Apple loves mini stuff; it used Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI on earlier versions of Mac and MacBooks. However, for some reasons it didn't choose Mini-HDMI this time, rather, it went with Mini DisplayPort on all of the latest Apple computers.

As Mini DisplayPort has rather unusual presence, very often you find yourself unable to use your Macbook to give a presentation, or output your work project from Mac to another display, or simply just share your photos to your family or friends on a bigger screen.

It's probably the safest to buy a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, because pretty much every display, old or new, contains a VGA port. This is also true if you need to frequently hook up your Mac laptop to a projector to give a presentation. At the same time some new projectors will have HDMI or DVI ports, not all of them do, nevertheless they all include a VGA port.

With a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter, now you can easily output video from your favorite Mac laptop or laptop to any kind of display. You could:

• Extend or mirror your favorite workstation to another screen;

• Give presentation to your class mates, students or colleagues with your own MacBook or laptop;

• Share videos your friends and family on a bigger external screen or TV.

There are a few things you should think about before you buy one.

1. Does Your Computer Use Mini DisplayPort?

Quite a few Mac users usually aren't sure precisely what their video port is. Is it a Mini-DVI, a Micro-DVI, or a Mini DisplayPort?

Well, right now, there is only a very short list of products that are using Mini DisplayPort:

• Apple's latest (2008 or latter) Mac laptop, Macbook Air, Macbook Pro 13 inch, 15 inch, and 17 inch;

• Apple's latest (2008 or latter) Mac, Mac Pro, Mac Mini, iMac, Xserve;

• Toshiba Satellite Pro S500, Tecra M11, A11 and S11 notebooks;

• AMD Radeon HD 5870 Eyefinity 6 Edition with its 6 Mini DisplayPorts;

• Adapters and cables compatible with the above computers and displays.

If you want to make sure which port you have got, simply Google keywords like "Mini DisplayPort", "Mini-DVI", "Micro-DVI". Since they do have very distinct appearance, you can easily tell by comparing the photos with the video port on your computer.

2. Supported Video Specifications

A high quality Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter should support 1920x1200, 1080i/p, 720p and all the standard-definition (for instance, DVD) resolutions.

It is the basics of the basics. If the Mini DisplayPort adapter isn't going to support these resolution, it's not worth buying at all.

3. Is It Mini DisplayPort v1.1a Compliant?

You need a v1.1 compliant Mini DisplayPort adapter.

Mini DisplayPort was the Apple's own standard. However, Apple now licenses the Mini DisplayPort free-of-charge. Later in '09, VESA, the maker of DisplayPort standards, has implemented Mini DisplayPort into DisplayPort v1.1a standard, and it will have Mini DisplayPort in the new v1.2 specification.

With the free license, other manufacturers can then make inexpensive Mini DisplayPort products. And meeting v1.1a specs makes sure your Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter will offer the best compatibility.

4. Appearances

This is more or less of your own personal taste, so use your very best judges and pick one you want, which, as an example, matches your Apple computer's colour and general appearance.

Summary

A decent Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter really should have these qualities:

• Matching your computer;

• Support all standard definition and hi-def resolutions;

• Compliant with Mini DisplayPort version 1.1a specifications;

• Matching your taste.

If you have checked all these features when deciding which Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to get, you should be in good shape.