Apple Cinema Display (2009)

[peggysz]

Hello. I have a 2009 Apple LED Cinema Display that has a three prong connection (mini display port, usb, and MagSafe charger - pic below) - It’s still in great working order and I’m only using it for basic word documents essentially - I’m 70 and I am not a heavy user primarily using the display setup for better visuals.

I realize the easiest thing would be to buy a TV or new monitor and connect with a HDMI - but I don’t want to spend the money unless absolutely necessary and all my current Apple products are in fine working order.

I recently purchased a 2020 MacBook Air with 2 USB C ports.

Previously I had a MacBook Air that I could plug the mini DP and USB into directly. The MagSafe connection didn’t fit so I didn’t use it.

I plug my printer, mouse and keyboard (all ancient Apple products) directly to the back of the monitor.


I’ve been to the Apple store, Best Buy, Staples etc trying to purchase a hub or connector so I can use the display. I’ve had the run around and feel that every salesperson talks down to me because of my age and thinks I don’t know anything. Not a fun time.


Every shop tries to sell me a USBc to thunderbolt cable - and after the first return of this product, I’ve realized that despite looking the same a thunderbolt is not the same as a mini DP.


Can anyone please put me out of my misery and tell me what I need to buy?


Thank you +++ to anyone who can help this old woman stay connected?!

 

[uller6]

You need to output both video and USB to enable your mouse, keyboard, and brightness buttons to work correctly, and I also assume you want to power your computer at the same time! So, you'll need three connections, and your computer only has two ports. One option is to get
this USB-C to mini DP adaptor for the video, and then use that along with this Apple adaptor for both power and USB functions. It's a little clumsy but should work fine.

If you want something a bit more elegant, but more expensive, then you could go for a thunderbolt 3 dock like this one that has both mini DP and USB3. A dock like this only needs one thunderbolt 3 cable from your computer to the dock, which will provide video, USB, and power all over the single cable.

 

[peggysz]

Thank you so much. I like the second option and will order despite the price it’s still better than buying a new monitor! Much appreciate you rescuing me!!

 

[justashooter]

Peggysz -

I don't see why you can't use this usb-c dock at $119, it has all the ports you need - 4 usb3, mini displayport. and more:

OWC USB-C Travel Dock E - 6 Ports of Connectivity

The best bus-powered dock to connect, charge, display, and import on-the-go. Compatible with any USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 equipped Mac, PC, tablet, or phone.

eshop.macsales.com

Instead of the thunderbolt 3 dock mention above at $279:

OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac and Windows PC

Through a single cable, the 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock brings an unprecedented combination of ports, convenience, and power to your Thunderbolt Mac or PC.

eshop.macsales.com

 

[joevt]

Yes, a USB-C dock is sufficient. A Thunderbolt dock may have more ports or allow 4K 60Hz displays, but the LED display is only 2560 by 1440.

Here is a USB-C Hub that includes Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and USB-C Power delivery. I don't know where to buy it though.

Equip - 133463 USB Type C to Mini DisPlayPort Female/USB A Female/PD Adapter

Here is a USB-C Hub that includes DisplayPort, USB 2.0, and USB-C Power delivery. You'll need to add a DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort adapter. It only support USB 2.0 (that's ok since the LED Cinema Display only has USB 2.0 ports) but that means it can support 4K 60Hz (which is not necessary for a 2560x1440 display).

Cable Matters USB C Multiport Adapter (USB C Hub DisplayPort 1.4), 2X USB 2.0, 480Mbps Ethernet, and 100W Charging in Black - Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 / Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible with MacBook Pro

Cable Matters USB C Multiport Adapter (USB C Hub DisplayPort 1.4), 2X USB 2.0, 480Mbps Ethernet, and 100W Charging in Black - Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 / Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible with MacBook Pro

www.amazon.com

Here are USB-C to mini-DisplayPort adapters with USB-C Power Delivery. They are missing USB though.

USB C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter UPTab 4K@60Hz USB-C Thunderbolt 3 to MDP Adapter with Power Port for New M4 MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, Mac Mini M4, iMac, and More (Silver)

www.amazon.com

Club 3D | USB 3.1 Type C to Mini DisplayPort 1.2 and PD 60 W Adapter

CAC-1509 - The Club 3D CAC-1509 is a DisplayPort™ signal converter. The USB 3.1 Type C to Mini DisplayPort 1.4(When source supports it) and PD 60W Adapter is the easiest solution for connecting your USB 3.1 Type C source device featuring DisplayPort™ Alternate Mode to a Mini DisplayPort™ 1.4...

www.club-3d.com

There exists MagSafe to USB-C Power Delivery adapters. You should be able to combine this with the above options if you want to use the MagSafe of the LED Cinema Display instead of the charger that came with the MacBook Air.

Elecjet AnyWatt USB-C MagSafe Adapter, Type-C to MagSafe 1 and 2 Converter, Compatible with USB-C M1 MacBook Pro Air

Reuse all your old MagSafe 1 and 2 chargers with this MagSafe adapter connector by Elecjet. The AnyWatt SQ USB-C adapter features a MagSafe 1 charger L-Tip and Magsafe 2 charger T-Tip, allowing you to use your old chargers to power your new Macbook devices or any USB-C device. The small dongle US...

www.amazon.com

If you do try any of the above, let us know how it goes.