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which projector adapter?

F

foe84

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 20, 2011
86
5
I have a 2011 macbook pro and I was wondering what adapter I needed to buy. Minidisplay port to vga? dvi? The projectors at school are DVI cables. Also, do they have remote clickers so I dont have to stand next to the laptop? I've read some reviews saying it doesnt work with the new macbook.

thanks
 
You just need whatever your projector has, which is most likely VGA. As for the remote, your computer can use the Apple remote since it has an IR port.
 
What doesn't work with the new MBPs?
What input does the projector have?
Remote: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC377LL/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY or you could use your iPhone or iPod touch.


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.
MR_video_out_display_VGA.png
VGA cables can be bought online from:

Also of interest: "VGA Connector Guide - the Port and Cable Explained"
​
Click to expand...

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.
MR_video_out_display_DVI.png
DVI cables can be bought online from:

Also of interest: "Understanding the DVI Connector and Video Cable"
​
Click to expand...

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.
MR_video_out_Mac_Mini_DP.png
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?"
​
Click to expand...
 
foe84 said:
I have a 2011 macbook pro and I was wondering what adapter I needed to buy. Minidisplay port to vga? dvi?
Click to expand...
It depends on what inputs your display has. Some have VGA only; some have DVI only; some have both.
foe84 said:
Also, do they have remote clickers so I dont have to stand next to the laptop? I've read some reviews saying it doesnt work with the new macbook.
Click to expand...
If you're referring to the Apple Remote, no, it doesn't work with the new MacBook Pros because they don't have a built-in infrared receiver.
EDIT: Yes, it's included on 2011 MBP models.
About the Apple Remote control
alust2013 said:
You just need whatever your projector has, which is most likely VGA. As for the remote, your computer can use the Apple remote since it has an IR port.
Click to expand...
Not the 2011 models. EDIT: Yes, it's included on 2011 MBP models.
simsaladimbamba said:
What doesn't work with the new MBPs?
Click to expand...
The 2011 MBPs don't have the IR port. EDIT: Yes, it's included on 2011 MBP models.
 
Last edited:
alust2013 said:
I did notice that it was absent from the specs, but I assume that was a typo. They wouldn't sell the remote with it if it wasn't usable, and I would assume they would change the stock photos to exclude it.
Click to expand...
Can you post a link to a photo or reference that shows it's still included?
 
The IR reciever is still included in the picture of the MBPs on the apple home page, and I took a screen shot of the options for buying a 13" MBP as well.
 

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alust2013 said:
The IR reciever is still included in the picture of the MBPs on the apple home page, and I took a screen shot of the options for buying a 13" MBP as well.
Click to expand...
You know, you're right about the pic. I didn't recognize it as the IR port, because it's much wider than the IR port on my earlier model. I also verified from the MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011) - User Guide that it's still included, so I stand corrected. Thanks! I don't know why they elected to exclude it from the Tech Specs.
 
is the mdp to vga a usb? it looks like it, but wider.

also, how can the ipod be used as a remote. I have a 2g ipod touch. there were reviews saying the remote wasn't compatible with the 2011 models.
 
foe84 said:
is the mdp to vga a usb? it looks like it, but wider.

also, how can the ipod be used as a remote. I have a 2g ipod touch.
Click to expand...

THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful on the specs but there is an app. The Apple one is called 'Remote' but I think you can only controls iTunes from that. Not 100% though
 
foe84 said:
is the mdp to vga a usb? it looks like it, but wider.

also, how can the ipod be used as a remote. I have a 2g ipod touch.
Click to expand...

It does not use usb, only the dual link DVI does, however you won't need that with a projector.

As for the iPod, there may be an app that can control that over the wifi network, but I don't know for sure. I know the apple remote app only will control iTunes.
 
it was a question and someone answered no. I do see it under accessories when buying a macbook.

also, the connection at school is vga, the input matches the shape of the vga end. So, which is the connection to vga I want? i dont imagine the thunderbolt actually being used already. Sorry if I sound dumb, i'm coming from a pc and i never had to buy an adapter.
 
foe84 said:
it was a question and someone answered no. I do see it under accessories when buying a macbook.
Click to expand...
MacBook? or MacBook Pro? This is a MacBook Pro forum and you originally asked about the MBP. Now you're asking about a MacBook? They're two different products.
foe84 said:
also, the connection at school is vga, the input matches the shape of the vga end. So, which is the connection to vga I want?
Click to expand...
You need a MiniDisplay Port to VGA adapter.
 
I'm planning on buying both a DVI and VGA adapter but do both standards rely on you laptop's speaker for sound?

If I remember correctly, my old high school teacher had separate speakers for his MacBook Pro and I recalled doing the same for PC laptops.

Also, I'm at university so what is the more common kind of adapter in 2011?

Thanks!




EDIT: I just checked the projector in my University lecture hall and it was VGA for PC input (Prof uses a Mac) and I remember using the same plug in High School.

I'm going with the "Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter" from monoprice but it says it doesn't support audio (is that the case for the Moshi adapter?) :( I'll hope that I don't run into a DVI plug. Also, are VGA projectors being phased out?

Thanks again!
 
Last edited:
modit said:
I'm planning on buying both a DVI and VGA adapter but do both standards rely on you laptop's speaker for sound?

If I remember correctly, my old high school teacher had separate speakers for his MacBook Pro and I recalled doing the same for PC laptops.

Also, I'm at university so what is the more common kind of adapter in 2011?

Thanks!




EDIT: I just checked the projector in my University lecture hall and it was VGA for PC input (Prof uses a Mac) and I remember using the same plug in High School.

I'm going with the "Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter" from monoprice but it says it doesn't support audio (is that the case for the Moshi adapter?) :( I'll hope that I don't run into a DVI plug. Also, are VGA projectors being phased out?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...


VGA does not transmit sound, and the Moshi Adapter does not even have a VGA output.
To output sound from your MBP either use the built-in speakers or connect an external speaker system via the audio out port like you would with a Windows or Linux PC.

And yes, VGA will eventually be phased out, as it is old and analog and does not offer advantages as HDMI or MDP.
 
v66jack said:
THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful on the specs but there is an app. The Apple one is called 'Remote' but I think you can only controls iTunes from that. Not 100% though
Click to expand...

Try HippoRemote - very customizable for multiple apps. I use it with PLEX, for example.
 
simsaladimbamba said:
VGA does not transmit sound, and the Moshi Adapter does not even have a VGA output.
To output sound from your MBP either use the built-in speakers or connect an external speaker system via the audio out port like you would with a Windows or Linux PC.

And yes, VGA will eventually be phased out, as it is old and analog and does not offer advantages as HDMI or MDP.
Click to expand...

I'm about to order the VGA adapter from monoprice for my new Mac then. Is this a good choice?

Thanks!
 
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