Questions & Answers for Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter

I do not own a mac mini but I have seen this done many times in retail stores that want to show off the versatility of such a small desktop. The mac mini has two video outputs: a mini-display port and a mini-DVI port. The mini-display port is the same one you find on the current generation macbook, macbook pros (as well as the Mac Pro) and the Mini-DVI is the same as the on the old black/white macbook. I do not know why apple decided to go with two different adapter types but it works just the same as you will need two separate adapters to use two displays anyway. From there, you just buy two "dongles" (display adapters) which hook up to your respective screen input jacks (VGA or DVI) and you're set!

• Answered by Ben S from Golden
• 27-Oct-2009
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I am happy to report that I was able to connect 2 adapters to attach to Dell Cinema monitors (2650 x 1600 each) to my Macbook Pro.

Note that each adapter needs a USB port which meant the second adapter had to use a USB port on the right hand side of my MBP. Fortunately, the y-shape part of the adapter is long enough to reach the USB on the right side.

Also, I can use the built-in monitor for a total of 3 screens. I am using the set-up for mostly browsing and highly text based app so I cannot vouch how the set-up might operate with low latency apps such as games running high-res and fast changing graphics.

• Answered by Mehran S from Miami
• 06-Feb-2013
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Yes. There are two choices:
1) As the first poster noted, get an AppleTV. Most versatile choice and lets you display certain output like Video , pictures on the TV as well as play music from the iPad. A nice solution.
2) A cheaper solution is to get the Apple Composite AV Cable (MC748ZM)

Note that not all apps are built to support output from the iPad to the TV, but those games that do support it are awesome!

• Answered by Aleck C from Bowie
• 03-Feb-2013
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No.

The Thunderbolt monitor _only_ works with Macs that have a Thunderbolt port.

This adapter is for connecting legacy Dual-Link DVI monitors (i.e., the Apple Cinema 30" display) to a mDP or Thunderbolt port.

• Answered by Chris S from San Jose
• 22-Feb-2012
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You do not need this adaptor to connect your Viewsonic monitor. This adaptor is just for "dual link" high resolution monitors, such as the Apple 30" Cinema Display. For your monitor, you can use the standard Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter ($29).

• Answered by Jason G from Big Oak Flat
• 12-Dec-2012
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Yes, a KVM switch allows you to use the same keyboard, mouse and monitor for multiple computers. I have used the 4way IOGEAR KVM for years, and it's great (looks like a thinner mac mini) for my Mac Mini, MacBook Pro and Dell Latitude and switch between. When I want to watch CSI on the MacMini and also work on the Dell, I use Remote Desktop to put the dell screen on part of my 24" Acer monitor, same for the MBP, using CVNC (Chicken of the VNC). Bang, there, you go! Note - You may only have two now - but get the 4 way, in case you have a "visitor" or want to add another.

BTW: my gear= IOGEAR 4 way KVM GCS634U, Apple kbd, Acer 24" monitor, Logitech two button scroll mouse. The Mac Mini and the Dell do a great job of auto recognising the kvm monitor. The MacBook Pro does not, and needs to have a prefs visit to "detect displays" on every boot.

Hope this helps -

• Answered by John G from Richmond
• 26-Dec-2009
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the popular solution to dual monitors is the matrox dualhead2go dp edition. the dual link dvi will output resolutions high enough to support multiple monitors, but it won't split the signal. the matrox thing is a box that splits it. google around their site and do some reading up on it.

• Answered by Michael N from Norman
• 20-Nov-2009
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