MBP with Dell 27" LCD

I can't seem to get higher res from my MBP than HD. I am connected to a 27" Dell LCD with native resolution of 2560x1440, using an HDMI adaptor, but the MBP won't go above 1920x1040.

Is there anyway to get higher res?

Probably not going to get any higher than that with HDMI.

My guess, you need to use either DVI-D or the displayport on the monitor to get that high a resolution. Might open up the owner's manual for the monitor to verify the resolutions accepted via it's HDMI port.

The monitor is quite happy at 2560x1440 via HDMI driven by my Windows desktop. The problem is the MBP not the monitor.

The monitor also has Display Port connection (as opposed to Mini Display Port). I haven't seen a Display Port adaptor for the Macs anywhere.

The question is still about the max res that the MBP can support...

The monitor is quite happy at 2560x1440 via HDMI driven by my Windows desktop. The problem is the MBP not the monitor.

Click to expand...

That may or may not be true depending on which MBP you have. How about telling us the year and model of your MBP? The newer MBP can support a resolution of 2560 x 1600 to an external monitor.

I have a March 2011 MBP: i7 2.7GHz, running Lion and 8GB RAM. All updates up to date.

Cheers.

I have a March 2011 MBP: i7 2.7GHz, running Lion and 8GB RAM. All updates up to date.

Click to expand...

Then something else is wrong because your MBP clearly supports the native resolution of the Dell. Are you sure that 2560 x 1440 is not listed? (scroll up and down the list of resolutions)

I am sure. Perhaps this is a limitation of the HDMI lead? I don't have a DVI or a Display Port adapter. The monitor has full size Display Port, as opposed to the Mini Display Port on the MBP.

Do I need the Dual Link DVI adapter (at a whopping $119 price tag)???

I found this LINK on the Apple site that suggest that I do need the Dual Link DVI adapter. I am going up to the localApple store to buy one on the 14 return plan. Will report back on the results.

Staff member bobtomay is the most knowledgeable when it comes to what type of cable is needed. I do know that dual link DVI cables are quite costly. Take a look on the HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more! web site to see what they're selling dual link DVI cables for. They can usually beat Apple's or anyone else's prices.

Need Dual Link DVI for high res

Just got back from the Apple store and the Dual Link DVI adaptor works at the native resolution of my screen at 2560x1440.

I am going to try sourcing a cheaper alternative as well as a Display Port adaptor, as well.

Great, glad to hear it's working for you. It's a shame those cables are so expensive.

Thanks for posting back and enjoy that nice Dell.

The Dell IS nice. Especially as 2 days ago I bought a Spyder 3 Pro so I can calibrate it.

I also ordered a Mini DisplayPort to (standard) DisplayPort lead from OWC (aka macsales.com) for $11 + $10 ship to Australia. I shall return the $119 Dual Link DVI adaptor. ( I think I have contributed enough to Apple - as I have just bought an 11" MBA today, to carry around, plus a clear SPECK cover).

Have a nice Christmas folks.
Remember: Jesus is the reason for the Season.

You found the best route there with that adapter. That should do it for you.
My only guess would be the HDMI cable you're using might not be able to go above 1080p.

yup, have a dell 30 on my mbp, and I have no problems with the display port mini to full cable. Got the cable from monoprice.