Connecting MBA to non apple external monitor...

[AJ.G]

Hello MacRumours...
I'm looking into buying a Macbook air as, from what ive heard, are amazing little machines,
i would be buying a base 11 inch (student..), which would suit my needs PERFECTLY, but i was just wondering, if anybody connected their new macbook airs to an external monitor which isnt the ACD,
im asking this seemingly dumb question as nowhere on the apple website did i see any sort of DVI ports, just mini display ports.

the thing is to buy a monitor which costs the same as the very laptop im using seems a bit werid, if not outrageous.
i mean okay the ACD is high res, and huge, and has speakers, and all the rest of it, but it costs the same as the laptop,
and an 11 inch screen when at home could be a tad small, especially for research projects,

so yeah...
any insight, experience, or advice is appreciated,

AJ--

 

[simsaladimbamba]

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MTA4MzU1NDg
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MTA4MzU1NTE

 

[AJ.G]

thank you/

 

[Jamie37211]

I have my base 11.6 Air connected to a 23" LG monitor via miniDP-DVI adapter, and I can't tell you how happy I am with this setup. I went to the higher end price-wise - I got the LED LCD, which was $299, but I paid with xmas gift cards - but any LCD with DVI-D will be suitable to your needs.

I love the ACD as well, but like you, I cannot justify spending the same amount on a monitor as I did on the computer itself. That said, I do wish that this monitor had the same integrated mini-displayport/power/usb cable that comes out of the back of the ACD. It would cut down on clutter. But, it was not worth spending the extra $700 by any stretch of the imagination. So I will enjoy my LG.

Go find the right one for your needs and budget. Good luck!

 

[AJ.G]

I have my base 11.6 Air connected to a 23" LG monitor via miniDP-DVI adapter, and I can't tell you how happy I am with this setup. I went to the higher end price-wise - I got the LED LCD, which was $299, but I paid with xmas gift cards - but any LCD with DVI-D will be suitable to your needs.

I love the ACD as well, but like you, I cannot justify spending the same amount on a monitor as I did on the computer itself. That said, I do wish that this monitor had the same integrated mini-displayport/power/usb cable that comes out of the back of the ACD. It would cut down on clutter. But, it was not worth spending the extra $700 by any stretch of the imagination. So I will enjoy my LG.

Go find the right one for your needs and budget. Good luck!

good to hear youre happy with your decision

 

[blazinz]

i was thinking about this too as i will be getting my Air in shortly. And have the same concerns as the OP. But what I wanted to know is what kind of monitors do you guys have or could recommend for best display/price NON-Apple..I was looking to spend about $250-300...?

 

[AJ.G]

i think the general consensus for a non-apple, decent quality, affordable external monitor would be dell. i was looking around their website yesterday and they have some decent monitors for as cheap as 130 USD.

 

[gglockner]

It's no problem. I do this for presentations.

Monoprice.com has great prices on Mini DisplayPort adaptors. Much, much cheaper than the ones from Apple.

 

[mmulin]

Hello MacRumours...
..
i would be buying a base 11 inch (student..), which would suit my needs PERFECTLY, but i was just wondering, if anybody connected their new macbook airs to an external monitor which isnt the ACD,
im asking this seemingly dumb question as nowhere on the apple website did i see any sort of DVI ports, just mini display ports.

any insight, experience, or advice is appreciated,

AJ--

There are mDP adapters available to convert your signal to almost anything common out there.