Kanex has introduced its latest accessory for Apple computers, the SnapX two-port switcher for Apple Cinema Displays. The switcher, which is geared for the 24- and 27-inch displays, enables users to quickly transition between two different Macs, such as iMacs, MacBooks or Mac minis.
Accessory maker Kanex said Thursday afternoon that it was developing a new version of the Kanex XD to support the new Thunderbolt-equipped iMacs. Video-in would work on the new ports, Kanex said, but changes were needed. A new version of the HDMI-to-MiniDP adapter was coming "soon."
The holidays may be over, but to kick off the new year right Electronista is giving away not one, but two gift sets from Kanex. One gift set features the Kanex iAdapt V2 Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter with audio support. The other gift set includes the Kanex C247d Apple Cinema Display adapter. Each gift set also has Kanex pens and a Kanex tote bag.
Kanex today brought out a trio of display adapters to hook up older computers with Apple's newer Cinema Displays as well as newer computers to the 30-inch Cinema Display. The C247m and C247d respectively attach mini DVI and full-size DVI computers to the Mini DisplayPort jacks of either the 24- or 27-inch Cinema Displays. The two add a USB connector to pass through audio, the camera and USB functionality.
With every 2010 Mac and even some Windows PCs now supporting audio through Mini DisplayPort, it was about time that adapters readily exist to feed that output to its most logical destination: an HDMI-equipped TV. Apogee has stepped up to the plate with its own adapter cable that can put full audio and video through a single pipe. We'll find out how that works in our review of the Kanex iAdapt HDMI V2.
Kanex has unveiled its latest product, the iAdapt HDMI V2, which lets newer Macs and other recent Mini DisplayPort device users output both audio and video to an HDMI device. The adapter will also pass through up to 1080p HD video on devices that support it. The original iAdapt HDMI adapter from Kanex only supported video pass-through on Macs.
MacNN and Electronista have teamed up with Kanex to bring you the Kanex XD giveaway. Just click here, fill out the quick survey and you will be entered to win. The winner will be selected on the morning of July 21st, 2010, so be sure to enter soon.
The Kanex XD is in theory the dream device for apartment dwellers, or just those who don't want to buy a separate TV: it turns the 27-inch iMac into a full-fledged TV for anything that works with an HDMI input, such as a PlayStation 3 or even your cable set-top box. At $150, however, is the feature set good enough to have you abandoning conventional TV sets? We hope to find out in a full review.
(Updated with Apple stance) Apple in its launch of the new MacBook Pro today put out hints that it will more officially support HDMI soon. The video options in its specs list show the option of HDMI output using an official "Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter" despite Apple having made no mention of such an adapter itself. A search of the online Apple store doesn't show any adapters of the kind, whether made by Apple or anyone else.
Apogee has officially announced its promised Kanex-branded HDMI to Mini DisplayPort Converter. It lets users connect any HDMI source device into a 27-inch iMac, LED Cinema Display or any other Apple device that has an mDP input. This includes sourches such as the PS3, Xbox 360 or Blu-ray player and the device will even pass through audio to the iMac's two-channel speakers. It supports HDMI 1.3 and DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort 1.1a.
