Macbook >> Projector

whyulittle

Just wondering, does anyone have any experience using a projector with a Macbook? Trying hooking up a HP laptop tonight and ran into problems. Was all set to use the Macbook until I noticed the connection is different.

This looks like what I need, althought the cable looks very short. Plus I could do with getting it by next Wednesday, any good offline stockists of Mac gear?

Thanks.

big_moe

if its a Macbook you have, you'll need a Mini-DVI to VGA adapter and a vga cable. (assuming the projector has a VGA input)

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/irl.woa/91114041/wa/PSLID?mco=7E4F2D7D&nplm=M9320&wosid=zo65eOhzVvCi3ZONRC22n4WZ6lr

where are you based?? if dublin, then try the usual 3. spectra, o2 experience and 3g

adam

Breezer

Exactly as Adam said, but just to note that the cable is so short because the product isn't a cable, it's an adapter

And while I appreciate the space-saving design of the Mini-DVI port, I wish Apple included these adapters in the box.

big_moe

and miss out on charging €19 for each additional one?!?!?! come on.... apple wouldnt do such a thing!

Breezer

Oh I know. Although €19 now? I'm impressed, I could have sworn I paid €27 for each of them.

Dont be at yourself

If you shop around, surely you could pick up a non-apple brand mini-dvi cable in the likes of Peats, Maplins or whatever for less.

big_moe

mini dvi is an apple-only thing... so i doubt you can get a non-apple adapter

adam

Dont be at yourself

Oh, I stand corrected.

That's irritating, having a propriety connection as the only video-out on a notebook.

K.O.Kiki

Haha, I got one for free with my iBook 2yrs ago

I guess they figured that they can save themselves the money of including the adapter if only the minority of users connect an external monitor to their laptop.

whyulittle

Thanks for the replies. Will check out the shops in town today.

Anyone ever hooked their Macbook up to a projector/monitor? Anything difficult about it?

whiterebel

Not a Macbook, but a 12" PB g4 for 6-7 years now. In those days good ol' Apple used to include the mini-DVI to VGA adaptor. Plug it in to the projector, select your source and bob's your uncle. Has been the subject of many an envious glance from Windows users just how quick and painless it is to set up.

Oirthir

I've hooked up my MB to projectors a ton of times. Never had a problem.

Display Preferences are your friend though.

K.O.Kiki

At least you won't have to download a hacked driver, like us iBook users!

Breezer

whiterebel wrote: »

Has been the subject of many an envious glance from Windows users just how quick and painless it is to set up.

I once got a rather sarcastic 'Can Macs hook up to projectors the way PCs can?' Not entirely sure why I was asked this in the middle of hooking up my Mac to give a presentation, I would have thought it was fairly obvious from what I was doing, but there you go. Maybe she expected me to cave, utter an embarrassed 'No' and sit back down

whyulittle

Checked the 3G and o2 stores today, neither had the adapter. :mad:

I wonder are the Apple Store guidelines of 1-2 week shipping time accurate.

Breezer

whyulittle wrote: »

Checked the 3G and o2 stores today, neither had the adapter. :mad:

I wonder are the Apple Store guidelines of 1-2 week shipping time accurate.

Are you in Dublin? The Spectra at the bottom of Grafton St has had loads of them both times I've needed one.

whyulittle

Breezer wrote: »

Are you in Dublin? The Spectra at the bottom of Grafton St has had loads of them both times I've needed one.

No I'm in Athlone. The Spectra here is about the size of a small garden shed, can't imagine them having a large/any range of Mac stuff. Will give them a try though, or see if any of them can order it in for me.

Breezer

Trust me, the one here isn't much bigger

whyulittle

I've asked the 3G store to order one for me, so hopefully.....

Thanks for your help.

Dont be at yourself

There's also an Apple Store around Merrion Square, isnt there?

Breezer

There was a reseller of some sort on Kildare Street, up the Stephen's Green end. I'm not sure if it's still in business.

Hotblack Desiato

Breezer wrote: »

There was a reseller of some sort on Kildare Street, up the Stephen's Green end. I'm not sure if it's still in business.

That was affiliated with Compustore and shut down at the same time Compustore did. It's boarded up but still has a large sign saying "APPLE STORE" which looks really bad, I half expected Apple themselves to take it over and open a proper Apple Store... or at the very least insist the sign was taken down. Very odd that it's still empty, property in that area would be highly sought after I'd have thought.