MacBook Air's Mini Display vs Thunderbolt...

[Guza]

I never get any responses to my questions on this forum compared to other forums and not sure why but I can't find the right info on this, and everything that I'm reading is mostly about monitors and HDMI about this topic.

So my questions is... can I run an ethernet adapter for internet access through a 2010 MBA model that has the Mini Display Port or is this only a capability with the Thunderbolt replacement port for the 2011 MBA models?

 

[Audit13]

According to the Apple specs, the 2010 Air does not have a Thunderbolt connector, only MiniDisplay port: https://support.apple.com/kb/SP618?locale=en_US

There are no references to Thunderbolt on the Apple page I linked.

Under the Communications, the spec information states the following:

AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking4 (based on IEEE 802.11n specification); IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible

Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) wireless technology

Apple USB Ethernet Adapter (sold separately)​

My conclusion: you cannot use a Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter with the 2010 Air.

 

[Boyd01]

As an alternative, you could use the Apple USB ethernet adapter. Of course, you won't get gigabit speeds since it's USB 2.0. https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC704LL/A/apple-usb-ethernet-adapter