want to use Apple 20" Aluminum display with VGA computer. Possible?

[clay]

Seems like I'd just need this type of adapter:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041903&p_id=2397&seq=1&format=2

Any reason why it wouldn't work? Want to use the 20" Apple with a Dell PC with VGA only connection.

[Gareth]

You need a converter that converts the analog VGA signal into a digital DVI signal. Something like: http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=4341

Those $5 adapters aren't going to cut it (though there's probably something out there cheaper than Gefen).

[clay]

argh. at that price, it really doesn't make much sense...

Does this converter look like it would do what I'm looking for?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011401&p_id=3595&seq=1&format=3#specification

Not even sure that it would be worth $125 for a monitor that old...

[Gareth]

Yes, that converter is the right idea. You'd want to make sure it works at the 1680x1050 resolution of the Apple LCD. It lists 1600x1200 as it's max resolution and the reviews are discouraging saying it only works at 640x480.

[Gareth]

If it's a tower or something with expansion slots, might be easier to buy a new video card.

[clay]

Gareth wrote:
If it's a tower or something with expansion slots, might be easier to buy a new video card.

I agree, but this will be used in a large corporation where even the thought of opening up a case sends the IS dept. into a tizzy. External adapter is their preferred way of dealing with this.

[clay]

What about this device:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/60...ifications

http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=4517

Are these any good? Seems like a bunch places have them, but can't find any real reviews.

[Gareth]

You could also use a USB->DVI adapter, which are cheaper at around $60ish. The performance won't be as good and you might have some issues starting up if that's the only monitor attached. You'll need a true VGA monitor hooked up to the built-in VGA port to set it up initially for sure, but I'm not sure what would happen on subsequent start-ups if only the USB-DVI adapter and LCD is connected.

[clay]

Gareth wrote:
You could also use a USB->DVI adapter, which are cheaper at around $60ish. The performance won't be as good and you might have some issues starting up if that's the only monitor attached. You'll need a true VGA monitor hooked up to the built-in VGA port to set it up initially for sure, but I'm not sure what would happen on subsequent start-ups if only the USB-DVI adapter and LCD is connected.

Yeah, that type of device is what I'm looking at right now. Here's one at Amazon that seems to get good reviews and is priced just about the same as similar products:

http://www.amazon.com/USB-To-Dvi-Graphic..._1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1259952159&sr=8-1

I guess we could setup this user as a dual-display situation. Leave the existing LCD connected via VGA, and hook up the Apple 20" to the adapter...

[clay]

Here's one that's about half as expensive and gets good reviews:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011403&p_id=5324&seq=1&format=2#description