Hasta La Gadget!

Apple quietly updated its iMac options to include versions with a built-in VESA mount adapter today (via AppleInsider), available on both 21.5-inch and 27-inch models for a $40 additional fee. The option will come as a relief to users who were saddened by the lack of any VESA-mounting option on the new iMac design.

The VESA Mount variety of iMac is a separate line from the standard version, so buyers will have to choose at the outset whether they want VESA or stand-mounted all-in-one computers. The VESA mount version includes just the iMac itself, with stand and wall mount hardware sold separately, along with the power cord, wireless keyboard and wireless Magic Mouse included with the standard versions of the iMac.

To get the VESA Mount iMacs, you have to hunt a bit: there’s a link under the standard configuration options in the iMac section of the store. As mentioned, they carry a $40 premium over their non-VESA counterparts, but offer the same customization and upgrade options. Shipping estimates currently stand at 7-10 days for the new variety of iMacs.

When I reviewed Apple’s newest iMac, which features a dramatically thinner design, the lack of a VESA mounting option was the one thing that I regretted Apple getting rid of in the newer models. Apple said in earlier communications with a customer that it was taking customer feedback “into consideration” for customers who were disappointed about the lack of any kind of VESA mounting option, and it looks like the company was good to its word.

Apple offers buyers of the new Macs the option to buy one of two desktop mounting solutions available direct from the Apple Store at check out. Both are from Bretford, and one carries an additional mount arm that allows you to place a MacBook or mount a second display/iMac on the same stand. The mounting hardware built-in to the iMacs will work with any third-party mounts, of course.

Apple has actually improved things for those seeking a VESA mount versus previous generations, since it now offers the smaller 21.5-inch model in a VESA-compatible configuration, which it hadn’t before. True, it’d be nice if you still had the built-in stand option, too, but I’m sure third-parties will design accessories for those looking for a stand option pretty quickly.

As manufacturers ramp up the pixels for TVs, that tech will soon trickle over to the computer side of things. As such, the VESA standard body’s just announced a new DisplayPort version that’ll work with the highest HDMI 1.4a resolutions like Ultra HD (4k), 3D 1080p60 and 1080p with deep (billions or more) colors. It’ll be able to output those modes through a new DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter, version 1.1, once new graphics cards and devices arrive “later this year” with the standard, according to VESA. As it stands, DisplayPort Dual-Mode already supports all those resolutions natively (and more), including UltraHD at 60Hz or even four simultaneous 1080p60 monitors. However, the new standard, along with a compliant adapter, will let you drive HDMI 1.4 TVs or displays using a single cable at the higher resolutions (if supported) — rather than the 1080p60 it was limited to before. If you need a higher res version of things, check the PR after the break.

Filed under: Desktops, Displays, Laptops, HD

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Via: AV Watch (translated)

The embedded DisplayPort (eDP) standard consumes less power than the on-the-way-out LVDS method, and a new update from VESA should cut down on energy usage even more. The reduced power-sipping comes thanks to a new partial-frame update feature for Panel Self Refresh, regional backlight controls, additional link rate options and other tweaks. The upcoming release of eDP Version 1.4 will also support a wider range of mobile devices, including tablets, laptops and “handhelds,” and the auxiliary channel can now carry a display’s multitouch data to the system processor. Additionally, VESA says this latest version of eDP will allow for increased battery life and allow for thinner, lighter devices. Look for the standard to be released in October, and it should make its way to gadgets by 2014.

Continue reading VESA announces embedded DisplayPort version 1.4, claims better battery life and performance improvements

Filed under: Displays

VESA announces embedded DisplayPort version 1.4, claims better battery life and performance improvements originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you own a modern Android smartphone, there’s a reasonable chance you’re familiar with MHL for video out to a TV. The format saves the trouble of adding an extra port, but it’s really only intended for HDMI-based destinations and occasionally runs into compatibility issues. VESA is hoping to settle all that with its newly available Mobility DisplayPort standard, or MyDP. Existing micro-USB ports will still serve as the output, but you’ll have the option of plugging into DVI or VGA displays with the right adapter, in addition to HDMI and full-size DisplayPort. Picture connecting to an older projector and you’ll see why that might make sense. The new spec will charge up your device like with MHL, but it also has about 1Mbps of bandwidth for input, such as keyboards and trackpads in some future lapdock. Video still tops out at 1080p and 60Hz, so there’s no hooking into a 4K display here. The real advantage, for many, is simply in having a broadly-adopted standard in the first place: VESA backing sees 180 companies tacitly endorsing the idea, producing a big improvement over the patchwork results that we’ve seen from MHL’s much smaller alliance. The chief obstacle is the wait for the first smartphones, Ultrabooks and tablets with MyDP, which could be months or more away.

Continue reading VESA’s Mobility DisplayPort standard links smartphones to PC displays, jabs MHL

VESA’s Mobility DisplayPort standard links smartphones to PC displays, jabs MHL originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 03:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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