The Old Mac VGA Adapter Conundrum: Why It's Time to Move On

In today's world of sleek and energy-efficient technology, it's hard to fathom why anyone would still be clinging to old VGA monitors. But for those who are holding on, the question remains: how do you connect these relics to your modern devices? For those with Macs, the answer lies in the trusty old VGA adapter.

Recently, I decided it was time to bid farewell to my collection of Mac VGA adapters and sent them off to eWaste recycling. But before you follow suit, let's take a closer look at why these adapters are still relevant – albeit temporarily.

For those attempting to connect a third display, there is another solution available. However, for most users, the standard VGA adapter will suffice. If either of these options fail to deliver, don't hesitate to reach out and post back with your issue.

It's worth noting that old VGA monitors are power-hungry, even the LCD flat screens. In contrast, modern displays are brighter, cooler to the touch, and simply look better. So, why not make the switch? USB-C ports, for instance, support a range of protocols, including Thunderbolt 4 on the latest Mini models.

The HDMI-to-VGA adapter is another option that's sure to work without issue. And with Macs featuring both Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) and HDMI 2.0 ports, connecting an external display, projector, or HDTV has never been easier.

In fact, if you're rocking a Mac mini with an M1 chip, you can connect one external display up to 6K using a Thunderbolt 3 port, and another up to 4K via HDMI 2.0. It's clear that the writing is on the wall: VGA adapters are slowly becoming obsolete.

So, what's holding you back from making the switch? Is it fear of change or a lingering attachment to your trusty old VGA monitor? Whatever the reason, know that the world has moved on – and so should you.

Old mac vga adapter