Apple iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter not accomplishing the simplest of tasks

Look, there's no arguing that Apple charges a boatload for its first-party adapters, and this isn't the first time that one of those overpriced dongles has caused an uproar (Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter, anyone?). But when the company trots out an iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter and promises to enable users to "see their videos and slideshows on the big screen," it should probably make a few clarifications. Instead, more than a handful of consumers are revolting over on Apple's own webstore, noting that any video laced in any type of DRM (iTunes flicks and Netflix streams included) won't output at all. Contrary to popular belief, this adapter doesn't actually mirror the iPad's display, which is fairly absurd in our eyes -- teachers are even stating that Apple's own Pages and Keynote apps won't output via the dongle, making this effectively worthless for blowing up presentations for all to see. We (sort of) get the DRM thing, but not including support in your own presentation app? Unacceptable. A tipster has noted that Apple informed him that "it's up to the app makers to enable the video out function," so we suppose all that's needed to solve a lot of controversy is for some switch to be flipped in some direction. Any other hang-ups with this thing that the world should know about? Drop 'em in comments below.

[Thanks, Tony]

Update: A few tipsters have noted that Keynote does in fact work here. Here's a growing list of what does and doesn't work with the adapter.

[Shenaniganz08 Posted Apr 26th 2010 9:21PM]

Thanks apple

just keep giving people reason's to jailbreak their iphone/iPad's

Cydia + TVout = mirror iphone's display

[Zhuzhu Posted Apr 26th 2010 9:25PM]

KEYNOTE won't output over this thing?! That's so insane that I'm left left sputtering in my indignation.

Man, am I glad that I waited (for the 3G version) to buy an iPad, because Keynote was going to be my rationalization for it.

Steve Jobs, go to hell.

[Jayratch Posted Apr 26th 2010 9:47PM]

Wow, this post just saved me $700, at least until Netflix is fixed. Thanks, Engadget!

[Faxmonkey Posted Apr 27th 2010 12:13AM]

It's ironic Apple is famous for their support of 3rd party accessories, and yet most of their 1st party stuff gets absolutely destroyed in reviews. How can they be so bad at making accessories for their own products? The new iPad case? Apparently it looks great, but is terrible to use.

The earbuds that come with 3gs/new shuffles have like 2 stars on the store as well (You have to replace them every 3 months because they break if you look at them funny).

If you look through the Apple store you'll be surprised how many of their own accessories are just rated really, really low.

[marknichelson Posted Apr 27th 2010 12:34AM]

@hated one I really really hope you meant to add a "/sarcasm" at the end of that, because if you're serious than I truly feel bad for you. Brainwashing can be a powerful thing...

[franktinsley Posted Apr 27th 2010 2:47AM]

Anyone with half a brain that wants Apple to fail would know that the best way to hurt them is by NOT making comments on every post related to them. Funny how there never seems to be that combination of Apple hater and half a brain.

[Zhuzhu Posted Apr 27th 2010 7:51AM]

I hope this isn't the start of a Gizmodo-like trend of publishing sensationalist BS (like "Keynote apps won't output via the dongle"), planning to issue an "update" after page views have spiked.

Perhaps a fact-check editor would be a good addition to the staff?

[lepton Posted Apr 27th 2010 10:33AM]

Keynote does work of course, and it is a good example of what's going on with iPod video. The application programmer sees the external screen as just that - a second screen. They have to draw to that screen explicitly. Thus, in Keynote we see they wrote it so when they see the second screen, they start drawing slides to it, and draw a controller gadget to the iPad screen.

What would be nice is if Apple put "Mirroring" in the OS, as it is on the Mac. With this setup, the programmer sees just the iPad screen as usual, and the external screen would show the same thing that is on the iPad screen. I don't expect this, because I'm guessing the Movie studios etc. probably have an agreement that their content will only be displayed on the iPad physical screen. So it is up to each individual app programmer to deal with external video. I'm not holding my breath for ABC, Netflix, MLB and Hulu to enable it.

[lepton Posted Apr 27th 2010 10:38AM]

I don't blame Apple in this. I believe they would be happy to enable mirroring, and that they hate DRM in general. Like HDMI licensing, I'm sure they see it as a "bag of hurt". The blame belongs, as usual, with the studios, who insist on crippling access to their content in a misguided and foolish plan that they think will make them more money.

[Pies Posted Apr 27th 2010 1:37PM]

I don't see a reason not to allow 1:1 video reproduction via dongle by default other than to preemptively satisfy the content companies and other DRM mongers. If they just wanted to allow different content via dongle and on device (for presentations etc.) they could allow _that_ in software.

[ZeroCorpse Posted Apr 27th 2010 6:38PM]

So for this "super portable" device, how many dongles, adapters, accessories, and widgets are you required to pack when you go anywhere?

Wouldn't it just be easier and more versatile if it were a netbook with all these things BUILT IN..?