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    Question about mini-DVi to DVi

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Lyanowu, Mar 21, 2009.

  1. Lyanowu

    Lyanowu Notebook Consultant

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    if I want to connect the macbook to an external LCD monitor, I will need a mini-DVi to DVI adapter, but the adapter is so short. So should I connect the adapter to the DVi cable that is connect to the monitor? The adapter is so short that there is no way it can be directly connected to the monitor...... :confused:
     
    Lyanowu, Mar 21, 2009
    #1
  2. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    Yes, you would use the cable that came with the monitor to connect it to the Mini-DVI "short extender" that you plug into your computer. I'm assuming you have the White MB right? If you have an aluminum MB or MBP, then you're going to need the Mini-Displayport > DVI. ;)
     
    Colton, Mar 21, 2009
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  3. Lyanowu

    Lyanowu Notebook Consultant

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    I am using the aluminum macbook.....
    so I should get the Mini-displayport to dvi adapter instead of mini-dvi to dvi adapter?
     
    Lyanowu, Mar 21, 2009
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  4. Lyanowu

    Lyanowu Notebook Consultant

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    I am so confusing. Wish it came with a basic adapter like this....
     
    Lyanowu, Mar 21, 2009
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  5. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    Colton, Mar 21, 2009
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  6. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    get it from ebay btw-a lot cheap!
     
    Xirurg, Mar 21, 2009
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  7. Seshan

    Seshan Rawrrr!

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    You have to use the DVI cable because it's a male connector and the mini display -> DVI is a Female connector. The monitor will also be a female.
     
    Seshan, Mar 21, 2009
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  8. Lyanowu

    Lyanowu Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for the advise. I will get one mini displayport to DVI adapter.
     
    Lyanowu, Mar 21, 2009
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  9. Colton

    Colton Also Proudly American

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    Definitely! Don't pay that much for it from the Apple store. Get it off eBay for a whole lot cheaper. ;)
     
    Colton, Mar 21, 2009
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  10. Lyanowu

    Lyanowu Notebook Consultant

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    I checked ebay and amazon, but no luck. So I just went to frys (electronic store in CA) and bought one at $29.99.

    I figured out 2 ways to connect the external monitor. One is to connect it as an extended monitor, and the other way is to turn off the macbook monitor and only use the external one.
    But have a couple questions.

    One question is that, how to change from using pure external monitor back to use macbook monitor and external monitor as extended monitor?Is there is a key that has this function?

    Second question is , is there a third way to use the external monitor as a parallel display, so what display on the macbook monitor would also display on the external monitor?

    Third question is, can I use the external monitor as the main working monitor, and use the macbook monitor as the extended monitor?
     
    Lyanowu, Mar 25, 2009
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  11. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    1. System Prefs>Display>Arrangement. You can drag the menu bar from one screen to the other (assuming you are using two displays or more), to change which one is the primary display.

    2. There should also be an option there to clone the displays. That would display whatever's on the primary monitor to the secondary - assuming the resolutions are supported.

    3. See 1.
     
    Budding, Mar 25, 2009
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  12. Lyanowu

    Lyanowu Notebook Consultant

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    Sweet, I found the option Pref>Display>gather windows>arrangement :), and also found the option of mirror displays in arrangement tab that can mirror what is on the macbook monitor to the external monitor.
     
    Lyanowu, Mar 25, 2009
    #12