Connecting a MacMini and 2 older monitors...

[FMiguelez]

Hello.
There is just this one thing that is keeping me from buying the MacMini with Lion Server.

I have two 17" Samsung SyncMaster 710n monitors (specs are the second ones, down the page).

They use a 15pin to 15pin D-sub cable.

I want to use them with my to-be-bought MacMini. My 2 requirements are:

1.- I want to have an "extended" 2-monitor desktop setup, independent, so I can have 2 different windows opened in each monitor.
2.- I don't want to use the thunderbolt connection for this, so that leaves HDMI and/or 2 of the USB ports.

Question is, how do I connect them there?

I've done some research, but I haven't found definite answers. Mexico's Apple support guys seem even more clueless than I am.
I've found this, but it's PC-only

This one by OWX is sold out

I also read about a converter from VGA (D-sub 15 pin) to DVI to HDMI. But is seems convoluted (3 conversions per monitor) and that would only take care of ONE monitor, not the two.

Am I on the right path, or am I chasing my iguana's tail?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[FMiguelez]

Aside from the OWC one (which I wanted), this seems to be the best and least expensive USB option:
http://www.newertech.com/products/viddu2dvia.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


ACTUALLY, and perhaps the best option:
I was thinking, is there a better way to "join" the 2 monitors in some kind of hub or device, and connect them from that single device to the MacMini?

Can anyone recommend something like that?

I want to make sure the MM's processing power goes all to hosting my VE Pro 5 and VI Pro 2 and isn't wasted processing monitor video...

[mikehalloran]

15 pin monitor is analog. Is there a TB to analog adapter? If so, get it, use a USB to analog adapter for the second - if a USB to analog adapter exists.

The new Mini comes with an HDMI to DVI adapter but no mention of whether it passes DVI-A required for a DVI to analog adapter to work.

Most DVI adapters do not pass analog signals. The Apple adapter is an exception but, if you can't get the analog signal to the adapter then this has no chance of working.

If the Mini was a 2010 or older one with DVI or MiniDisplay out, at least one analog monitor would work since adapters exist for that.

My gut tells me that what you want is more expensive than a pair of flat screens with HDMI inputs.