Unlike its Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI predecessors, Mini DisplayPort is capable of driving resolutions up to 2560×1600, commonly used with 30-inch displays. With a suitable adapter, Mini DisplayPort may be used to drive displays with a VGA or DVI interface.

On November 27, 2008, Apple announced that it would license the Mini DisplayPort connector with no fee. Apple reserves the right to void the license if the licensee does “commence an action for patent infringement against Apple”, in which case the “Implementation License and the rights granted hereunder will terminate immediately and automatically, without notice from Apple” and you must “immediately cease any further exercise of the license rights”.

On January 13, 2009, VESA announced that Mini DisplayPort would be included in the upcoming DisplayPort 1.2 specification.

• The Mini DisplayPort specification includes HDCP copy protection, allowing DRM-enabled content providers, including the iTunes Store, to disable playback on any external displays that are not HDCP compliant.

• Apple’s Dual-Link DVI adapter is relatively large and expensive compared to past adapters, and many customers are reporting issues with all new adapters, rendering it difficult or impossible to connect to external displays.

• Despite the fact that Mini DisplayPort and regular DisplayPort signals are identical, it is not possible to connect a Mini Displayport equipped computer straight into a regular Displayport monitor. This is because the connector on the Mini DP cable won’t fit into the regular DP monitor. Similarly it is not possible to connect a regular DP equipped computer straight into a Mini DP monitor. To do either requires purchasing adapter cables from third party vendors as Apple itself has chosen not to offer them.