Archive for the ‘Ultra-Mobile PC’ Category:
Connect a MacBook Air to an Optoma PK 101 pico projector
Optoma PK101
Back in mid-December of 2008, I reviewed two new micro, or pico, projectors: The Dell M109S and the Optoma PK 101. The Dell model was designed to connect to a wide range of devices with its multi-cable adapter, but the Optoma PK 101 (the sexier of the two devices) was designed, primarily, to connect to devices with composite video connections, though it came bundled with an adapter for iPods and iPhones.
My Optoma PK 101 review mentioned that “The Optoma PK101 isn’t configured for connecting to a laptop or computer. unless the computer itself as a special video output.”
A few days ago, Mark Canavan, a Skylarking reader, wrote in asking, “How can I connect the Optoma PK101 to a MacBook Air laptop?”
Here’s your answer, Mark. I’ve also added this information to the end of my original review of the Optoma PK 101 projector.
The Optoma PK 101 is designed to connect to devices that have composite video connections. The MacBook Air has a mini display port that can be used as follows. If you’re averse to tech-talk, just ignore the stuff in the parentheses:
- DVI output using an Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (Proprietary to DVI-D Female)
- VGA output using an Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (Proprietary to 15-pin HD-15 Female)
- Dual-link DVI output using an Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (1 x Proprietary, 1 x Type A Male USB to 1 x DVI-D Female, 1 x Type A Female USB)
This is according to the MacBook Air’s Technical Specifications web page.
According to a MacBook Air Developer Note from Jan. 18, 2008:
The MacBook Air ships with a micro-DVI to DVI adapter and a micro-DVI to VGA adapter. A micro-DVI to video adapter, which provides composite and S-video support, is sold separately.
The Apple Micro-DVI to Video Adapter (shown above right) is available from the Apple Store in the US and Canada for $19. Apple says, “The Micro-DVI to Video Adapter was designed specifically to fit the slim profile of MacBook Air. The adapter connects to the Micro-DVI port on your MacBook Air and provides both S-video and Composite video connectors so that you can view content from your computer on such devices as TVs, VCRs, or overhead projectors with S-Video or RCA (Composite) connectors.”
Thanks for your question, Mark!
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Subscribe to the comments for this postDell mini 9 Netbook for $199 (Today Only)
Just a quickie notice today, that Dell is offering $50 off, today only, on the Dell mini 9 netbook. I know a lot of you want one, so here’s your chance to get one and save money, too! Offer good until midnight CST tonight.
One Day Only! Inspiron Mini 9 for only $199 after $50 off. Offer ends February 27, 2009.
Mini 9 in Obsidian Black
The base model for this price comes with the Ubuntu Linux operating system (version 8.04.1). Some people say, “Linux?! I don’t know Linux” which shouldn’t be an issue because many people get the netbook for Internet usage, and once you’re on the Internet the operating system doesn’t make much of a difference.
The base model also has an Obsidian Black finish (which can be changed to either Promise Pink [add $30 and Dell will donate $5.00 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure), Alpine White or Cherry Red [add $30], Stickers in Green, Black, or Blue, or The Muse in Purple or Orange [either of the beforementioned for an added $50]. It also includes 1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service, 512MB DDR2 RAM (Memory), 4GB Solid State Drive (no moving parts like the drive in your digital camera). It uses the Intel Atom Processor model N270 (technically that’s 1.6GHz clock speed, 533Mhz FSB (Front System Bus), and 512K cache memory space on the chip). The screen is a glossy 8.9 inch LED display (1024X600). Internet access is via a Wireless 802.11g Mini Card.
Available Upgrades
Some of the upgrades include 4 times the memory (2 GB) for $75 (that’s a good price), 4 different hard drive upgrades up to 64GB for $150, and a 250 GB external portable hard drive for $80 (another good deal), and last but not least an add-on integrated 1.3 MP webcam for $25.
Promise Pink (For the Cure)
Muse Orange
Just a Quickie… Inspiron Mini Free Shipping Coupon Offer!
Dell just sent me this coupon code, P8KJNT4LV44T9S, which can be used to get free shipping on select Dell Inspiron mini ultra-portable netbook PCs. If you check in here regularly, you’ve already seen my multiple posts on the Dell mini 9 and other netbooks in general. Us the link below to access Dell’s home page for the mini 9 and the mini 12, and then use the coupon code at checkout to get the savings.
Free 3-5 day shipping on select Minis! Coupon Code: 1303GMTDC1CS3Q
The mini 9s start at $349, and the mini 12s start at $499.
What’s the difference?
The mini 9 is small with a screen size just under 9 inches, while the mini 12 is slightly larger with a 12 inch screen. The 12 also weighs about half a pound more. Most of the minis run on Linux or Windows XP, which is great if you’re Vista-phobic.
Here’s a little something extra for you too: 15% off select E&A with Coupon Code: P8KJNT4LV44T9S
Okay, that’s enough for one day. (I think). Check back tomorrow for one (or more) rare weekend posts. At least one. Have a great night and a great weekend!
