At the laptop event last week, Apple standardized many of the features on their laptop lines: aluminum unibody enclosures, glass screens, multi-touch trackpad, etc. But one important aspect of this unification that wasn’t really examined in depth is the new monitor connector, DisplayPort.
DisplayPort is a new standard designed to replace DVI, VGA, and HDMI cables for computer-to-monitor and computer-to-home-theater A/V set-ups. While DisplayPort products have been around since the beginning of this year (primarily in Dell and HP monitors), Apple is the first company to offer Mini DisplayPort, a smaller version of the DisplayPort connector—similar to what mini-DVI and mini-VGA were for DVI and VGA respectively.
The upsides of DisplayPort (and Mini DisplayPort) are many: smaller ports, thinner cables, specifically design for computers. Additionally, both versions of the DisplayPort standard can drive displays with up to 2560x1600 pixel resolution (such as Apple’s 30” Cinema Display), something that mini-DVI and the MacBook Air’s micro-DVI ports couldn’t handle.
But, DisplayPort also has downsides. For one thing, it’s yet another video standard in a world that already has HDMI, DVI, and VGA. But more importantly for users of the new MacBook and MacBook Pros, Mini DisplayPort means a whole new set of adapters for connecting your existing video equipment. Have a VGA or DVI monitor? You can’t use it without one of Apple’s own $29 adapters (or a whopping $99 for a Dual-Link DVI adapter), none of which are included with the MacBook or MacBook Pro.
Of course, you can always buy Apple’s new 24” LED Cinema Display, the only Mini DisplayPort-equipped monitor currently on the market, but only if you’re willing to spend $800 (though the built-in speakers, iSight, and USB hub ameliorate the price somewhat).
So, what’s a new MacBook or MacBook Pro owner to do? Well, as Mini DisplayPort is part of the DisplayPort standard, third-party adapters should come out eventually. But, for now, we early adopters of the new MacBook line can either pony up for Apple’s products, or sit back and wait for the market to develop.
*[For more on DisplayPort, check out this [explainer over at Macworld](http://www.macworld.com/article/136196/2008/10/displayportfaq.html).]*
DVI, VGA, and HDMI are enough we don't need another "standard" connector type. Most non computer equipment comes with one of the above. This is just plain stupid.
"...it's yet another video standard in a world that already has HDMI, DVI, and VGA."
DVI, and HDMI, yes. But VGA? An antiquated standard that exists solely for backwards compatibility? It can't drive the mega displays people use today. It isn't digital. It can't support HDCP (it can't support HD). VGA is as dead as the floppy drive. You'd be better off referencing S-Video.
As for DVI and HDMI, they are practically the same thing aren't they? If you want to reduce the number of standards, get rid of one of those (oh wait, Apple already has, I've never seen an Apple display or computer with HDMI). DisplayPort has actual benefits in scalability and internal connections (it makes the connection to the built-in MacBook displays much easier to accommodate in the hinge). This may not quite be at the level of replacing ADB with USB or VHS with DVD, but it is progress. Suggesting there are too many standards already is silly in the face of the real benefits you outsourced to another piece.
Good riddance to DVI and bent pins (harkens back to VGA) and hardware viruses.
You know, at first I was upset by this. That I'd have to buy a cable to hook up my laptop to a monitor. Then I thought about it. In the two years I've owned my MBP I have yet to use the one that came with it (DVI to VGA - I think) or any other one for that matter.
Didn't feel so bad after that.
DisplayPort is a wonderful technology, since it has no licence fees and is more focused on computer needs then HDMI (less audio bandwidth on DP, but more video). Apple really messed up by not using the regular port, since it is small to begin with (similar to HDMI). Instead they had to go with something proprietary. Its typical Apple bulls***. I'm typing this on a new MBP, and love it, other then that. I shouldn't need to buy an adapter to go to from my DisplayPort to a DisplayPort monitor (Samsung, Dell, LG, and some others already have DP moitors out there). It was just a stupid decision on Apple's part.
The one thing that angers me the most is the fact that the adapters cost $29 each. I mean, what the f*** Apple? I think that's the only reason for upgrading this 'standard'.
This is a technology transition. I don't know enough to comment on whether the new standard is warranted, but presumably Apple does know enough and thinks it's the way to go. I am pretty sure, however, that Apple is not doing this as a cheap way to sell $29 adapters and new monitors. So, framing this transition as a "rip-off" seems whiney and a mischaracterization of their motives and the impact. Transitions take time but you have to start somewhere.
If this wasn't a cheap way to sell $29 adapters, Apple could have included them for free Cajaygle. They probably cost under $2 to make. When will we Mac users teach Apple to stop atempting to fleece us at every opportunity. If it doesn't come in the original box, it doesn't exist as far as I am concerned.
While I agree that it is a pain to change adapters for older monitors. One things that is worth noting is that DisplayPort has DRM options, the same as HDMI. I think this maybe a step towards Blu-Ray and is one of the "Bag of hurt" aspects of providing Blu-Ray players.
display ports have more advantages. they can be daisy chained like firewire. imagine driving 3 unique 1080p displays off of your one laptop DP port?
they're also bidirectional. in the future DP ports can support data from your isight and usb hub in addition to outputting video, eliminating the need for a USB cable.
that being said, apple was a jerk for making us pay for these proprietary plugs when monoprice.com can produce similar adaptors for $2.
Until quite recently all MacBook pro and Powerbook laptops came with adapters in the box...this is clearly just a way to make money, making money is SJ new religion, the tech advantages take second seat to $...it is a trend that is quite obvious.
DisplayPort ? Ahahahaha... you need more money ? You should try to build some really new computers.
SO many whiners
$29? That's it?!