DVI to VGA to Desktop

[kaaathryn]

Aloha mac community,

I bought a macbook pro 13" 2013, and was given a mini display port to DVI adapter with it. Recently I was given an old LG computer screen that has a VGA connection, so I went and bought a Belkin VGA to DVI-I adapter.

Aesthetically, they connect fine, however the dual screen doesn't work. I was wondering whether this is because it is a non-mac product, or because I can't adapt and adapter (if you get my drift). Is my only option to buy a completely new VGA adapter?

If this is the case, can I buy one of the older versions? ie http://pics.redblue.de/doi/pixelbox...7_png/APPLE-Mini-DVI-auf-VGA-Adapter-M9320G-A, or can I just buy a mac brand adapter, ie http://i.marktplaats.com/00/s/MTMxWDM1Nw==/z/jiYAAOSwwNVTu9mr/$_84.JPG

thanks in advance all.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

It would be best to buy MiniDisplayPort to VGA adapter.
Cyberport has some for less than what Apple wants, maybe there is even one in your city, if you are from Germany, but that might just be the first link.

If not:

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?"
​

 

[DeltaMac]

In my experience, fewer connections is better.
You need this adapter - http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572Z/B/mini-displayport-to-vga-adapter?fnode=51

or, cheaper here:
http://www.monoprice.com/Search/Index?keyword=mini+displayport+to+VGA
Some of those choices will give you just a cable to go fully from your MacBook Pro, to the display, with no adapter at all.

 

[MagicBoy]

Buy a Mini-DP to VGA adaptor.

Those two cables shouldn't fit together. The DVI-D output on the Mini DP adaptor should be keyed so that the DVI-I to VGA cable won't fit in.

 

[kaaathryn]

Cheers guys, much appreciated.