HDMI or Thunderbolt to DVI

[dubhe]

Am looking at swapping out my 2009 MBP for a mini as so rarely take my laptop out these days and would like a bigger display.

Am planning on buying a monitor with both DVI and HDMI so I can also plug in my XBOX, so the mini will be connected by DVI. Looking at the specs apple provides an HDMI to DVI cable as opposed to a Thunderbolt to DVI, is there any reason for this? Is it better, cheaper, or does apple want me to have to buy a Thunderbolt to DVI cable from them down the line?

Do they both support audio?

Thanks

 

[Skoopman]

Apple does not pack a HDMI to DVI cable, but an adapter. I bought a HDMI to DVI cable and I think that was the best decission. Many people have problems with HDMI to HDMI cables and their monitors. Thunderbolt to DVI is just expensive and I don't see any benefit in using the TB connection for displays.

 

[dubhe]

Apple does not pack a HDMI to DVI cable, but an adapter. I bought a HDMI to DVI cable and I think that was the best decission. Many people have problems with HDMI to HDMI cables and their monitors. Thunderbolt to DVI is just expensive and I don't see any benefit in using the TB connection for displays.

A MDP to DVI cable would work with the thunderbolt right? These cost the same as HDMI to DVI.

 

[philipma1957]

A MDP to DVI cable would work with the thunderbolt right? These cost the same as HDMI to DVI.

either of these two should work

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2661&seq=1&format=2


http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10428&cs_id=1042802&p_id=5311&seq=1&format=2

 

[zap2]

A MDP to DVI cable would work with the thunderbolt right? These cost the same as HDMI to DVI.

Yes, it would need to be a male MDP to a male DVI cable(assuming your Dell display has a female DVI port unlike Apple's displays which all have male output)

But I'm going to imagine you're monitor came with a DVI cord, which not just use the adaptor that Apple ships with?

 

[dubhe]

Thanks think I will go with the HDMI to DVI option for now

 

[zap2]

Thanks think I will go with the HDMI to DVI option for now

Anytime! I really can't tell a different between my ACD when it connects over Thunderbolt to DVI or HDMI to DVI. Although the HDMI port only supports 1900 by 1200 while the Thunderbolt port supports 2560 by 1440. That said both of those resolutions are above 1080p.