Apple store was really no help on this one. I know it can be done, I've just never hooked up a notebook to an external monitor and was wondering what the process is. Apple store said they know it can be done, but that she didn't think they carried the part. Really? Huh? Then she asked another who didn't have a clue...
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MBP + External Monitor = confused apple store
- Thread starter Mo Tiggas
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When dealing with the Apple Store, there is another equation that you should keep in mind as well. Apple Store + Employees = Less knowledge than a 2 year old.
Are you in Oregon? Was this the Washington Square store? They used to be good when they first opened years ago, but the employees there seem to be getting dimmer and dimmer each day.
As others have said, the MBP has a DVI port, if the monitor has DVI input than you can directly connect. Otherwise you likely need a DVI to VGA adaptor. The MBP used to include this in the box, I haven't checked in the latest models to see if they still include this.
You can connect the monitor to the DVI port on the right side of the MBP. OS X will automatically detect the monitor and get it running.
DVI: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/DVI_Connector_Types.svg
VGA: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/VGA_port.jpg
If your monitor has a DVI connection, just connect the DVI cable to your computer. If your monitor only has a VGA connection, you will need a DVI to VGA adapter. One came with your laptop (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP.../wo/StoreReentry.wo?productLearnMore=M8754G/A), or you can buy one from a computer store for under $20.
DVI: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/DVI_Connector_Types.svg
VGA: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/VGA_port.jpg
If your monitor has a DVI connection, just connect the DVI cable to your computer. If your monitor only has a VGA connection, you will need a DVI to VGA adapter. One came with your laptop (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP.../wo/StoreReentry.wo?productLearnMore=M8754G/A), or you can buy one from a computer store for under $20.
Oh yeah, you got that one right... I've never been too impressed with that apple store. They always seem a little bothered, when normally an apple store employee is so happy and helpful (even if they don't have the slightest clue what they're talking about, they always find out).
you can find it 3rd party for far far cheaper
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814999201
