Probably... I can't figure it either, and I had to purchase this little piece of adapter for 25$+taxes too...
Is mini-DVI a scam?
I'm about to get my iMac any day now, and I'll be using it with an external monitor. It just occured to me that I forgot to buy the mini-dvi to dvi adapter. And then I thought about it more... why did Apple include a mini-dvi port on the iMac instead of a full dvi port? My 15" Macbook Pro has a full dvi port, so it's not a lack of space... surely there's more room in a 24" case than 15" one.
So why DO they force mini-dvi onto consumers? Is it just a scam to make an extra $25 on the silly adapter?
A7
So why DO they force mini-dvi onto consumers? Is it just a scam to make an extra $25 on the silly adapter?
A7
1 - 19 of 19 Posts
Yes, in the same way printer manufacturers don't throw in that USB cable that costs maybe 25¢.
Most companies charge extra for certain features that require additional accessories, especially for features that most people probably don't use, like hooking up a second monitor to an iMac that has a built-in monitor. Standard practice in this industry. The MBP probably has a full-sized DVI connector because it's a professional level machine, unlike the iMac.
But, we could complain about something like all this day long. I could complain that my digital camera didn't include batteries, a tripod, a memory card, and a carrying case -- all essentials for a photographer. Practically all product manufacturers only include the bare-bone basics to operate their product as not everyone would use all the accessories if they threw them all in with the product. Apple is no exception and it shouldn't be all that surprising.
But is it stupid? To some degree, yes. But really, it's only $25.
But, we could complain about something like all this day long. I could complain that my digital camera didn't include batteries, a tripod, a memory card, and a carrying case -- all essentials for a photographer. Practically all product manufacturers only include the bare-bone basics to operate their product as not everyone would use all the accessories if they threw them all in with the product. Apple is no exception and it shouldn't be all that surprising.
But is it stupid? To some degree, yes. But really, it's only $25.
Well, $25 doesn't seem that bad but at first I had an old SVGA adapter, so $25 for that adapter, then I wanted to output to a TV, so another $25 for that adapter, then I got a better DVI monitor so another $25. With tax that just less than $100. Just to hook up to a monitor and a TV. Some many PC video cards can do that without any special adapters.
Also the iMac G4 and certain iBooks had a similar but different adapter. A full size port would be pretty useful.
Also the iMac G4 and certain iBooks had a similar but different adapter. A full size port would be pretty useful.
Lars, I do see where you're going, but your analogy is wrong. It's not like Apple "isn't including batteries". It's more like they're including a rechargable battery, but not including a charger.
I understand your point... it's not a pro machine, so it shouldn't have a "pro" feature. But my point is that it DOES have the feature! So why annoy people by making it a weird port? A full sized dvi port is arguably cheaper for them to install since it's more readily available!
And I know $25 (or less) is not that much, but I was just wondering if someone had some amazing insight into why they would do it.
A7
I understand your point... it's not a pro machine, so it shouldn't have a "pro" feature. But my point is that it DOES have the feature! So why annoy people by making it a weird port? A full sized dvi port is arguably cheaper for them to install since it's more readily available!
And I know $25 (or less) is not that much, but I was just wondering if someone had some amazing insight into why they would do it.
A7
Of course, it'd be much more handy if you posted a link to an actual product -- 'cause I can't find a single cable that fits the bill from Mini-DVI to anything on this site.
To be fair, if I had to guess I'd suggest that this is one of these cases where aesthetics override practical design. A big DVI port is an ugly thing on a system that is designed as much for its looks as its functionality (if not moreso). If you look at the iMac or MacBook, there's obviously a lot of thought that went into the aesthetic design and look of the product, and not putting big ugly industrial-looking "computer ports" on them was probably a big part of that decision process.
IIRC, the MacBook includes the mini-DVI to DVI adapter, for instance, so it's obviously not just a way to sell yet-another-accessory, since they could just as easily have put the full DVI port on in the first place.
As for the iMac not including the cable, let's be realistic... How many people actually need to connect an external monitor to a consumer-level computer that already has a screen built-in? I would bet that fewer than 5% of iMac owners even think about using the iMac with an external monitor (and that's being generous).
IIRC, the MacBook includes the mini-DVI to DVI adapter, for instance, so it's obviously not just a way to sell yet-another-accessory, since they could just as easily have put the full DVI port on in the first place.
As for the iMac not including the cable, let's be realistic... How many people actually need to connect an external monitor to a consumer-level computer that already has a screen built-in? I would bet that fewer than 5% of iMac owners even think about using the iMac with an external monitor (and that's being generous).
Actually, the MacBook doesn't come with a mini-DVI to DVI adapter, although the MacBook Pro does include a DVI to VGA adapter.IIRC, the MacBook includes the mini-DVI to DVI adapter
mid-range macbook comes with an "accessories kit" and the mini-DVI option vanishesActually, the MacBook doesn't come with a mini-DVI to DVI adapter, although the MacBook Pro does include a DVI to VGA adapter.
Okay... I couldn't remember for certain whether my wife's MacBook had one in the box or not... I know her iBook included it, so I think that's actually the one she's been using. Of course, similar logic applies to the MacBook as it does to the iMac... Most people probably don't use it with an external monitor.
Mind you, I'm not particularly surprised that Apple took it out of the packaging with the MacBook, since they've been doing that gradually with everything over the years (with the iPods being the prime example.... They once came with a charger and a dock -- now they don't even include the software CD).
Mind you, I'm not particularly surprised that Apple took it out of the packaging with the MacBook, since they've been doing that gradually with everything over the years (with the iPods being the prime example.... They once came with a charger and a dock -- now they don't even include the software CD).
Well many MacBook purchasers are students (myself included) and I can almost bet the they'll need to use it a few times to do a presentation with a project. Now $25 may not be a lot of money (especially when compared with tuition fees), but it's a pain in the gut to have to find one quickly when you have to do a presentation that weighs in at 20% of your mark.Most people probably don't use it with an external monitor.
FYI, I was not the one in need of the adapter, I bought one when I got my MacBook, my friend was the one who needed one and I couldn't lend mine to him because I to do a presentation at the same time for a different course.
Fair enough... I'll buy that. Knowing Apple, I can see them choosing to use the small port because it "looks pretty".To be fair, if I had to guess I'd suggest that this is one of these cases where aesthetics override practical design. A big DVI port is an ugly thing on a system that is designed as much for its looks as its functionality (if not moreso).
It is mostly irrelevant, since the port is on the back anyway, but I get it.A7
With the MacBook, I'm sure the mini-DVI connector is used to save space, on the logic board and on the outside of the case. As for the iMac, I have no idea, except what has already been floated.
Why the adaptor isn't included is simply a matter of cost. Without the adaptors, the book can be sold cheaper. With all the adaptors, it goes up by $100 or so. (Mini to DVI, mini to VGA, mini to S-Video etc.) since most users will need only one of these (if any) they give the consumer the option of getting (and paying for) only the bit's that they need.
My old PowerBook came with 2 or 3 adaptors that I have yet to use (or use more that the one time I tried them just cause they were there).
Z.
Why the adaptor isn't included is simply a matter of cost. Without the adaptors, the book can be sold cheaper. With all the adaptors, it goes up by $100 or so. (Mini to DVI, mini to VGA, mini to S-Video etc.) since most users will need only one of these (if any) they give the consumer the option of getting (and paying for) only the bit's that they need.
My old PowerBook came with 2 or 3 adaptors that I have yet to use (or use more that the one time I tried them just cause they were there).
Z.
Where do you see this on the website?mid-range macbook comes with an "accessories kit" and the mini-DVI option vanishes
It was in the cart, but the 2.0 Ghz shows it buried inside. My bad.Where do you see this on the website?
But that still doesn't explain the lack of "Adapters" heading for the midrange, the mid-range macbook completly lacks the mini-DVI options, where as the low-end macbook has the options
That *is* weird -- both the low end and the Black Macbooks have the Adapters available to add when you select and customize. But the midrange does not. What a weird glitch.
You can still always add the adapters seperately, but that's less convenient.
You can still always add the adapters seperately, but that's less convenient.
Actually, you may have hit it... the iMac logic board is also small, so it could be to save space on the logic board. It's not the size of the iMac's case that's the problem, but probably the logic board.With the MacBook, I'm sure the mini-DVI connector is used to save space, on the logic board and on the outside of the case. As for the iMac, I have no idea, except what has already been floated.
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