2017 MBPs can't connect to external display

[diaspora]

Hey guys. Thought maybe some of you could resonate with my issue. We got the new 2017 touch bar 15/13" MBPs at work in two or three batches. First two had no issues connecting to DELL 2715 via the DP>USBc adapters out of the box, but last three laptops from the third batch refuse to identify the monitors. We've tried using the same cable+adapter combinations that work with the older batch and got nothing - they just don't see them. What might be the issue here? Cheers.

 

[Fishrrman]

"We've tried using the same cable+adapter combinations that work with the older batch and got nothing"

Try a DIFFERENT cable/adapter.
One that "didn't come in the box"...

 

[diaspora]

All good now. Thanks this thread I now know that cables that worked for 2016 MBP models, don't work with the 2017 ones due to some design change of the thunderbolt port 🙁.

 

[Patcell]

All good now. Thanks this thread I now know that cables that worked for 2016 MBP models, don't work with the 2017 ones due to some design change of the thunderbolt port 🙁.

That's crazy... any idea what wash changed between the 2016 & 2017 models? I read the thread and did a quick web search, but all I can find is that 'something' was changed... wild...

 

[Fishrrman]

"That's crazy... any idea what wash changed between the 2016 & 2017 models? I read the thread and did a quick web search, but all I can find is that 'something' was changed..."

Not to worry.
The single USB-c port, where many different connectors "look alike", was going to solve all our connection problems. Right...? 😉

 

[j1mnasium]

Not to highjack this thread but I'm experiencing a similar issue on my 2017 15" rMBP purchased last month. I thought I'd post this here in case others haven't discovered this work-around. When I use Insignia USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect to my ASUS VG248 external display, it does NOT wake up the display. I have to go through these steps every freaking time:

1. Plug in USB-C adapter and nothing happens
2. Unplug and replug USB-C adapter and my MBP display flashes as though the USB-C port is active. The ASUS external display wakes up, but it just displays a blue screen (regardless of changing the input).
3. Open System Preferences>Displays>Gather Windows to view the ASUS settings and change refresh rate from 50 to 60 Hz or vice versa.
4. Magically the ASUS monitor works as expected until I sleep my MBP or disconnect it, in which case I have to repeat the above steps.

VERY frustrating as it appears this has been a known issue since the late 2016 rMBP was released: http://blog.fosketts.net/2016/11/26/beware-usb-c-hdmi-adapters-flaky-2016-macbook-pro/