunderbolt, your best is going to be an apple TB monitor, but you won't notice much difference using a TB to DVI adapter. My son uses a TB to DVI with a 22in dell and is pretty happy with the results. Granted, the dell doesn't look as sleek as the TB monitor, but it also didn't cost as steep...
You can't run HiRes (2560*1440) 27"-ers off DVI.
The cheapo fullHD ones, yes.
Apple 24" thunderbolts go USED for as much as new 27" ultrasharp dell go. (around 500€/$).
I recommend 24" ultrasharp for around half as that. TB display is round 1000€/$
Yes, you can via Dual Link DVI, hell, Apple sold 30" displays with 2560 x 1600 pixel and those displays were using DVI. It comes at a price, lowered refresh rates, but 60 Hz is quite okay for that.
Dual link DVI you can.
OP; to get above HD, into the 2560x1440 realm for example, the monitors start to get a little pricey. The 2560x1440 27" UltraSharp goes for about $800 (Retail is $949 but you never see it that high) if you shop around you get get it around $700. Dell also has a 30" display that runs around a grand or so. And of course, Apple's own thunderbolt or LED Cinema display (same panel, just a different feature set, but the TB display will ONLY work with TB equipped computers). That'll run ya $999, or about $800 refurbished. I've got an Apple Cinema Display and love it.
If you're okay with 1920x1080 or 1920x1200, prices drop substantially. You can get a 23" 1080p display for under $200 easy.
Also, there are some korean made IPS panels popping up on eBay, 27" or so, same 2560x1440 resolution, running around $500. Mixed reviews but mostly positive, certainly cheaper than Dell, HP, or Apple offerings!
Yes.
Both HDMI and miniDisplay Port can carry high resolution video (eg. 2560x1440 or 2560x1600 like you'll commonly see). They can ALSO carry audio, and some of those displays (Apple Cinema/TB display for example) will have speakers as well, if that matters to you.
Dual-Link DVI can also carry those resolutions, but single link DVI and VGA can not.
Another advantage of going the HDMI route, is you can use the HDMI connector to plug into your HDTV! I do that alot. Hulu has some shows they only allow on a 'computer' due to weird licensing deals with the content providers. So they won't let me stream the content to my set top box. So I use the miniDP to HDMI adapter to view that content over my HDTV.
For the record, "ThunderBolt to" adapters are kind of a misnomer, at least in regards to video. ThunderBolt contains miniDisplayPort, they are one in the same. So they are still just miniDP to (whatever) adapters, even if they are labeled differently. Thunderbolt ITSELF doesn't carry video, rather it relies on it's built in miniDP to carry video. This works a little bit differently on thunderbolt displays though, though the bulk of the actual video output is still via miniDP.
You need a DualDVI adapter, which is not the same as a regular MiniDP>DVI, and it costs more while we're at it. The first post said "HDMI, DVI and MiniDP" which is erroneous information, just trying to be specific.
Okay then. I am still not sure what brought this up in you, but take a look at this to have some sun.
I like the HDMI the best.
Just get Thunderrbolt to HDMI adapter and a HDMI cable.
Then you can connect to the monitor you bought as long as that monitor has HDMI.
Just get Thunderrbolt to HDMI adapter and a HDMI cable.
Then you can connect to the monitor you bought as long as that monitor has HDMI.
Best connector for best resolution, I assumed he meant best resolution as 2560*1440, highest available at this point with computer monitors, nothing else.
Further to other comments here:
If you're going for low cost, you'll probably end up with a 1920x1080 (1080p, HDTV) display with 16:9 aspect ratio. Often these only have HDMI inputs, so a MiniDP-to-HDMI converter is the best bet.
If you go for a 1920x1200, 16:10 display then you'll usually have a choice of ports. I currently have a Dell U2412M which offers DVI and DisplayPort, so I have it connected with a MiniDisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable. That's neat because it's a straightforward cable - no dongles - but at that resolution DVI or HDMI (with the appropriate Mac adaptor) are just as good.
If you push the boat out and go for a 27" 2560x1440 screen then the basic HDMI or DVI adapters don't support this resolution - although Apple do a dual-link DVI adapter - so MiniDisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable is preferred.
I have one monitor (a HP LP2475) that doesn't work properly with DisplayPort on a 2011 Mac, but its looking like that is an isolated case.
Re. clamshell mode: Maybe you want this because you have limited desk space, in which case, fine. Otherwise, I'd consider something like the Griffin Elevator Stand that lifts your laptop up to the level of the second screen. Even with a large primary monitor, it can be incredibly useful to have a second screen, even if it is smaller.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I think I should retract that - looks like people are still having trouble with DisplayPort cables: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1481582/ - so DVI seems the safest bet (but remember you need a dual-link DVI adapter to get full res from a 2560x1440 or larger monitor.
The DisplayPort option is still worth a try - since the MiniDP-to-DisplayPort cables are cheaper and neater than MiniDP - but you may have to fall back to DVI.