How do I add a second display to a 2007/8 Mac mini?

1

I recently purchased the Plugable USB 2.0 Graphics adapter to add a second 20’ cinema display to my 2007/8 Mac mini. I downloaded the displaylink driver, but the mini fails to recognize the additional monitor. Do I have the correct product? I appreciate any help.

2

Hi Tom,

Thanks for contacting us. Apple’s Cinema displays have limitations in setting non-native (lower) modes that most monitors don’t.

There are also some connector type issues with certain older Cinema displays.

Here is some background: http://support.plugable.com/plugable/…

So we need to figure out whether any of these issues might be catching you.

Can you say which model of Plugable USB graphics adapter you have, and which exact model of Cinema display?

Thanks for your patience!
Bernie

3

Bernie-

Thank you for your reply. The monitor is a Apple 20’ Cinema Display (Model M8893ZM/A).
You can find the technical specs here: http://support.apple.com/kb/sp52

The Plugable USB Graphics Adapter is the Model UGA-125, DisplayLink DL-125 chip, VID: 17E9 PID: 0379. I purchased the Plugable UGA-125 USB 2.0 to VGA/DVI/HDMI Adapter for Multiple Monitors up to 1280x1024 / 1440x900 Each (DisplayLink DL-125 Chipset) from the Amazon Plugable Technologies Profile.

Thank you for your help.
Tom

4

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the additional detail. Unfortunately, there are two problems with that particular Cinema display.

It has a 1680 by 1050 pixels max resolution, and unlike most monitors, Apple displays don’t have a scaler, so can’t set modes lower than their native resolution.

That model also has an Apple Display Connector, which is a proprietary connector that carries digital video, USB, and power over a single cable. It sometimes has problems returning EDID properly.

Here’s more background: http://support.plugable.com/plugable/…

Sorry I don’t have better news. We don’t want customers stuck with hardware that isn’t the right match for their setup. If you decide to return the adapter, it’s easy: just visit http://www.amazon.com/gp/css/returns/…

Best wishes,
Bernie

5

Thank you again, Bernie.

I will return the adapter. Can you recommend a Plugable Technologies product with the DL-165 or DL-195 chip that will support the cinema display native resolution?

Your help is most appreciated,
Tom

6

Hi Tom,

No problem. Our $54.95 UGA-165 http://plugable.com/products/uga-165/ supports resolutions up to 1920x1080 – it’ll be able to support 1680x1050, no problem.

Thanks for asking!
Bernie