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: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Chris Blouch Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 5:13 PM To: [email protected] 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: [email protected] > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Chris Blouch > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 4:41 PM > To: [email protected] > 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 >> [email protected] >> >> >> >> 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<[email protected]> 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 [email protected]. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>>>> [email protected]. >>>>> 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 [email protected]. >>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > [email protected]. >>> 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 [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en.
