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    DVI or VGA?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by elgato65, Jan 24, 2007.

  1. elgato65

    elgato65 Newbie

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    I am soon getting a MacBook that I intend to connecto to my Dell FP2005W monitor whne using it at home. I am already using the DVI input of the monitor with my desktop PC, so my first thought was getting a miniDVI to VGA adapter for my MacBook, therefore not having to unplug my desktop when using the MB.

    However, I'm concerned about image quality. How good (or bad) is the MB/Dell/VGA combo? Will I get noticeably better quality of I use the DVI input?
     
    elgato65, Jan 24, 2007
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  2. l33t_c0w

    l33t_c0w Notebook Deity

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    I'm looking at possibly the same scenario for my macbook and Acer monitor.

    A couple threads over, it's suggested that VGA will only support 1600x1200, and DVI will support 1920x1200. That may be something to consider for you. I doubt you'll notice a difference in quality besides that, even though VGA is analog.
     
    l33t_c0w, Jan 24, 2007
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  3. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    Isn't it just easier to get a switcher box for your DVIs? You can have two inputs going to a box, and one cable going to the DVI in on the monitor. Just select which input needs to be used on the box, and voila!
     
    Gautam, Jan 24, 2007
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  4. elgato65

    elgato65 Newbie

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    l33t_c0w, thanks for the info. I intend to run the monitor in its native resolution of 1680 x 1050, so you make a good point.

    gautam3, the boxes are not particularly cheap, and I'm working on a budget...
     
    elgato65, Jan 24, 2007
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  5. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    I have my desktop hooked up with VGA and the MBP with DVI and I can't tell the difference. I say as long as VGA will support the resolution you want go for it.
     
    cashmonee, Jan 25, 2007
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  6. hollownail

    hollownail Individual 11

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    It will almost completely depend on the DAC that the monitor uses. I'm not sure how good the one for the dell is. On many monitors, it's night and day to me. But not everyone has a sharp eye.

    My suggestion is to try seeing what vga and dvi look like with your desktop. If you don't notice a difference, then you won't with the MB. If you do, then expect the same difference on your MB.
     
    hollownail, Jan 25, 2007
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