Recommended solution for Thinkpad Tablet and VGA projectors?

[JMOZ]

I have ordered a Thinkpad Tablet hoping to use it for a teaching tool, but I face a common problem- most classrooms (and indeed, most business conference rooms) only have VGA projectors.

I know there are a variety of HDMI-VGA converters (using active electronics, of course), but I was wondering whether Lenovo recommends a solution or whether anyone has firsthand experience (perhaps with the Ideapad Tablet, or perhaps with a review model of the Thinkpad Tablet) connecting it to a VGA projector.

One additional (slightly more specific question) is whether the mini-HDMI out provides power to operate something like the HP HDMI-VGA connector. Alternatively, are there drivers to support a USB-VGA output device (which are available for Windows, but not common on Android).

Thanks in advance for any comments/suggestions!

[stochpde]

I am planning to use this tablet to annotate pdf slides (use the pen to write equations, etc.) while lecturing. I would very much appreciate it if someone who has tried connecting the tablet to a VGA projector using an active/passive HDMI-VGA converter can share their experiences. 

[JMOZ]

That's largely my plan. (What software were you going to use?) I've purchased the HP HDMI-VGA adapter and a cable, and once they arrive, I'll test it out.

[JMOZ]

It works! I used the HP HDMI-VGA adapter ($40 from HP directly) with a mini-HDMI male to HDMI female (purchased on Amazon), and it works great, though it cuts off the very top and bottom of the screen. (not much- the top of the clock is visible. Let me know if you have questions.

[wolfindersteppe]

Hi JMOZ,

does the HP HDMI-VGA adapter works with or without external AC power supply? That is very important for me, I already have to tow to much equipment and weight with me ;-)...

[wolfindersteppe]

It seems that HDFURY2 is the best and the most expensive one HDMI to VGA PORTABLE!!! adapter at the moment.

Specs here HDFURY2 specs

Shop here, HDFURY2 shop english and HDFURY2 shop german

[JMOZ · Accepted solution]

The HP adapter works without external power with one caveat: the resolution output will be the tablet's native resolution, which seems to cause distortion on 4:3 monitors and slight overscan issues on at least some 16:9 monitors. For my purposes (lecturing mathy things), it seems like it will work fine, though I will be bringing a piece of chalk tomorrow just in case.

[JMOZ]

Worked great lecturing today.... Now if only my handwriting were a tad better....

[lsuprof]

I bought the HP VGA cable and the HDMI to mini-HDMI adapter and it worked well...with couple exceptions......some applications won't resize the display to fill the display.....so you have to test them out...also the writing tool, Vision Objects, will not rotate to a landscape position. You can still use it, but your lines will be vertical versus horizontal so if you can ignore it works fine.....Vision Objects does not seem to have a blank page option....if it did, then there would be no issues at all....overall I was very satisfied using the HP VGA device.....wish Lenovo had provided such an option like Apple does for iPad.....I traded in my iPad for this device and while the iPad interaction I believe is better, the ability to use a real stylus really beats it out......I can use the Lenovo as an input device and not just as a consumtion device.....

[JMOZ]

Yeah, I didn't mention that Notes Mobile doesn't rotate because I assumed it was well-known. I've been using Writepad Stylus for teaching, and like it a lot. It works well and is only $1.I've tried several other similar programs, and Writepad seems like te best of them.

It does NOT have the handwriting recognition of Note Mobile, but since I'm using this to lecture a math-heavy class, the handwriting recognition was of no value, anyhow. The slightly-off aspect ratio isn't an issue for what I'm doing.