Monitor and Cable for a Mini

[fyremaker]

Hello, long time lurker, first time poster.

Bought my wife our first Apple (a Mini, Mid 2011 base). Loved it (she did, but so did I)! It is currently hooked up to a 22' Dell (2008 vintage) using the included hdmi -> dvi adapter (which works perfectly).

I now would like a Mini of my own but after reading these forums I have some questions about selecting a monitor and which method to use to connect it.

It seems that the Late 2012 has some issues with some connections and monitors. I'm wondering if there is a general consensus about which method is best.

1 TB/mDP -> straight -> DP
2 TB/mDP -> adapter -> HDMI
3 TB/mDP -> adapter -> DVI
4 TB/mDP -> adapter -> VGA
5 HDMI -> adapter -> DP
6 HDMI -> straight -> HDMI
7 HDMI -> adapter -> DVI (default from factory by Apple)
8 HDMI -> adapter-> VGA

Some monitors I'm looking at are (not really looking for which is "best", just which ones have the least problems with a Mini)
Acer G246HL
Dell UltraSharp U2412M
ASUS PA248Q

Any thoughts or ideas are welcome! Thanks!
-fyremaker

 

[LCD]

I've had no problems using TB/mDP -> straight -> DP with a 2012 Mini and Asus 238Q for 6 weeks.

 

[glasgood]

I had the Dell S2440L, but sold it on because it was to glossy for my liking. When I connected the S2440L to my Mac Mini by HDMI it detected it as a TV and not a monitor, the result was that I had less than perfect picture. However using the VGA cable the picture was normal. The S2440L hdmi is easily fixed by forcing RGB settings.

Having now replaced the S2440L with a Dell U2312HM and the picture is perfect when using the HDMI port.

I would recommend the Dell U2412M, simply because they come with 3 years premium panel exchange warranty. If you have a problem with your U2412m such as excessive backlight bleed, Dead / stuck pixels, colour tinging then Dell will provide a replacment the very next day with the exception of Saturday and Sunday.

The Dell Ultrasharp monitors have always been highly regarded and reviewed.

 

[Fishrrman]

My advice is, "don't over-think this".

I would recommend that you use the MiniDisplayport on the Mini, but that's because some have reported problems when using the HDMI-out port (others have had none).
The overwhelming majority of those using the MiniDisplayport, report no problems at all.

Most displays will come with one cable in the box, some will come with two. It's pretty much going to be a situation of
- seeing what the Mini came with (HDMI-to-DVI, right?), and
- seeing what the display comes with, and then
- seeing what you need to buy (if anything) to "make ends meet".

And one must also accept that -- now and then -- one ends up with a cable/adapter combination that just doesn't work as intended, and then you have to try a different one.

Re your choice of monitors:
Have you looked at the new 27" displays based on a new panel from LG?
Here's the AOC version that BestBuy sells:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/AOC+-+2...lver/6293177.p?id=1218726428129&skuId=6293177
Folks seem quite pleased with it. Regular price is $299, but if you are willing to "hold out", it goes on sale every second or third week for $269.

The same panel is also sold by ASUS, Viewsonic, Dell, and HP. The last two have "glossy" front panes, all the rest have a mild "matte" (anti-glare) pane.

 

[Saucyken]

TB/mDP -> straight -> DP worked out of the box with a Dell U2413 (using the cable Dell supplies with the monitor). The results are excellent. As another poster suggested, the extent of the mini's graphics output problems can get exaggerated.

 

[benwiggy]

I'm using two adaptors to two DVI monitors, and have had no problems.

I think the only problems are using HDMI direct, +/- some monitors.

 

[Che Castro]

im using a MiniDisplayport to dvd cable i bought from monoprice and some times rarely the screen goes white looks like an old tv tube

i have to unplug the cable from the back of the monitor


you guys think the problem is the cable ?

 

[richfromroch]

I recently purchased an HP Pavilion 23xi 23" IPS LED Backlit Monitor at Staples for $170 (it's still on sale). This is a new model for 2013 and is an IPS monitor. It's a terrific price and a really nice display. I have it hooked to my 2011 Mini I5 via straight HDMI. If this monitor is ok with the 2012 Mini, it's a bargain -- especially if the ones you have listed are not IPS. IPS is the way to go in my book.

Rich
Rochester, NY