Thunderbolt display question I have not seen asked

[Outrigger]

I'm going to purchase the TBD either today or tomorrow mainly to use with my mini. Problem is, I currently have 2 x 24 displays on my desk. My mini is on the right side of the displays. I'd like to place the TBD to the left of the displays. Occasionally, I'd like to hook up the TBD to my MBA, but most of the time, it will be hooked up to my mini. Can I buy a separate TB cable connect it to the mini via the TB port on the display? Or is that only going to work if you're daisy chaining something else?

For those that have the TBD, how long (in ft) is the built in cable?

If this question has been asked, please just post a link. Nothing came up in the search.

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[hitekalex]

Not sure why you need a separate TB cable.. You can just move the built-in display cable from Mini to MBA, when you want to use MBA.

The length of built-in cable is about 1 meter, the stand-alone TB cable is 2 meters.

 

[Outrigger]

Not sure why you need a separate TB cable.. You can just move the built-in display cable from Mini to MBA, when you want to use MBA.

The length of built-in cable is about 1 meter, the stand-alone TB cable is 2 meters.

The length of the built in is the problem since the display and the mini are on the opposite ends of the table. the standalone cable is twice the length, thats why I like to know if it would work which I don't think it will.

 

[hitekalex]

The length of the built in is the problem since the display and the mini are on the opposite ends of the table. the standalone cable is twice the length, thats why I like to know if it would work which I don't think it will.

I can't see why it WOULDN'T work.. The TBD doesn't know/care whether the input cable is "daisy chained" or direct from a computer. It should light up either way.

 

[Outrigger]

I can't see why it WOULDN'T work.. The TBD doesn't know/care whether the input cable is "daisy chained" or direct from a computer. It should light up either way.

I guess I'm trying to make certain that it works before dropping $50 on a cable.

 

[McGilli]

Well the stand alone cable is 2 meters.

The built in cable is 1 meter.

Grab a measuring tape and measure your distance needed.

I just got my 2 TBD's setup yesterday and it's apparent they are meant to be close to the computer with the built in TB cable since it is pretty short. My Mini is on the floor, and it MUST plug into the TBD directly above it. I tried plugging the display that was above and to the left - and it wouldn't reach.

here is my setup.

The mini (on the bottom right of desk) can not reach the left monitor with the built in cable.

 

[Outrigger]

Well the stand alone cable is 2 meters.

The built in cable is 1 meter.

Grab a measuring tape and measure your distance needed.

I just got my 2 TBD's setup yesterday and it's apparent they are meant to be close to the computer with the built in TB cable since it is pretty short. My Mini is on the floor, and it MUST plug into the TBD directly above it. I tried plugging the display that was above and to the left - and it wouldn't reach.

here is my setup.

Image

The mini (on the bottom right of desk) can not reach the left monitor with the built in cable.

Can you please tell me if you plugged your mini to the built in TB of the right display or the standalone cable, and used the built in to connect to the left display?

 

[McGilli]

Can you please tell me if you plugged your mini to the built in TB of the right display or the standalone cable, and used the built in to connect to the left display?

I ONLY used the built in TB cables that are attached to the displays.

Mini is attached to the right display.

I did buy 2 standalone cables, but this way I can return them and get my $100 back.

 

[flynz4]

I ONLY used the built in TB cables that are attached to the displays.

Mini is attached to the right display.

I did buy 2 standalone cables, but this way I can return them and get my $100 back.

I can drive my ATD from my MBA with ether the built in cable, or with a separate TB cable just fine.

Beware... if you want to attach other devices to the built in cable... is does NOT provide power. So, it will work with a self powered TB device (such as a Pegasus R4)... but not with a bus powered TB device (like the Seagate portable GoFlex). I have not tested, but i presume it would work with the Seagate Desk GoFlex since it is a self powered device.

/Jim

 

[Outrigger]

I can drive my ATD from my MBA with ether the built in cable, or with a separate TB cable just fine.

Beware... if you want to attach other devices to the built in cable... is does NOT provide power. So, it will work with a self powered TB device (such as a Pegasus R4)... but not with a bus powered TB device (like the Seagate portable GoFlex). I have not tested, but i presume it would work with the Seagate Desk GoFlex since it is a self powered device.

/Jim

Thanks, I was looking for confirmation that you can connect the mac via either the built in or the standalone TB cable.