Introduction
The Mini-DVI interface is used on Apple’s computers. It is a digital alternative to the Mini-VGA interface. Its size is between the normal DVI interface and the Micro-DVI interface. It is used in 12-inch PowerBook G4, Intel-based iMac, MacBook Intel-based notebook and Intel-based Xserve. MacBook Air does not use this interface. The Mini-DVI interface used on Apple computer hardware can detect EDID (Extended display identification data) through DDC through different adapters, and transmit DVI, VGA or TV signals. This interface is usually used to replace the DVI interface to reduce the physical size of the device. It needs a Mini-DVI adapter to connect to other monitors. Mini-DVI does not support dual-channel connection and therefore does not support resolutions higher than 1920x1200 @60Hz.
There are the following types of Mini-DVI adapters:
Apple Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter Apple part (M9320G/A)
Apple Mini-DVI to Video Adapter Apple part (M9319G/A)
Apple Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter (DVI-D) Apple part (M9321G/A) in physical appearance, Mini-DVI interface is similar to Mini-VGA, but different It has four rows of pins instead of the two rows in Mini-VGA.
If you need to use the DVI-I interface, you must connect the Mini-DVI to DVI-D cable to a DVI-D to DVI-I adapter.
Criticism
There are some criticisms of Apple’s Mini-DVI interface.
Apple's Mini-DVI to DVI-D adapter cable cannot transmit analog signals from the mini-DVI interface on Apple computers. This means that when VGA output is needed, users have to purchase another mini-DVI adapter cable, instead of using a mini-DVI plus a cheap DVI-to-VGA adapter to solve the problem. If Apple can provide a mini-DVI to DVI-I conversion cable, this situation can be completely resolved. The role of DVI-I is to provide universal compatibility.
The picture on the package of Apple’s mini-DVI to DVI-D adapter cable shows DVI-I instead of DVI-D, and does not indicate that it will be transferred to DVI-D.