New thunderbolt MacBook Air and external monitors

Does the MB Air with thunderbolt only connect with Apples Thunderbolt monitor? What are the options for third party monitors with DVI or VGA?

Solution 1:

They're the same as for other computers with Thunderbolt:

• DVI/VGA/HDMI with cheap passive Mini DisplayPort adapters (audio is included over HDMI, assuming your adapter supports it)
• dual-link DVI with a more-expensive active Mini DisplayPort adapter
• any native DisplayPort monitor (many mid-to-high-end monitors already have them)
• any Thunderbolt monitor (all one of them currently announced)

You can use any Mini DisplayPort adapter that you might already have, or any that are available for purchase. I have my brand-new 2011 MBA hooked up with a Monoprice MDP->DVI adapter right now.

Solution 2:

The MB Air has a Thunderbolt port but you can also just plug in a Mini DisplayPort with an adapter to a pretty much any monitor or TV you want. You can use a number of adapters such as Mini DisplayPort -> DVI or HDMI.

Mini DisplayPort to DVI on Monoprice

Mini DisplayPort to DVI on Apple Store