Macbook Compatible with Samsung Monitor?

[cmp77]

My screen on my Macbook is going, and I have a samsung monitor sitting around. Are they compatible & what type of adapter would I need to get? The current cords for samsung would not fit in my Macbook. Any help?

 

[miles01110]

"What kind of adapter you need" depends on what kind of ports the Samsung monitor has, and what model Macbook you have.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Yes, they are compatible. Depending on what MB you have, you either need a MiniDisplayPort to DVI or VGA adapter or a Mini DVI to VGA or DVI adapter.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

The successor of VGA, which is capable of analog and digital video transfer, though Apple restricted their adapters to DVI-D, which is purely digital.

DVI cables can be bought online from:

Monoprice - DVI cables​

Also of interest: "Understanding the DVI Connector and Video Cable"
​

VGA (Video Graphics Array)

The oldest video connection for computers that is still around. It is transferring an analog video signal and go up to 2048 × 1536 pixel (QXGA). It is often found on most displays and projectors, sometimes even on TVs.

VGA cables can be bought online from:

Monoprice - VGA cables​

Also of interest: "VGA Connector Guide - the Port and Cable Explained"
​

Mini DisplayPort (MDP)

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.

MDP adapters can be bought online from:

MDP to VGA adapter from Apple
MDP to DVI adapter from Apple
MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter from Apple

Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter from the Apple Online Store

Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter from Monoprice - *NOTE* This product does NOT support audio for Macs that outputs audio through the Mini DisplayPort.
Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter from Monoprice
Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter from Monoprice - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to VGA Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Cables from Monoprice​

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?"
​

Mini DVI

Mini DVI is a digital common interface on the later G4 12" PowerBook, on Intel iMacs till 2009 and on the white and black pre-Unibody MacBooks and on Intel Mac minis before they changed the design to Unibody.

Mini DVI adapters can be bought online from:

Mini DVI to VGA adapter from Apple
Mini DVI to Video (Composite and S-Video) adapter from Apple
Mini DVI to DVI adapter from Apple

Mini DVI to VGA adapter from Monoprice
Mini DVI to HDMI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DVI to DVI adapter from Monoprice
​

Also of interest: "Mini DVI, what it is and how to capture it"
​

 

[v66jack]

You'll need something which fits into the mini display port and then has a VGA or DVI socket on the end of it, so that you can plug the screen into the adapter.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

You'll need something which fits into the mini display port and then has a VGA or DVI socket on the end of it, so that you can plug the screen into the adapter.

Or the OP needs something which fits into the Mini DVI port, though I have seen people confusing it with Firewire, or vice versa. Something will fit nonetheless.

 

[cmp77]

Calibrate Monitor

Thanks for the replies! I have connected the plugs & now how do I calibrate the two? Any links?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Thanks for the replies! I have connected the plugs & now how do I calibrate the two? Any links?

What do you mean with "calibrate"? The colour? If so, System Preferences > Displays >> Color >>> Calibrate. You can then calibrate the colour of the internal screen and of the external monitor.
The external Samsung surely has some buttons on the front to allow you some modifications too, take a look at the manual of that monitor.