Sanely-Priced Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Coming Soon

By Amos Ngai
published

With the introduction of the new unibody MacBook and MacBook Pro this past October, Apple also made standard its Mini DisplayPort display connector across all of their updated systems.

DisplayPort is the natural successor to DVI and HDMI technology and Apple is working hard to make sure their “Mini” standard gains industry acceptance. However, the one area where Apple is refusing to help customers is the much sought after Mini DisplayPort to HDMI connector.

Apple currently sells a Mini-DP to Dual Link DVI adapter for the “bargain” price of $99.00 USD via its online store (opens in new tab). But if you have been purchasing cables and connectors over the Internet, you would undoubtedly have heard of Monoprice. Macyourself reported that during its contact with Monoprice, a Mini-DP to HDMI adapter is already in the works and expected to ship in January 2009.

Since there is currently no other way to carry a digital signal from the new MacBooks to an HDTV except through DVI, this is leaving lots of users frustrated. Not all HDTVs are equipped with a DVI port and even if they do, you would still have to purchase a $99 adapter from Apple. The news of Monoprice carrying such an adapter is not only excellent for users but also for the frugal consumer.

Monoprice has the reputation in the home theater community for its affordable cables. For comparison, a Mini-DVI to DVI adapter (opens in new tab) that Apple sells for $19 USD ; Monoprice sells for $9.69 USD (opens in new tab) — almost a 50 percent in savings (and it’s even white to match your Apple lifestyle).

Amos Ngai
15 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Pei-chen
    I don’t get why they designed Mini DisplayPort for notebook when DisplayPort is already tiny compares with D-SUB and DVI. On cameras yet but not on notebook.
    Reply
  • Shadow703793
    ^+1
    Reply
  • nukemaster
    ^
    ^+2
    Reply
  • aapocketz
    I still think the length of the displayport would mean more wasted space, even though its small. The longer rectangular shape makes sense when you have USB and you may want to stack 2 on top of each other, making a more of a "golden rectangle" profile.

    My problem with displayport is what does it really buy anyone more than the widely accepted HDMI standard other than confusion? HDMI was backwards compatible with DVI video which was nice. Displayport needs to be tossed. I think people will just eventually upgrade to USB3 which I believe supports video displays as well as the kind of devices USB currently supports.
    Reply
  • trevorvdw
    Wow Apple overcharges for things? First I've heard of this Wow Apple overcharges for things? First I've heard of this ...
    Reply
  • awolfe63
    DisplayPort to Dual-linkDVI is hard. It requires translator circuits. There are no cheap solutions on the market. In fact, it is hard to find any other solution for sale. DisplayPort to HDMI or single-link DVI is a simple cable between two connectors - much cheaper but won't run a 30" display.
    Reply
  • kamkal
    lol 99$ for an adapter? go f*ck yourselves apple.

    why do people continue to buy this over priced trash??
    Reply
  • dyingcat
    aapocketzI think I read somewhere that you have to pay licensing fee for HDMI, where it is free to put Display Port..or something like that,
    Reply
  • Tindytim
    Display port has little over HDMI (30-bit color, big whoop), and HDMI has the market. Give it up, display port may have had some benefits, but it lost. Use HDMI, and maybe you'll get lucky next time.
    Reply
  • Tindytim
    I think I read somewhere that you have to pay licensing fee for HDMI, where it is free to put Display Port..or something like that,
    Yes, Display port can be used Royalty free, there is no one you need to pay, or any licensing to acquire in order to use Display ports in products.
    Reply