8

I have a MacBookPro 3,1 with an NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT w/ 256MB RAM. I have only one DVI port.

Can I run one the new large 30" LCD monitors from Apple or Dell? If not, is there some kind of adapter I can get that will allow me to?

I run my MBP closed attached to a 20" LCD monitor when working at home. My current monity (6 yrs old) is just too small these days.

Thanks for your help

Improve this question

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
5

Hold up people with your answers.

He said its a Macbook Pro 3,1 which is the older body style with one dvi port. This is not the newer unibody with mini display port.

All you need to hook up to a 30 inch display is a dual link dvi cable. That is all, no adapter is needed with that model. It supports the 30 inch models from dell or apple(apple's monitors just have a built in cable).

Also, apples 20 and 30 inch monitor are dvi based monitors and the 24 inch LED one is the one that uses the mini display port.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9179LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MjE0NTg4OA

Dell sells two 30 inch LCD's and they have a few different options: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Monitors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=222-7175

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Monitors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=223-4890

I use the exact setup you have with the dell 2709W 27 inch and it works great. I love Dell's Ultrasharp LCD lineup.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10442_7-6470175-1.html apple 30 vs dell 30

Improve this answer
2
  • Thanks for the added information on Dell, I've been looking at those since I find the Apple prices to be a little out of line.
    – Darren Newton
    Commented Jul 23, 2009 at 17:04
  • I added a link to a review for you.
    – Troggy
    Commented Jul 23, 2009 at 17:18
0

Short answer, yes, with the right adapter

The newer Apple Cinema Display are actually made for the new unibody MacBooks and MacBookPros. They have a Mag safe and mini display port cable built in so that you can reduce cable clutter.

Improve this answer
2
  • So are you saying that I could get a Mini-display to DVI adapter and plug the Cinema Display into my non-unibody MBP?
    – Darren Newton
    Commented Jul 23, 2009 at 16:38
  • How old is the Cinema Display? If it is not the newest 24" one (from late 2008) it should have a DVI port on it already. See what your monitors have, and get the necessary adapter
    – Dan McClain
    Commented Jul 23, 2009 at 16:42
0

Assuming the one DVI port is referring to the MacBook Pro: The Dell monitor should come with a DVI cable (or at least they used to) and the new Apple 30" displays should work if you purchase the Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter (found here). However, you should note that the DVI supported on the adapter is DVI-D (digital only).

Improve this answer
1
  • I forgot there is no DisplayPort enabled 30". Ignore the adapter comment.
    – Marcus
    Commented Jul 23, 2009 at 16:46

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .