2013 MBA Windows 8 + hdmi = ?

Welcome to Apple Support Communities

First, if you are going to use Windows all the time, go for a PC. Only buy a Mac if you really love how these computers are and, especially, if you want to use OS X. I recommend you to give it a try.

eminus wrote:

1. Whats the best way to run windows natively?

a. bootcamp - i almost never need to go back to os x other than critical firmware updates and such

b. erase entire drive and load windows - is this even possible? would i be able to get all the drivers? would i still be able to get firmware updates (efi)?

Automatically discard the second option, even if it's possible. You need OS X for firmware updates and I think you should try OS X because you will like it. It's not difficult to learn how to use it.

Apple only provides firmware updates through Software Update or from the Apple website in DMG files. If you only use Windows, you will have two problems:

1. You won't have the possibility to upgrade the firmware.

2. The EFI partition will be erased when you erase the whole drive to install Windows. This makes the installation of firmware updates impossible.

I recommend you to use Boot Camp. Just assign as much space as you can for Windows and install it. Follow the Apple's steps > http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/boot_camp_install-setup_10.8.pdf

eminus wrote:

2. Once I load windows can i connect hdmi to thunderbolt using a connector like this - http://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Thunderbolt-Adapter-Audio-Support/dp/B002HWWDA Y

a. will it behave just like native hdmi where drm content just works - i use wmc a lot.

b. will it support audio just like native hdmi?

First you will have to install the Windows support software, included in the steps of the link above. Doing this, Windows will be able to recognize Thunderbolt.

You shouldn't have any problem using that adapter in Windows and it will behave like native HDMI.

Some Macs don't support audio over Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort, but as you have a new Mac, you shouldn't have any problem with this.

eminus wrote:

3. I have a spare magsafe1 charger, is there a magsafe1-2 adapter so i can put that charger to use?

Of course > http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD504ZM/A/magsafe-to-magsafe-2-converter

I haven't tried HDMI in Windows because I don't use external displays with my iMac, but have a quick look in these forums to read experiences of other users with HDMI in Windows. It should work in the same way as in OS X

You are welcome