Connecting CalDigit and TB Display to MBP with only one TB port

[Mike Boreham]

I have a 2011 Macbook Pro with one Thunderbolt port, and a Thunderbolt Display with two TB ports. So there are two ways to connect up.

Should I connect up as

MBP --> Thunderbolt Display --> CalDigit

or

MBP --> CalDigit --> Thunderbolt Display

.....or doesn't it matter?


NOTE: The Thunderbolt Display cable has the power supply connection for the MBP integrated with the TB connection until the last few inches, so in physical terms the first option is easier. Desk layout might mean the second option needs to use a separate MBP power supply instead of the TB Display one.

Any other user tips about the CalDigit?

Thanks

 

[chrfr]

Connection order doesn't matter in this case.

 

[Mike Boreham]

Connection order doesn't matter in this case.

Thanks

 

[melburstein]

I have a 2011 Macbook Pro with one Thunderbolt port, and a Thunderbolt Display with two TB ports. So there are two ways to connect up.

Should I connect up as

MBP --> Thunderbolt Display --> CalDigit

or

MBP --> CalDigit --> Thunderbolt Display

.....or doesn't it matter?


NOTE: The Thunderbolt Display cable has the power supply connection for the MBP integrated with the TB connection until the last few inches, so in physical terms the first option is easier. Desk layout might mean the second option needs to use a separate MBP power supply instead of the TB Display one.

Any other user tips about the CalDigit?

Thanks

I used option 2 and ended up with more available ports than option1.

 

[Mike Boreham]

I used option 2 and ended up with more available ports than option1.

I don't understand that. Surely both methods result in a single free port.

Method 1 leaves one of the two ports on the Caldigit free. Method 2 leaves the single TB display port free.

 

[Bear]

...
MBP --> Thunderbolt Display --> CalDigit
...

This is the order I'd suggest. In terms of Thunderbolt, it doesn't matter. In terms of the MagSafe connector, it does matter.

 

[Mike Boreham]

I have a 2011 Macbook Pro with one Thunderbolt port, and a Thunderbolt Display with two TB ports.

This is a mistake of course...the TB display only has one TB port. Apologies.

(EDIT this doesn't change that I think both methods result in a single free port)