MBP Mini DisplayPort to Thunderbolt Display via adapter

Discussion in 'Mac Accessories' started by perryazevedo, Jul 26, 2012.

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  1. perryazevedo, Jul 26, 2012

    perryazevedo macrumors newbie

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    Jul 26, 2012
    #1
    I'm going to be upgrading to a Retina MacBook Pro within a few months and until then, will continue to use my mid-2009, 15" MacBook Pro. I bought a brand new, 27" Thunderbolt display as the Apple Store employee ensured me I could use the display with my non-Thunderbolt MBP.

    Of course, upon unboxing the display and plugging it up, nothing happened. Most Google searches return forums saying it can't be done.

    However, I called Apple Technical Support and they said differently. They said that although the Thunderbolt display doesn't officially support MacBook Pros that only have Mini DisplayPorts, you can use the Thunderbolt Display as just a monitor (no hub or camera use) with the use of an adapter.

    However, when asked "what adapter" they said I would need to figure that out on my own.

    Has ANYONE had success with this yet? Is there an adapter that will make this work? :confused:
     
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  2. DanGallagher, Sep 17, 2013

    DanGallagher macrumors newbie

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    Sep 17, 2013
    #2
    Did you get an answer to this? I'm curious as well.
     
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  3. ActionableMango, Sep 17, 2013

    ActionableMango macrumors G3

    ActionableMango

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    #3
    I've researched this before as have many others and none of us have ever found anything. I believe that tech is wrong.

    One big clue is that the Thunderbolt ACD is not compatible with any Mac Pro. If an MDP to Thunderbolt adapter were available, it would be compatible with all Mac Pros.
     
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  4. theluggage, Sep 18, 2013

    theluggage macrumors 68040

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    #4
    Just speculation, but (looking at the iFixit teardown) I believe the LCD panel inside the TBD is actually driven directly by a DisplayPort connection from the main logic board. So if you cracked it open you could possibly hook your Mac MDP directly to the panel with a suitable adapter, bypassing the Thunderbolt stuff.

    ...which might explain why the tech wasn't handing out suggestions.
     
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  5. AcesHigh87, Sep 18, 2013

    AcesHigh87 macrumors 6502a

    AcesHigh87

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    New Brunswick, Canada
    #5
    From Apple's FAQ regarding the Thunderbolt Display:

    From this I would have to assume it's not possible. If such an adapter existed it would at least be mentioned. If apple made one they would surely link it.
     
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  6. g4cube, Sep 18, 2013

    g4cube macrumors 6502a

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    #6
    It's not possible. You cannot connect an unmodified ATD to a Mac that doesn't have a Thunderbolt port, and there is no low-cost adapter available that will change it.

    Go back to that Apple Store and confront that "genius".
     
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