Running OLD 30" Cinema Display from 2018 MacMini (and sometimes 2015 MBP)

[daveh0]

For my 2018 MacMini (and sometimes my 15" 2015 MBP) I'm currently running a 27" Benq and a 24" Viewsonic (both at 2560x1440). It's not bad for the design (little-to-no print, no video, very little 3D) and development work I do, but I'd love to have a bigger/better picture out of the ViewSonic.

In my search for a matching Benq (to replace the Viewsonic), I stumbled upon an essentially FREE 30" Apple Cinema display (https://everymac.com/monitors/apple/studio_cinema/specs/apple_cinema_display_30.html) that I *think* will give me better color (I know it's not retina but still... I think?) and obviously a bigger picture than my current 24".

Before I run out and lug this FREE beast of a display into my office, I want to see if anyone can convince me not to do it. I'm all ears - let 'em rip.... am I better off digging deeper into the old pockets and finding that matching 2560x1440 Benq... used? Why?

Assuming I *can't* be convinced that this is a bad idea yet, due to the dual-dvi output on the Apple display, here's what I plan on using adaptor-wise.

For the 2015 Macbook Pro:

1. From the back of the 30 incher, I will run the USB and DVI cables to an Apple A1306 Mini Display Port to Dual-link DVI Adapter ($25 used on Ebay)
2. And then run ITS (the adaptor's) output cables to the laptop's Thunderbolt and USB ports - here:
   

And for the 2018 MacMini:

1. From the back of the 30 incher, I will run the USB and DVI cables to an Apple A1306 Mini Display Port to Dual-link DVI Adapter ($25 used on Ebay)
2. From the adaptor above, I will run its cables into a $10 Select Series USB-C to Mini DisplayPort & USB-C (F) Dual Port Adapter
3. An finally plug *that* adaptor's cable into one of the 4 Thunderbolt inputs in the back of the MacMini - here:
   
   

Sounds easy enough to me and the price is right. Again, please convince me that this is *not* the great idea I'm making it out to be in my head. I'm definitely open to other approaches.

Thanks!!


PS - I'd like to keep this setup for at least another 2 years. Both the MBP and the Mini are in extremely good condition at the moment, so I don't anticipate any issues with either of them. So essentially, I'd be banking on the 30" display to still be gong strong by he end of that timeframe. Please shout it out if you have any doubts.

 

[FirDerrig33]

For my 2018 MacMini (and sometimes my 15" 2015 MBP) I'm currently running a 27" Benq and a 24" Viewsonic (both at 2560x1440). It's not bad for the design (little-to-no print, no video, very little 3D) and development work I do, but I'd love to have a bigger/better picture out of the ViewSonic.

In my search for a matching Benq (to replace the Viewsonic), I stumbled upon an essentially FREE 30" Apple Cinema display (https://everymac.com/monitors/apple/studio_cinema/specs/apple_cinema_display_30.html) that I *think* will give me better color (I know it's not retina but still... I think?) and obviously a bigger picture than my current 24".

Before I run out and lug this FREE beast of a display into my office, I want to see if anyone can convince me not to do it. I'm all ears - let 'em rip.... am I better off digging deeper into the old pockets and finding that matching 2560x1440 Benq... used? Why?

Assuming I *can't* be convinced that this is a bad idea yet, due to the dual-dvi output on the Apple display, here's what I plan on using adaptor-wise.

For the 2015 Macbook Pro:

1. From the back of the 30 incher, I will run the USB and DVI cables to an Apple A1306 Mini Display Port to Dual-link DVI Adapter ($25 used on Ebay)
2. And then run ITS (the adaptor's) output cables to the laptop's Thunderbolt and USB ports - here: View attachment 2284329

And for the 2018 MacMini:

1. From the back of the 30 incher, I will run the USB and DVI cables to an Apple A1306 Mini Display Port to Dual-link DVI Adapter ($25 used on Ebay)
2. From the adaptor above, I will run its cables into a $10 Select Series USB-C to Mini DisplayPort & USB-C (F) Dual Port Adapter
3. An finally plug *that* adaptor's cable into one of the 4 Thunderbolt inputs in the back of the MacMini - here:
   View attachment 2284341

Sounds easy enough to me and the price is right. Again, please convince me that this is *not* the great idea I'm making it out to be in my head. I'm definitely open to other approaches.

Thanks!!


PS - I'd like to keep this setup for at least another 2 years. Both the MBP and the Mini are in extremely good condition at the moment, so I don't anticipate any issues with either of them. So essentially, I'd be banking on the 30" display to still be gong strong by he end of that timeframe. Please shout it out if you have any doubts.

There is one major reason why this is not a good idea...Those displays do not support HDCP. There are other reasons (potential power adapter failure, no audio, no camera, support for FW400 that is not used any more). So although you are correct unassuming that the color quality is nice (which it absolutely is), you might not want something that you can't slide HDCP content to and fro. Now, if you burn everything and then keep the aspect ration but the HDCP is gone; then no worries!

I still have a fully functional 23" ACD and it is beautiful. just not the best option any more.

That all being said..if it's essentially free, I would still get it. Sometimes I still use the powerbook G4, iSight camera, and 23" ACD sets and it's just pleasant.