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How do I hook up my LCD external? VGA or HDMI?

Hi all-

I have a Macbook Aluminium late 2008 (first gen), and am looking to buy an external monitor. The ones I have my eyes on right now is the Acer 24", which comes with VGA and HDMI. However I'm fairly new to this, and have some questions that I hope you guys can help with!

- Which cable I need to hook my Macbook up to the external monitor? Should I get a miniDisplayPort to VGA adapter or a miniDisplayPort to HDMI adapter? What is the difference?

- Does audio work if I hook it up? ie. will I get sound if I plug my headphones into my new external display (NOT into my macbook)?

- Do I have to run it as dual displays at all times? or can I close the lid of the macbook, but still have the computer running on my external display?

- If I get the new Macbook Pro (when it comes out), do I need a new cable? I heard that it runs using the thunderbolt connection, does that mean I will need to get a new thunderbolt to HDMI or VGA adapter cable?

- And lastly, do I have to buy the apple branded cable adapters? Or will other (cheaper) ones do?

Thanks!!!

Posted on Apr 1, 2012 5:10 AM

23 replies

Apr 1, 2012 11:39 AM in response to matthewlee100hk

That should do it.

Apr 1, 2012 11:42 AM in response to matthewlee100hk

Remember

When you first hook it up it will probably have the display set in Extended Desktop mode. The Menu Bar and Dock will be on the MacBook display and your background screen on the external monitor but you can move the cursor onto the external monitor screen.

In System Preferences>Display on the MacBook screen there should be an Arrangement tab when you have the MacBook hooked up to the external monitor and both screens working. When you click the Arrangement tab do you see two monitors side by side? One of them will have a Menu Bar at the top. Just click on the Menu Bar and drag it to the second monitor. That will make the second monitor your main screen.

You can now use your MacBook in Clamshell Mode with a wired or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131 When you disconnect from the external monitor your Menu Bar will automatically change back to the MacBook.

Or if you want to work on the MacBook screen while showing it on the external monitor you can check the Mirror Display box on the lower left hand side of the Arrangement tab under the two monitors box.

nvnv0

Level 1

118 points

Apr 1, 2012 11:54 AM in response to matthewlee100hk

- I prefer hdmi as you much want 720p movies to run on external display.

VGA offer less resolution(less sharpness and quality).

VGA works fine for small screen upto 21 inch. Above that screen size, Hdmi is best.

- Second question answer is no.

Your mac can't allow audio to pass from hdmi or VGA cable.

You have to buy another cable to allow sound to go from mac to

external source(TV or Sound system).

Your macbook has mini displayport. Confirm - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3388

- For closing lid, your 3rd question - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131

- Thuderbolt is totally different thing. If you are planning to buy macbook pro,

i better prefer to go for apple tv.

You can wirelessly stream both audio and video to it. All you need is hdmi cable

that you need to plug from apple tv to LCD.

By the way thunderbolt product- https://thunderbolttechnology.net/products

- Branded is somehow safe, but that doesn't mean that you can't buy another. Actually

each company has some kind of support for there own product.

- If you want to buy Mini displayport cables, please read following link here-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini_DisplayPort

If you don't understand above link, just ask again?

Apr 1, 2012 11:53 AM in response to frederic1943

Ok great, so what it meant when it said miniDP to VGA doesn't bring the audio across on pre 2010 macbooks mean that I will need that extra audio cable correct?

And will the USB ports on the mac still work when I close the lid and use it in clamshell mode?

THANKS, you've been EVER SO HELPFUL AND PATIENT!!!

Apr 1, 2012 12:12 PM in response to matthewlee100hk

Yes, whether you use VGA or HDMI you will need the 3.5mm audio cable.

The USB ports on the MacBook still work in clamshell mode. Actually all the ports work with the lid closed in clamshell mode. I'm running mine in clamshell mode with a USB keyboard and mouse and a FireWire external DVD burner.

Apr 1, 2012 12:26 PM in response to frederic1943

So if I use a VGA adapter, I won't be able to play 720p movies on my external? My monitor will be a 24", so you would recommend HDMI yes?

THANKS GUYS!!!

Apr 1, 2012 1:37 PM in response to frederic1943

And what is this business about a Male HDMI cable and a Female HDMI cable?

mini DP to Male HDMI adapter cable is what I want is that right?

Apr 1, 2012 7:43 PM in response to matthewlee100hk

The male is the part that plugs into the female part. If you want to use HDMI you can get a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI male cable which would eliminate the need for a separate adapter. http://www.amazon.com/Mini-DisplayPort-HDMI-Adapter-Cable/dp/B003OC6LWM/ref=sr_1 _2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333333486&sr=8-2

How do I hook up my LCD external? VGA or HDMI?