MacBook Pro Thunderbolt - Display options

[DW58]

I am about to purchase a new MacBookPro 15" with Thunderbolt. I also plan on purchasing the new 27" Thunderbolt display when available.

What other options are open for use of an external display? Assuming the 27" Thunderbolt display is connected to my MBP via the Thunderbolt port, is there any way a second (non Thunderbolt) external display can be connected to the MBP? I currently have a 19" Dell monitor with VGA connector which could come in handy, is there any way this can be connected and used?

TIA

 

[mark28]

I am about to purchase a new MacBookPro 15" with Thunderbolt. I also plan on purchasing the new 27" Thunderbolt display when available.

What other options are open for use of an external display? Assuming the 27" Thunderbolt display is connected to my MBP via the Thunderbolt port, is there any way a second (non Thunderbolt) external display can be connected to the MBP? I currently have a 19" Dell monitor with VGA connector which could come in handy, is there any way this can be connected and used?

TIA

Nope, TB is connected to the Mini-display port. So if you want to connect an other external display, you have to connect it with TB again.

 

[DW58]

Please excuse this if it sounds to be a stupid question, I'm a complete novice. If Thunderbolt and MiniDisplayPort sockets/plugs are the same size, could a MiniDisplayPort to VGA connector be used off the back of the Thunderbolt Display to connect the VGA display?

 

[dusk007]

No.
For HDMI, DVI and stuff the GPU has to recognize the adapter and change somethings. It only works directly out to the MBP output.

Thunderbolt supports two Protocols, The Thunderbolt which can piggy back almost any protocol and Displayport 1.1a. Displayport 1.2 supports daisy chaining thus it could be possible Apple's implementation already does too. You could plug in another Monitor with a Displayport input.

 

[DustinT]

With display port equipped monitors starting at $169 on Newegg I wouldn't sweat it too much.