Thank you for the quick response. I'm more interested in the TBD since it's newer and has some useful features but I've read it's not compatible with the mac mini 2010. Is that not true?
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I was hoping for a monitor that can run 2560 by 1440 to take advantage of my rMBP.
In short, the Apple Thunderbolt Display requires a thunderbolt port, which wasn't added to the Mini until the 2011 model. So you can't take advantage of the extra ports (Ethernet, FW800, TB).
If you are looking for an Apple monitor at that resolution, they still sell the Apple Cinema Display
here. It lacks the Ethernet, FW and TB ports, but includes all other features of the TBD, including USB, iSight/FaceTime camera & Speakers.
If you want another higher-end model, check out the Dell
U2711.
If you simply want a large, cheap monitor, the Monoprice
27" CrystalPro uses the same panels that Apple & Dell use but that are rejected for some reason. (Apple & Dell use A+/A panels, these are A-/B+ panels).
Honestly, I think the Dell one might be your best bet. It has multiple connections including HDMI, DisplayPort, 2xDVI, VGA, Component & Composite. You could hook your mini up through DVI or HDMI and Use a
DP-mDP Cable for your rMBP.
GEEK NOTE:
I know Monoprice sells great cables, but their mDP-DP cables only support ver 1.1 which doesn't carry audio. Thus, I linked a cable that supports 1.2. The Dell monitor has a 3.5mm audio out, so in theory you could hook up speakers and have the source switch with the video input.