Connecting a MacBook Pro or iMac or Mac Pro to a DisplayPort Monitor (Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable)

I recently reviewed the NEC PA271W 27" wide-gamut display, an outstanding monitor that I liked so much that I’ve bought one for myself. I love using it in portrait mode next to my 30" NEC display.

But how to connect it? Most Macs today have a MiniDisplayPort connector, but the NEC display has dual-link DVI and DisplayPort— no go by itself. OWC is now carrying the necessary MiniDisplayPort to DisplayPort cables in various lengths. That is the only way to go— adapters of any kind are likely to cause headaches, so don’t go there.

With lengths up to 15 feet, this also allows locating the Mac Pro (or MacMini, etc) well away from the display itself (you’ll also need a USB cable that reaches).

Note that this cable also allows connecting the Mac Pro to the display via the MiniDisplayPort connector on the video card, which has both DVI and MiniDisplayPort connectors. For dual monitor setups, this cable neatly solves the port issue with a single video card.