Plugging a 24" Cinema dispay into a sony laptop..

[zebaldwin]

I bought a 24" cinema display (the newer one) from someone on a whim and realized that there is no compatibility with my sony vaio laptop (which is what I need it for). The laptop only has a vga connection. Is there anyway to do anything to connect the two or am I screwed? I am a graphic designer and dying to use this monitor...Id really appreciate any help.
It came with an adapter with a vga connection on one end (not sure what the other end is...doesnt fit anywhere into the Cinema display)

 

[simsaladimbamba]

That 24" Apple LED Display has a Mini DisplayPort interface and you need a converter to connect it to a VGA interface.
The adapter you have only works from MDP > VGA, but you need it the other way round, which is more expensive.
You might need something like this, but it may only work with DVI or other digital connections, and VGA is analog.
http://www.atlona.com/DisplayPort-and-Mini-DisplayPort-Adapters/



For reference what you might have, look at the following quote:

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 will support audio on Mac computers capable of outputting audio through mini-displayport.
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?"
​

 

[zebaldwin]

Wow, thanks for the quick detailed response!
I do have the mdp to vga.
So, if I need the opposite, is that vga to mdp? Im still a little confused as to exactly what I need...because the mdp to dual link is still mdp "to" something

Thanks again!

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Wow, thanks for the quick detailed response!
I do have the mdp to vga.
So, if I need the opposite, is that vga to mdp? Im still a little confused as to exactly what I need...because the mdp to dual link is still mdp "to" something

Thanks again!

Yes, you need some VGA to MDP adapter. I only know of this DVI to (M)DP adapters I linked to.
Anyway, such adapter will cost around 100 USD or more I guess.

 

[zebaldwin]

Ya...I dont think they even make a vga to mdp adapter