ExpanDrive

Apple’s move to Mini DisplayPort on the unibody MacBook and MacBook Pro line has caused me a fair amount of consternation regarding upgrading given that my Dell 3007WFP-HC only supports dual-link DVI and Apple’s $100 Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter has gotten quite a lot of bad press with respect to its stability. Last year Michael Tsai wrapped up the the current state of affairs quite well:

The current state of affairs is that:

• The software update is not yet available, and Apple has no estimate of when it will be.
• Nobody sells a 30-inch display that can directly connect to a Mini DisplayPort.
• Dell makes a 30-inch display with a full-size DisplayPort, but (as far as I know) there is no adapter to connect it to a Mini DisplayPort.

As I happily type this post on a new Core i7 MacBook Pro connected to my 3007WFP via the adapter I’m happy to say that this issue with the adapter appear resolved and I thought I’d issue a short public service announcement letting others know. I’ve had not a single issue and have spent considerable time with the monitor connected directly to the adapter as well as through my IOGEAR GCS1782 2-Port Dual-Link DVI KVMP Switch. Also, Circuit Assembly now makes a $13 DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort adapter that Jon is quite happy on his Dell 2408WFP, which supports DisplayPort.

Here’s a little iPhone trick that made my life easier: you can charge your iPhone while your Mac is asleep.

You can plug your iPhone into a sleeping Mac and juice up assuming the Mac is plugged in or has a lot of charge remaining on the battery. This is great if you’re traveling and need some extra juice but don’t want to whip out the 15″ laptop.