Reddit mentions of Cable Matters mDP to HDMI (Manufacturer Discontinued)

>1) I have a 1 TB USB 2.0 HD that my SP2 won't recognize. I believe it's a Seagate that I bought a few years ago to backup my files. I'm reading online that some externals won't work with the SP2 because there isn't enough power being utilitized for it or something. Ok. The HD lights up, but isn't recognized. My SP2 is plugged in, and my HD doesn't have a power source of its own (it doesn't plug into the wall). Am I SOL? I would hate to replace a perfectly good 1TB HD.

Try using a USB powered HUB. I use the Anker USB 3.0 4 Port hub and it works great for devices that need to be powered.

EDIT: Some devices that may need power from the USB may work with a non-powered hub. The hub I linked to will work, try it plugged in first to install the drivers and then again without powering the hub. It may work.

>2) On that note, how do YOU store your files? I am so far behind with cloud storage it isn't even funny. I know I'm living in the stone age, but I like having the physical HD that I can plug in. The remaining space in my 128 GB SP2 is barely going to cover my music, never mind the movies/photos/other that I have. I don't need them all at the drop of a hat, but they are there. So what's the best fix? An external 3.0? Cloud storage? Some kind of NAS like the WD My Cloud?

I use a combination of Dropbox and SkyDrive OneDrive as well as my own personal deployed "cloud" solution located on my NAS. I also have a HTPC that runs Plex Media Server which gives me access to my media collection on the go. Think of it as a free personal Netflix service.

For local storage however, I also have a 64GB microSD card installed which I use to store downloads, local music and movies, software installers, and other documents.

SanDisk just released a 128GB microSD card if you're after more local storage options.

>3) I like watching video files from my laptop on my HDTV. Best way to do this? I used to just use an HDMI cable and VLC. Do I buy a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI converter? Any loss in quality? If anybody has one that they would recommend, I would appreciate it. Not sure if I only need a simple <$10 one or if those are cheap knockoffs that will break. Or just bypass it all and look into the Chromecast?

Yes, you'll need a miniDP to HDMI converter to use your TV as an external display. There is no loss in quality since it's just a digital to digital conversion. You can use a basic adapter like this or an all-in-one solution like this.

Chromecast IMO is shit as it's limited to screen casting on whats displayed inside of chrome. So unless all you need to cast is web based media, I suggest avoiding chromecast altogether. You'll be better off using a miracast device than wasting your money on chromecast.

EDIT: Using either miniDP or the Miracast solution is entirely up to you. It all depends on how much you want to spend, portability, and accessibility.

The miniDP solution will obviously cost less and will be more portable as it's just a simple cable that you can take around and plug-in to any HDMI receiver. The Miracast solution will be convenient in the fact that it's wireless, allowing you to cast what's on your SP2 to your TV without being tethered, however it's more of a hassle bringing it around if you travel a lot as it's more of a set it and forget it solution. Here's an example of Miracasting.