HDMI has limitations, though, and isn't always the perfect choice. For example, your TV likely has HDMI 1.4 connections, which max out at 3,820x2,160-pixel resolution at 30 frames per second.

If your monitor has a different type of connection than the available port on your computer, use a simple cable adapter to make the connection. To plug an HDMI display into a VGA or DVI video port ...

HDMI is really best for connecting a PC to an HDTV. Consequently, I’d go with a DVI cable. That’ll give you a pure digital signal (VGA is analog) and a much sharper picture at higher resolutions.

Contrary to what continuum says (he's usually spot on, though), it's quite normal for a HDMI to VGA adapter to be fairly warm. Ballpark figure for a HDMI to VGA decoder is around 200 mA at 5 volts.

Two of those basics (for me) are: USB and HDMI. It’s great that thunderbolt is “all that” and that there are adapters to use it, but come on, leave the frikin’ basics so that everything ...