VGA adapter can't handle 1920x1080@60Hz ?

Just to chime in with a potentially not-terribly-helpful "me too!" I am using a new 13" MacBook Air (4GB/256GB/2.13GHz) with a brand-new Apple VGA adapter. Nearly constant zigzag effects with an hp 2335 monitor (1920x1080 @ 60Hz, the only available refresh rate at that resolution), completely unusable. Using the same cable and adapter works fine with a Dell 1905FP @ either 60Hz or 75Hz (1280x1024).

An interesting twist is that dropping the resolution on the hp 2335 to 1600x1200 @ 60Hz gets rid of the artifacts, but switching to 65 Hz at the same resolution makes them come back. 1600x1024 only has 76Hz as an option, and the artifacts are present there. 1600x1000 @ 60Hz = no artifacts, 1600x1000 @ 75 Hz = artifacts.

I don't know much about these things, so not sure if any of this data will be useful. I tried the firmware update recommended earlier in the thread, but it could not find an adapter to update (adapter was connected to the external monitor at the time, as the firmware update instructions specified).

The same monitor has a DVI interface, and I have an older mini DP to DVI adapter that I bought 2 years ago for a MacBook Pro, I will try to dig it up and see if that works. The problem is that the DVI port is currently in use by a desktop that only has DVI out, so it's not an option to be using it for the MacBook Air full-time. I guess if this can't be resolved I'll be looking into a DVI KVM (and those are pricy).

I see the same problem with the new MBA with two VGA adaptors to an LG 23'' monitor.

Wavy lines appear at certain resolutions only.

The interesting thing is that there was no problem withe same adaptor and screen with the older (late 2008) MBA. I had that one, before I got this one.

This is very very annoying and I hope to get it sorted soon by visiting the apple store. Will let you know the outcome.

I have the same problem.

I am also experiencing this. I am using a 24" Westinghouse, 1920x1200, VGA connected monitor and have experienced this sporadically. Today I went to install Xcode and the entire time the install was "Writing Files" the display was zig-zagging non stop. As soon as the install changed to "Registering Updated Components" the zig-zagging stopped. This is really bothersome since it seems to correlate with taxing the system....that's typically when I'm trying to focus on serious work. Personally, I don't find it acceptable to have to use DVI or Native DisplayPort since so many of my client's installed projectors are VGA only still.

I've just spent the last hour reading about this problem that appears to have begun Nov. 2010 (under a couple different topics, but same problem). And, it still hasn't been resolved?? I planned to purchase a MBA 11 today and use an external monitor. Now I'm rethinking the whole idea! Any positive updates on this problem? Thanks!

DEAR ALL,

the problem is the limit of the VGA adaptor itself. VGA has a limit of what resolution it can "translate" to another screen. The only solution for new MBA owners is the DVI. Also, its anyway a good idea to get DVI as VGAs will stop being produced / sold all together (in a few years, that is).

I mentioned earlier that I had the same problems as reported by everyone else, and the VGA is fine up to certain external screen resolutions, but not all. Now I have a DVI adaptor, and it looks great....

So that's the only solution I can suggest to you guys.

Good luck,

K

Sorry K, but that does not fit with my experience. I've been using this monitor for years with various Macs - most recently a PowerBook using a stock DVI-to-VGA adapter - no problems. Besides - Apple has already said that it's a bug and to be fixed in a firmware update to the adapter.

They simply have not come across with that fix.

I'm using this at work and they're not likely to want to replace an otherwise perfectly fine monitor simply because it doesn't work with my latest Mac (that I bought).

I've bought a lot of Mac gear - including the Air and an iMac in the last six months - and I'm getting fed up with this issue - esp. since I'm having to type this on a screen that scrambles every few seconds.

Apple - are you listening? I dare you to try to use a screen in this mode with out becoming very frustrated.

-jk

Also - using the DVI adapter and trying to go to VGA doesn't work because the mini-display to DVI adapter does not even allow a DVI to VGA adapter to be plugged in. -jk

I wonder if Apple had to inform upfront every customer intending to purchase a MBAir, how many they would have sold since last November. Are the advertised features not thoroughly tested before entering the market? I have to say I'm disappointed. Not the service from Apple I've come to expect. I'll be putting this purchase off, perhaps indefinitely.

Thanks for the update.

And not to beat on it to much , but when I have the Air connected to my monitor via the adapter, 1600x1200 is one of the options available in the display pull down. Certainly seems to be a supported option. Though "supported" is only theoretical at this point. -jk

I have the same zig zag disturbance at 1920x1080 @60Hz witha samsung syncmaster e2220 with different VGA cables. It occures also when i scroll tha page fast.