Computer Help

[Gizmogle]

Whilst using my Mac I had the brilliant idea that I could probably connect the monitor to it and use my computer monitor for the display.

I use a Dell monitor with a DVI connector thingy, and my MacBook has a Mini DVI connector thingy.

After reading around, I've found that many Dell monitors have weird DVI connectors with 4 pins missing.

Apple do a DVI to Mini DVI cable, but I don't want to end up buying one that isn't compatible with my Dell monitor. I also read stuff about DVI-I and DVI-D. According to a reviewer, Apple's cable is a DVI-D.

If someone could just tell me what I need with maybe a handy link, that'd be good Cheers.

 

[D306]

Where is Tom when you need him.

Check the forums over at the apple site for some help. If it was to do with a normal PC then I'd be able to help, but I'm not experienced with Macs

 

[Gizmogle]

Well the Mac bit is simple as it's just an ordinary Mini DVI. It's Dell with their funny connectors that has me confused.

I've had a look around Apple forums, but I don't really know which stuff applies to me.

 

[D306]

it could be the Dell monitor then. Best to ask apple for compatibility first then go and buy one, or even ask dell, but you may get no-where with them. Try asking apple and see what they say

 

[Gizmogle]

Right, it looks like I might need a DVI-D to Mini DVI cable, which is what Apple do, so it'll be fine.

Unfortunately they're bloody £15! Think I'll look elsewhere.

 

[D306]

£15 ain't that bad

 

[nath9425]

From experience at work we have had 120 Dell Monitors put in, and never needed to change the Dell DVI Cable, it was straight swap so I can't see why you need one of these mini ones? That sounds silly, All dell PC Monitors were built to standard DVI Connections.

 

[Gizmogle]

I need the Mini DVI because the input on the Mac is a Mini DVI. (Obviously would have been quite hard to fit a full size DVI connector on such a small laptop)

 

[Craig]

Apple do a DVI to Mini DVI cable, but I don't want to end up buying one that isn't compatible with my Dell monitor. I also read stuff about DVI-I and DVI-D. According to a reviewer, Apple's cable is a DVI-D.

DVI-D is digital, DVI-A is analogue and DVI-I is integrated (digital and analogue). If you need a digital one then a DVI-D or DVI-I cable will work. I think the 4 missing pins on the Dell's are probably just the analogue pins, making them digital only.

Something like this should do you.

 

[devon_metro]

Its common to have 4 pins missing on a monitor.

 

[Wayfarer Sam]

I think I have a few of these just hanging around at work. Ill have a look and let you know if you wish

 

[Gizmogle]

That'd be good I'll have a look at my DVI connector thingy later and tell you what it is.

 

[Wayfarer Sam]

Obviously I can not promise anything but we use a lot of macs with various monitors for photo correcting purposes.

 

[Tom B]

£15 doesn't sound *too* bad... you may be able to find it cheaper though.

 

[P156KWJ]

my solution is not to go Apple not to say you shouldn't though - whatever floats ya boat

 

[class 313]

£15 ain't that bad

What do you mean, course it is! Gizmogle likes to see prices in single figures

But if it is all too expensive, bail out of this idea and just carry on how you were going beforehand.

 

[Gizmogle]

Yeah, I'm tryna get one of eBay at the moment, as I really am too cheap to spend £15 on one

 

[mbonwick]

whatever floats ya boat

Boyancy floats mine - how about yours?

 

[class 313]

Boyancy floats mine - how about yours?

Water generally floats mine...

 

[P156KWJ]

Boyancy floats mine - how about yours?

water, baby oil, orange juice, cider, banana milkshake, liquid nitrogen - anything that has a liquidy sort of form

 

[Beaker]

Water generally floats mine...

Your boat floats ON/IN water.

 

[P156KWJ]

Your boat floats ON water.

pedantic overload!!!

 

[Beaker]

What 31s get up to has nothing to do with me...

 

[Broken Viking]

...Whatever floats ya boat!

Generally speaking, Blood floats mine!

Although trying to find a sea full of Blood to sail something the size of an oil-tanker on (I have a crazy speedboat project in mind! ) isn't an easy task...And the difference between Blood and sea-water could lead to the ship floating dangerously high above "the line" anyway... hock:

 

[Beaker]

Can i nominate loader as a blood donor for your fine project

 

[P156KWJ]

Can i nominate loader as a blood donor for your fine project

depends - got to be a RARE blood group

 

[class 313]

Can i nominate loader as a blood donor for your fine project

Quite simply, no