MDP to MDP using thunderbolt?

[NemP]

So I've read all this confusing mumbo jumbo on how backwards compatible the thunderbolt cable is and isn't between models that support only one of the 2. Although, I'm yet to find anything on whether I can use 2 devices with Mini display ports and connect them with thunderbolt. I'm naturally leaning towards the idea that I can't, but I'd love to hear from others. I was initially told I could from an apple employee, but haven't had any luck. Using a late 2009 imac to a 2011ish macbook pro. Both with Mini display ports.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

If you want to connect two Macs directly via a Thunderbolt cable, both Macs NEEED TO HAVE a Thunderbolt port, which excludes every pre-2011 Mac.

To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP):

​

And because Thunderbolt is based on DisplayPort technology, the video standard for high-resolution displays, any Mini DisplayPort display plugs right into the Thunderbolt port. To connect a DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, or VGA display, just use an existing adapter.

 

[NemP]

Sorry if I wasn't clear, but I want to use the thunderbolt cable to achieve a dual monitor not transfer files.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Sorry if I wasn't clear, but I want to use the thunderbolt cable to achieve a dual monitor not transfer files.

Ah, then it might be possible, but a MiniDisplayPort cable should be the better option, if you go from Thunderbolt to MiniDisplayPort.

 

[NemP]

Ah, then it might be possible, but a MiniDisplayPort cable should be the better option, if you go from Thunderbolt to MiniDisplayPort.

I'm aware that a solution would be to just use a MDP cable, but I'm curious if anyone knows if a thundercable would work in my situation. Since I already have a thundercable at hand. Which is connecting two devices with only MDP ports together with thundercable to share screens. I figure since the thundercable is just a MDP cable with a few more features and it's claimed to be "backwards compatible" it should function just like a MDP cable in this case.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Just test it then, but as far as I know, it will probably not work.

 

[Outrigger]

I'm aware that a solution would be to just use a MDP cable, but I'm curious if anyone knows if a thundercable would work in my situation. Since I already have a thundercable at hand. Which is connecting two devices with only MDP ports together with thundercable to share screens. I figure since the thundercable is just a MDP cable with a few more features and it's claimed to be "backwards compatible" it should function just like a MDP cable in this case.

wouldn't it be easier to just hook it up and see if it works rather than taking the time to come on here and ask if it'll work, seeing as no one is currently in your situation.