I have a 24" LED Cinema display that was succeeded by the Thunderbolt display. The Cinema display uses three plugs (Magsafe, Mini DisplayPort, USB) whereas the newer Thunderbolt display only has thunderbolt and power. With the dawn of the USB-C overlord included with the rMB, I've been looking into how I could possibly connect the rMB to my beautiful LED Cinema display. I was initially disheartened when it was concluded here that the thunderbolt display wouldn't work because thunderbolt isn't included in the USB-C spec. DisplayPort, however is. So there might be hope for my cinema display after all.
Here's what comes off of the cinema display:
In order for the USB hub, speakers, and camera on the display to be connected, I'll need the $79 apple adapter for one USB-C, one USB, and one HDMI (which won't be used). The regular USB will connect fine, and the USB-C will need to be split into two (one for display and one for power) through some kind of USB-C Hub. But the most difficult thing is the male mini DisplayPort from the cinema display.
With a mishmash of adapters, here's how I think it might be possible:
1a. $79 Apple USB-C to USB-C, HDMI, and regular USB adapter
1b. Hypothetical USB-C Hub is needed to connect the display and power simulatneously (if the rMB doesn't get power from the display itself)
2. Apple USB-C Adapter at the rMB to DisplayPort Monoprice Male USB-C to DisplayPort Male
3. From DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Monoprice Mini DisplayPort Male to Female DisplayPort
4. Female Mini DisplayPort Coupler (for the male cinema display mini DisplayPort lead) Monoprice Female Mini DisplayPort Coupler
With no less than five (!) adapters at a pretty unreasonable $140+, I think I could retain the functionality of my beloved (and aging) cinema display. The most ironic part is that this whole mess of cables and adapters is connected to a single tiny USB port. I guess that simplifies the docking station aspect of the cinema display. What do you guys think? Possible?
Here's what comes off of the cinema display:
In order for the USB hub, speakers, and camera on the display to be connected, I'll need the $79 apple adapter for one USB-C, one USB, and one HDMI (which won't be used). The regular USB will connect fine, and the USB-C will need to be split into two (one for display and one for power) through some kind of USB-C Hub. But the most difficult thing is the male mini DisplayPort from the cinema display.
With a mishmash of adapters, here's how I think it might be possible:
1a. $79 Apple USB-C to USB-C, HDMI, and regular USB adapter
1b. Hypothetical USB-C Hub is needed to connect the display and power simulatneously (if the rMB doesn't get power from the display itself)
2. Apple USB-C Adapter at the rMB to DisplayPort Monoprice Male USB-C to DisplayPort Male
3. From DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Monoprice Mini DisplayPort Male to Female DisplayPort
4. Female Mini DisplayPort Coupler (for the male cinema display mini DisplayPort lead) Monoprice Female Mini DisplayPort Coupler
With no less than five (!) adapters at a pretty unreasonable $140+, I think I could retain the functionality of my beloved (and aging) cinema display. The most ironic part is that this whole mess of cables and adapters is connected to a single tiny USB port. I guess that simplifies the docking station aspect of the cinema display. What do you guys think? Possible?
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