Instruction: Extract information from the supporting document to answer the given question.

Input:
Question: Is Apple's "Mini DisplayPort" different from standard mini DisplayPort used by Dell, HP, etc.?  Can I use this w/a Dell mini Display laptop?
Document: I use this adapter with my 15" MacBook Pro with Retina display. We have also used it with my wife's three year old MacBook Pro, and it can be used with any Mac with either Mini DisplayPort slots (obviously!) or Thunderbolt slots (which double as Mini DisplayPort for the purposes of this adapter).
It takes a little DisplayPort on a Mac Mini and provides an interface to connect a standard VGA monitor to it. I used it to connect our Mac Mini to an older 19 inch LCD monitor (5x4 aspect ratio) and didn't have any issues.I bought the genuine Apple model since I had read a few reviews about the off-brand units not quite measuring up as far as quality and compatibility were concerned.
The Apple Mini DisplayPort works as advertised and makes presentations easy. I have used it a couple of times and am glad I purchased it.
Otherwise, everything is fine, and the Dell cable didn't screw into my old Dell laptop from 2008 anyway, so this probably isn't Apple's problem. Otherwise, everything is OK, and this is well worth the money for the extra screen space.
The Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter worked as advertised. No issues with syncing from Macbook Pro laptop to projector. Quality and build is excellent.
With this mini display port I can connect any monitor or tv everywhere, it is very simple to use, small and functional.
I bought this to trick my Mac-Mini into thinking it had a Monitor Attached to it. This is important for remote accessing the Machine. It makes the screen update smoother because the Mini thinks a screen is attached and use the full Video drivers etc...  All you have to do is short out 2 of the connections on the adapter with a resistor to make this work. There are tutorials available on the web on how to do this.
I am glad I ordered this for my personal use.I volunteered at my computer club to lead a group that required hooking my laptop up to a projector.I wanted to use my own adaptor to be sure it wasn't damaged and wouldn't hurt my computer.All I can say is all worked well!! Like it.I also bought a back up that was a non brandbut haven't used it yet and feel like I would prefer to use  Apple to Apple.
This product is perfect and works for exactly what I wanted, which was to connect my Dell monitor to my MacBook pro for a dual display.
I purchased other mini displayport to vga adapters for a 2013 Macbook Pro, which did not work. I purchased the Apple adapter and it works great. I have never had an issue with them.The only negative is the price.
Answer: Yes you can use one from Dell, only be careful with the quality.... Regards.