Macbook Pro w/ 30 inch Dell monitor issue SOLVED

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Macbook Pro w/ 30 inch Dell monitor issue SOLVED

I was amazed at the huge problems Apple apparently had with the bizarre $99 adapter that enables 30 inch dual channel display for the new Mini Displayport machines, including the current Macbook Pros. The reports of problems here were terrible, and I frankly waited six months or more to buy my next machine because of these problems -- Apple should be more careful about products like this.

I'm happy to report that the Mini Displayport to Displayport cable from Monoprice works GREAT with my Dell 30 inch monitor (the current one, I can't find the number since it's hidden on the back but it's the current model they sell). Fully compatible in both Mac and Windows, video seems fine, and no issues that affect display quality. The only issue I have noticed is, when the monitor goes to sleep and I wake it up again on the Mac side, it displays strange lines. Any change in monitor color or resolution causes this to go away, so all I have to do is go to 16 bit color and back again. On top of everything, the cable is dirt cheap.

Here it is:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?cid=102&cp_id=10246&cs_id=1024606&pid=6007&seq=1&format=2

Macbook Pro early 2008, Mac OS X (10.5.6), 6 GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive 7200 RPM

Posted on Aug 9, 2009 4:55 AM

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Answer 1

Peter Payne Author

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20 points

Aug 9, 2009 4:56 AM in response to Peter Payne

This is not a question by the way, but feel free to comment with your own experiences.

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Answer 2

Aug 10, 2009 5:14 AM in response to Peter Payne

Peter Payne wrote:
feel free to comment with your own experiences.

Ok. But, what have you solved?

First off, the 'huge problems' that you mention pertain to the Apple mini-DisplayPort to Dual Link DVI adapter. There's nothing 'bizarre' about that adapter - it allows you to connect a display requiring a dual-link DVI (i.e. up to 2560x1600) to your MBP. Those issues were not really that common (judging frequency of problems by reading these forums is like judging human health by visiting an Emergency Room - you'd think most of the population was sick or injured). If you went by forum problem reports, you'd never buy any product.

More importantly, the _cable you linked above is an entirely different product_, a mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable. It has nothing to do with DVI (note that Apple doesn't even make a mini-Dp to DP cable). If your display has a DisplayPort input (as the Dell 30" does) then it's fine. If your display has only DVI input (such as the Apple 30" Cinema Display), the cable you link is useless.

But, although I find it utterly unsurprising that a mini-DP to DP cable will allow one to connect a mini-DP port on a computer to a DP port on a display, good to know that in that instance, the dirt cheap cable from Monoprice does the job.

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Answer 3

Peter Payne Author

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20 points

Aug 10, 2009 7:29 PM in response to neuroanatomist

Oops, sorry for the mis-link. Anyway, since Dell monitors are a popular 30 inch monitor, everyone who wants to use one with a new Mac is highly recommended to use this cable rather than Apple's inferior $99 option.

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Answer 4

dukeiii

Level 1

0 points

Aug 11, 2009 1:14 PM in response to neuroanatomist

sounds like u got a working mini D dual link dvi adapter with no problem, good for you. mine does and a lot of ppl here do have the same problem,

here
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1836042&start=0&tstart=15
and here
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1837465&tstart=30
and many other posts

still, no solution from apple on this for almost a year! oh, nothing "bizarre"...

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Answer 5

Peter Payne Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 12, 2009 5:39 AM in response to dukeiii

Basically, for me the solution was "don't buy Apple" and "do use a mini Displayport to Displayport cable" since third parties make them. I was overjoyed that it supports the full resolution, and is cheaper to boot. The only issue I have had is, when the monitor sleeps the video is really messed up until I change to another resolution or color mode.

I love Apple but they almost cost themselves a laptop purchase because of this, and I will never, ever buy monitors from them for any reason.

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Answer 6

Aug 12, 2009 5:47 AM in response to Peter Payne

Peter Payne wrote:
Basically, for me the solution was "don't buy Apple"

Yes. If you want a toaster, the "solution" is the same - "don't buy Apple," since, like toasters, Apple doesn't make mini Displayport to Displayport cables.

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