Current monitor is a DVI. Can get a 22" Viewsonic with speakers for about $130, so may just do that.
-----Original Message----- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Chris Blouch Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2011 1:21 PM To: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: Mac mini So you just need a VGA switch or are you running DVI to the monitor? If it's just VGA you can get a cheap two-way VGA switch for about $12 at newegg.com or your favorite electronics vendor. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817196027 Note that you'll need to be switched to the monitor when you reboot the mini so it can 'read' that the monitor is attached. CB On 8/3/11 5:18 PM, Bill Holton wrote: > Gues I'll have to get a monitor switch. Planning to get wireless keyboard > and track pad, so won't need to switch these. Do you rec a hardware switch > with a button or one with software controls to switdch between my current PC > and the mini? > > > -----Original Message----- > From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com > [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Chris Blouch > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 5:13 PM > To: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com > Subject: Re: Mac mini > > Unless somethings changed in the latest models. They seem to poll > endlessly for a monitor until one is found, turning the machine to > sludge in the process. The old trick was to buy a DVI to NTSC cable but > Apple doesn't make them anymore or they stopped fooling the machine. In > any case, the convoluted rats nest of connectors I described does work > but it might not be a whole lot cheaper than a real monitor, although it > will be more portable. You can get a cheapie display for about $80 from > newegg and probably something for a few bucks at a thrift store (old > tube type). If you're good with electronics or know someone who is you > can solder up a "VGA terminator" which makes the 'sense pins' read like > there really is a monitor there by bridging a few of them with > resistors. They used to sell these things online but I guess nobody > needs them much anymore so I couldn't turn up any suppliers. > > CB > > On 8/3/11 4:50 PM, Bill Holton wrote: >> So you need a monitor or at least you need to have the mini think it's >> connected to a monitor to work? >> Drats, I was hoping not to have to do that with my new mini. >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com >> [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Chris Blouch >> Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 4:41 PM >> To: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com >> Subject: Re: Mac mini >> >> Right, as far as the Mini knows it is hooked up to a monitor, which >> happes to be the VGA to NTSC adapter. I think I paid about $30 for the >> VGA to NTSC box. Yup, it was this one: >> >> http://sewelldirect.com/pc-to-tv.asp >> >> It does take a USB port for power but my Mini has four so that was fine. >> I also already had an HDMI or displayport to VGA adapter from somewhere >> or other. I think they only ship with HDMI to DVI these days. >> >> The end result is the mini stops its fruitless search for a monitor that >> isn't there so it can move on to more important things like doing your > work. >> CB >> >> On 8/3/11 2:14 PM, John Panarese wrote: >>> Hi Chris, >>> With this set up of adaptors, can you use the Mini without actually >> connecting a monitor for daily, computer use. I am seriously considering >> buying a new Mini, and I'd like to be able to do so with the minimum of >> extras beyond a keyboard and Magic Trackpad. >>> Take Care >>> >>> John Panarese >>> jpanar...@gmail.com >>> >>> >>> >>> On Aug 3, 2011, at 1:55 PM, Chris Blouch wrote: >>> >>>> I have a DVI to VGA and then a VGA to NTSC converter on my Mini and it >> always thinks there is a screen hooked up. Works well and it connects to > our >> old TV so the kids can watch DVDs on it or whatever. Since NTSC doesn't >> provide a way to detect if you're hooked up the Mac always thinks it is. > The >> mini is the hub of the home theatre setup since it outputs fiber optic > audio >> which goes into an AV receiver. Added an Apple wireless keyboard/mouse for >> couch use. >>>> CB >>>> >>>> On 7/22/11 12:13 PM, James Malone wrote: >>>>> Not that I know of. I don't think anyones ever sure why it happens, >>>>> but yeah. DVI or VGA should work fine. I know VGA does for a fact, >>>>> because I'm boring and I'm not gonna change until I have to. You'll >>>>> just have to have the screen plugged in. However, if anyone finds a >>>>> work around, then please by all means do so. >>>>> >>>>> On 7/23/11, james walton<jmwalto...@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>> Hi, >>>>>>> I now have a mac mini, problem though is it acts sluggish if I have >> the >>>>>>> adapter plugged in with out a monitor. Is there a fix? >>>>>>> Could it be that I am using a generic display port to VGA and not >> apples? >>>>>>> Thanks >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>>> -- >>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >> Groups >>>>>> "MacVisionaries" group. >>>>>> To post to this group, send email to macvisionaries@googlegroups.com. >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>>>>> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>> For more options, visit this group at >>>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>> -- >>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google > Groups >> "MacVisionaries" group. >>>> To post to this group, send email to macvisionaries@googlegroups.com. >>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. To post to this group, send email to macvisionaries@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. To post to this group, send email to macvisionaries@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en.
