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Unsure of what kind of display adaptor you need?

<p>Over the years Apple has used several display connections with their laptop computers. Older Mac models had full-size VGA and DVI ports, which easily connected to external monitors through standard display cables. In recent years, Apple has conserved s

Topher Kessler MacFixIt Editor
Topher, an avid Mac user for the past 15 years, has been a contributing author to MacFixIt since the spring of 2008. One of his passions is troubleshooting Mac problems and making the best use of Macs and Apple hardware at home and in the workplace.
Topher Kessler

Over the years Apple has used several display connections with their laptop computers. Older Mac models had full-size VGA and DVI ports, which easily connected to external monitors through standard display cables. In recent years, Apple has conserved space in laptops by using a variety of smaller connections that require adaptors in order to use external displays.

If your computer was released in the past year, you more than likely need a displayport adaptor (even for newer Mac Pros), but other options for models include mini-DVI and micro-DVI.

To find which adaptor you need, Apple has a knowledgebase article that lists the adaptors it uses, part numbers, and a list of compatible computers. The list contains pictures and schematics of the plugs the adaptors use, which should make finding an adaptor easier, especially for older models with hard-to-find adapters.

The knowledgebase document can be found here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3235



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