The Mac mini web page lists an Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter as an accessory, but the Mac mini doesn't appear to have a Mini DisplayPort.
The Mac mini also has an HDMI to DVI Adapter included, but would this allow a VGA monitor to be connected via an additional DVI to VGA cable? ie. can the HDMI port provide an analogue signal that a VGA monitor can receive?
Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7)
Some Mac Minis do have mini-DisplayPorts. In these two it is between the HDMI and the USB ports:
(yes Thunderbolt should accept mini-Displayport).
In this one it is between the Mini-DVI and the USB ports:
Only the oldest Intel models would you need a different adapter to VGA
Those you would need a DVI to VGA adapter from Apple such as this one. Note, DVI to VGA is converting digital to analog, and not very useful, unless your TV has neither DVI nor HDMI. DVI is much better converted up to HDMI. And the audio would have to come in separately. So depending on your display model and make, you may be asking for the wrong adapter. VGA is fine if all you are going to do is view DVDs on an old TV. But if you want the ability to use the Dock, menubar, etc..., it is good to have a 1080p TV with built-in HDMI or better.
The HDMI port does not supply an analog signal. HDMI converts to DVI-D via the included adapter. It can not easily be converted to VGA. So if you need to drive a VGA only device then the MDP to VGA adapter is what you would need.
The Mini-Display connection is the same as Thunderbolt. The Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter will connect to the thunderbolt port.
Thank you all for your good responses.
I can now proceed with the purchase of a Mac mini with the knowledge that I can use a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter in the Thunderbolt port.
Sovereign Pilot,
Did you buy a new mini and did it work? Can you tell me precisely what you had to do to make it work?
You don't have to do anything. Just plug in the $30 mini display to vga adapter. It just works.
Yes, Scherndon, I did buy a new Mac mini and it works well.
All I needed to do was purchase a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter (as user1724 says) and plug it into the Thunderbolt port. The Thunderbolt port is backwards compatible with the Mini DisplayPort so nothing else is required.
Can I use a Mac mini with a VGA monitor?
