Mac cinema display

samir_ansari · 8 Dec 2009 at 14:39

Hi everyone!

Im about to buy a mac cinema display for a windows laptop. The laptop only has a VGA output but the screen is DVI. Will a standard VGA to DVI adaptor work for this?

Many thanks

mosfet · 8 Dec 2009 at 14:42

No, I'm afraid not.

DVI outputs on graphics cards carry both DVI and VGA on the same connector (DVI-I it's called), all the adapters do is strip the DVI away and change the shape/pinout. They won't work in the other direction.

Since you won't be able to upgrade your laptop's graphics card, you're stuck with monitors that have VGA inputs.

cmndr_andi · 8 Dec 2009 at 14:49

If you are about to buy a 24in mac cinema display, i'd suggest giving this a hard look. It should cost around the same, does have a VGA input and I can personally attest that it is a fantastic monitor.

samir_ansari · 8 Dec 2009 at 15:44

thanks for the replies guys - I think that dell is way out of my price range. the cinema display I found was second hand and was a great price. Nevermind, ill carry on looking!

cmndr_andi · 8 Dec 2009 at 15:56

samir_ansari said:
thanks for the replies guys - I think that dell is way out of my price range. the cinema display I found was second hand and was a great price. Nevermind, ill carry on looking!

Ah, I see.

Well if you want an excellent monitor for a good price, wonderful panel and a VGA input then the Dell 2209WA is amazing. It uses an e-IPS panel and will look awesome no matter what you throw at it.

Admittedly, it is a bit smaller than the Apple cinema display, but it does have some benefits over a second hand ACD: It comes with a great 3 year dell warranty and a premium pixel guarantee, it has a VGA port, has a wonderful stand which rotates and even allows you to swivel the panel into portrait mode and its not got a shiny finish.