question about thunderbolt display 27"

[Damian83]

is it retrocompatible with minidisplay port? can i use the thunderbolt cable on my macbook mini display port?

 

[innominato5090]

nobody knows since thunderbolt displays are due to be shipped in the 3rd week of september.

 

[dubAdub]

The Tech Specs page says it needs a Thunderbolt equipped Mac.

The 2011 iMac does not support Mini DisplayPort sources via its Thunderbolt port.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3775

So if the Thunderbolt Display is like the 2011 iMac in Target Display Mode and the Tech Specs can be taken at face value it seems very unlikely.

 

[JulesK]

I suspect you'd lose some functionality, at the very least.

Even if the video and audio worked, I wonder if the USB, Firewire and Ethernet ports would. I highly doubt it, as the non-Thunderbolt monitor has the USB input cable, and the Thunderbolt version does. Otherwise Apple should just discontinue the non-Thunderbolt 27" monitor once the Thunderbolt version comes out.

 

[akm3]

I *think* The video works but that's it.

I certainly haven't confirmed that myself.

/edit: Just asked an Apple specialist on IM and they say it won't work, but I still wouldn't take that as 100% gospel, but they are probably right and I'm probably wrong.

 

[xraydoc]

Apple still sells the mini-DisplayPort version of the 27" display.
It's on the Apple online store and they had them in stock at my local Apple store.