Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
On the third-generation (2010) edition of the MacBook Air, the display connection was the Mini DisplayPort,
which is the same size and shape as the Thunderbolt port shown earlier in Figure 1.1, although it doesn't sup-
port Thunderbolt devices. (The original MacBook Air used a Micro-DVI port.)
You can use the Mini DisplayPort to connect MacBook Air to external displays that use three connector types:
DVI (digital video interface), VGA (video graphics array), and video.
To connect MacBook Air's Mini DisplayPort to an external display, you need at least a Mini DisplayPort cable.
If your display supports Mini DisplayPort signals, your work is done. Otherwise, you need to purchase an ad-
apter that converts the Mini DisplayPort signal to video output compatible with your display (as I explain in the
next three sections).
DVI connections
The standard video connection type on most LCD monitors and on some televisions and projectors is DVI. That
sounds simple enough, but, unfortunately, external displays such as LCD monitors and televisions can use dif-
ferent DVI connectors. There are actually three types:
DVI-A.
This connector works only with analog signals (see Figure 1.3).
1.3
A DVI-A connector.
DVI-D.
This connector works only with digital signals. It comes in single-link and dual-link versions (see
Figure 1.4).
1.4
DVI-D single-link (left) and dual-link (right) connectors.
