No More VGA

Dell computers are no longer shipping with VGA capabilities, so beware! You’re probably going to need a different video cable (HDMI is a good choice) or a new display. Here’s a quick review of the various connectors.

• VGA adaptors have 15 pins and the cable head is normally blue.
• HDMI is a spade connector with the corners angled on two sides.
• Display Port is similar in shape to HDMI, but has only one side angled.
• Mini Display Port is primarily used on MacBooks. It is a small rectangle which is almost square.
• DVI is a pain in the neck. The cable head is either white or black and there are three or four flavors. It has many pins and bars in the head, and I find it too tedious to get right the first time, if I’m buying online. I think it’s safer to move to HDMI or Display Port.
• USB-C is the latest USB connector. It handles video, audio and data. New MacBooks have USB-C. It is a skinny rectangle that can be inserted either way. It’s the future… get over the change.

The take-away here is to remember the video cable when ordering any computer replacements. Using the old monitor was the norm in years past, but perhaps not today.