Volume Number: 18 (2002)
Issue Number: 12
Column Tag: Reviews

VGA Extractor for ADC

by Michaell R. Harvey

Beginning with the PowerMac G4 computers Apple released in early 2002, the ability to attach two monitors to the single installed video card has been present. Likewise, the ATI Radeon 7500, ATI Radeon 9000 Pro, nVidia GeForce 4MX and NVIDIA GeForce4 Titanium graphics cards all include support for dual displays via their ADC, DVI or VGA connectors. The problem arises, however, if your second monitor doesn't have an ADC connector to plug into the open ADC port on your video card. Dr Bott, known for excellent 3rd party products for the Mac, steps in with the solution, the VGA Extractor.

VGA Extractor for ADC is the answer to the problem of how to get that second VGA monitor sitting in the closet hooked up and useful again. The use of the extractor is utterly simple. Plug the adapter into the ADC port on the video card, and then plug the monitor into the VGA port on the end of the short cable. Done. No set up, no drivers. It just works. We tried it with a few CRT, and LCD monitors. All worked without problem.

Also available is a DVI Extractor for ADC, to connect DVI port monitors to the ADC port. Actually, there are two versions of this adapter. The DVI Extractor I will work with most third party displays, while the DVI Extractor II is designed for a few specific models. There is one caveat for the DVI Extractors, however. While it will properly make use of all 15 inch DVI displays, some 17 and 18 inch displays will not work properly, due apparently to faulty hardware in the displays, according to the company. Check on the Dr. Bott website prior to purchase to ensure your monitor is covered, and that you are getting the proper connector.

The VGA Extractor for ADC is available directly from the Dr. Bott website for $34.95. The DVI Extractor I for ADC is also $34.95, while the DVI Extractor II for ADC can be had for $37.95.

www.drbott.com

Michael R. Harvey