Displaying Macbook on External Screen?

[InfernoUk]

Hi guys

I have a 27" 2560x1440 screen and want to use my macbook on that.

I was wondering what the best setup is for my to me able to use my macbook closed as a desktop style and have the external display as my main display?

I used to use a display port to hdmi but it always didnt get the right resolutions

Whats my best solution for this? monitor has regular size display port, hdmi and dvi.

Thanks!

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Depending on what MBP you have, you either use the MDP port with an MDP to DisplayPort cable or you use a dual link DVI cable.

HDMI does not seem to offer such high resolutions as it seems.

 

[glenthompson]

I use a stand to hold my MBP vertically so it frees up desk space and then connect it to an ACD with a MDP to DVI adapter. Works quite well. I use a wired keyboard because I like having a numeric pad but the wireless also works fine.

 

[InfernoUk]

Depending on what MBP you have, you either use the MDP port with an MDP to DisplayPort cable or you use a dual link DVI cable.

HDMI does not seem to offer such high resolutions as it seems.

mines the first that had thunderbolt of that helps!

my issue was always the resolution was screwed up

 

[simsaladimbamba]

mines the first that had thunderbolt of that helps!

my issue was always the resolution was screwed up

Then you use a MDP to DisplayPort cable.

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?"
​

 

[InfernoUk]

Then you use a MDP to DisplayPort cable.

so i want a minidp - dp cable adn thatll do the whole job fine?

like this?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-co...YZ82/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363295130&sr=8-1

 

[simsaladimbamba]

so i want a minidp - dp cable adn thatll do the whole job fine?

like this?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-co...YZ82/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363295130&sr=8-1

Yes, that MDP to DP cable will do the job just fine.

 

[InfernoUk]

Yes, that MDP to DP cable will do the job just fine.

thanks for your help!

 

[xxcysxx]

buy a couple, just in case you might end up with a few bad ones, you wouldn't be discourage. I used them myself and it does indeed stream 2450x1440 with audio. I got the cheap Auria monitor from micro center and it work fine with my fifteen inch retina, the hdmi, however, was not!