Thinkpads Forum

Dear community

does the mini-displayport of W530 accept mini-displayport-HMDI adapter that is labeled for Apple? Such as this one-> https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181454642110?ul_noapp=true

If not, why, what is the difference? W530 seem to have exactly same kind of port. And where does one can buy the ones that would fit?

Thank you in advance.

I can confirm this particular adapter works.

I'm looking for a mini display port to HDMI also.

Or maybe I'll just use the mini docks I bought and connect via full size display port, or DVI or VGA.

Hi, minidisplay port is same as full-sized display port, just a different connector.
You can generally connect HDMI input or a DVI input into a display port output.
No active adapter is necessary.
All you need is the right cable.
Display port source (Thinkpad) is smart enough to detect it's connected to an HDMI input (monitor) and will supply signal as necessary.
Limitations on maximum resolution and refresh rate apply - don't think this will necessarily work with 4k displays for example.
Don't remember what maximum resolution supported is but should be good up to 1920*1200 at 60Hz at least, I believe.

So what you need is just a cable of a suitable length, in my view this is more convenient than an adapter.
Of course you can also get an adapter and plug an HDMI cable into it if you like.

The docking stations do exactly this - take display port signal from Thinkpad and connect it to one of DP, HDMI or DVI outputs.
It's like an adapter built into docking station, just connecting the wires the right way.
VGA is probably an active adapter, I'm not sure - and wouldn't use unless I had to

This is my understanding.

atagunov wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 26, 2021 6:35 am

VGA is probably an active adapter, I'm not sure - and wouldn't use unless I had to

I think the VGA on the docks just carries the analog signal from the laptop VGA.