Old MacBook to new HDMI Monitor Connection

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Old MacBook to new HDMI Monitor Connection

I'm giving my old 2008 MacBook MB403LL/A to my parents (who are using more ancient iMac), but my mother has vision issues. I just bought a new Samsung 22" HDMI monitor to hook up to it and was told all I needed was a USB to HDMI cable. Can't find one anywhere but have found adapter options online. Do I need a 2.0 USB to HDMI adapter and then HDMI cable or can I use 3.0 USB HDMI adapter (will is step down?) and then HDMI cable? Any other options (e.g, Firewire 400 to HDMI)? I've gotten so many different answers I'm completely confused. Prices on adapters and HDMI cables vary DRAMATICALLY. Is there a difference in quality? Thanks for any insight

MacBook (13-inch Early 2008), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Feb 18, 2015 3:04 PM

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Answer 1

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richard177

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Feb 20, 2015 11:54 AM in response to syzzlh

Why not use the DVI video output port? You'll need another adapter/cable for audio though.

http://www.amazon.com/forum//ref=ask_dp_dpmw_al_hza?asin=B001TH7T2U&cdSort=best

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Answer 2

Feb 21, 2015 7:46 AM in response to richard177

Richard is right. Use the display port, not the USB port. Also, there are alternatives to HDMI if your monitor supports it.

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Answer 3

syzzlh Author

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Feb 21, 2015 7:58 AM in response to richard177

Thanks Richard, I'll start to investigate that type of adapter now.

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Answer 4

syzzlh Author

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Feb 21, 2015 8:00 AM in response to Applelemming204

I appreciate the add'l feedback. Alternatives, such as? Please understand, I'm obviously a novice at this. I was told that HDMI will provide better resolution over VGA. Is that the alternative you are referring to?

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Answer 5

syzzlh Author

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Feb 21, 2015 8:11 AM in response to richard177

One add'l question, this laptop has a Mini-DVI port, so I presume I have to find a Mini-DVI to HDMI adapter? And do I need to be concerned about audio issues since it will just be an extension of the laptop screen? I've got BOOM on the laptop so the sound from its speakers is decent enough. They won't be streaming movies or anything, mostly using the computer for email, Word, Excel, etc.

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Answer 6

Feb 21, 2015 8:35 PM in response to syzzlh

My apologies syzzlh for thinking the unibody Macbook had a DVI port rather than a mini display port.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/607/dp/B002WSM2N6

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Answer 7

syzzlh Author

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Feb 22, 2015 6:50 AM in response to richard177

No hard feelings! This is the challenge of having a perfectly working, but antiquated (in tech terms), piece of equipment. I think a trip to the Apple store is in my future.

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