Chimpur

Ok, so I'm ordering my Mini in a few weeks once my tax refund shows up. I'm wondering if there are any advantages between Mini DVI to VGA or Mini Displayport to VGA adaptors. Also I already have a mini dvi to VGA adaptor.

I'm also thinking about running dual displays. One with the mini dvi to VGA adaptor and the other with the mini display port to VGA.

Also, what are the advantages to running a dual display set-up?

krs

One basic technical difference between DVI (and mini-DVI) and the DisplayPort is that the DVI interface provides both digital and analogue video signals whereas the DisplayPort is a digital video interface only.
I assume you know that VGA is an analogue interface.
To provide a Mini-DVI to VGA adapter only requires straight remapping of the individual connecting points of each standard, for a DisplayPort to VGA adapter electronics are required within the adapter to convert the digital only signals of the DisplayPort to the analogue signals required by VGA.
That increases the cost of the adapter and theoretically at least could also degrade the video signal somewhat due to the extra conversion.

Chimpur

Ok, so then I'll use the adaptor I already have then. But, is there any advantage to using a two display setup? I'd have two 17" CRT monitors hooked up. I'm not too sure what I would use them both for, but for some reason this sort of seems appealing. Any thoughts?

IllusionX

You don't relly need 2 monitors for extra work space. Unless you do your work side by side all the time.

with leopard, you have spaces.. which gives you something like 16 or 32 "screens" for extra multi tasking :P

__________________
Macbook 6.1 - Core 2 Duo 2.26Ghz, 8gb ram, 500gb 7200rpm HD
Mac Mini 1.1 - Core 2 Duo 2.16Ghz, 2gb ram, 320gb 7200rpm HD

Chimpur

Another question. Is there a way to output to a HDTV that only has s-video, component and composite video?

Digital_Gary

You need the Mini-DVI to Video adapter.

Apple Mini-DVI to Video Adapter - Apple Store (Canada)

krs

DG - You better think again!

This adapter will only work on Mac Minis pre-2009.
That adapter requires the analogue portion of DVI and that is no longer available on the 2009 and later Minis.


To convert from the digital portion of DVI to composite or S-video you need something like this at the low, low price of $995.-
Videoguys.com - Matrox Convert DVI

Chimpur

So theres no real economical way to get the Mini to display on the TV? I might just continue to transfer files over to my PS3 via flash drives.

krs

The only solution is to start with the Mini DisplayPort on the Mini not the Mini DVI port.
The Mini DVI port only carries a digital signal, no analogue.

With the DisplayPort you need the DisplayPort to VGA adapter cable from Apple and then a VGA to composite video or S-Video converter.
One set up is described here:
Create Digital Motion MacBook, PC Notebook with No Analog Output? Tested Solutions

There are a number of different VGA to analog video converters available but many don't work very well. So read up on reviews before you buy a specific one or make sure you can return it if it's not suitable.
But that concept (MDP > VGA adapter, then VGA > analogue video converter) seems to be the only reasonably priced solution.

Digital_Gary

You are correct sir! Sorry for the misinformation.