Thunderbolt Display vs display port display for rMBP

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by case2001, Sep 14, 2013.

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  1. case2001, Sep 14, 2013

    case2001 macrumors 6502

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    Sep 9, 2010
    #1
    Hi,

    I am considering the Apple Cinema Display with the thunderbolt port. My uses would be primarily writing, Xcode, and of course routine web, email and so on. My Xcode is primary in house scientific applications and data analysis. I have a Samsung 24 inch display is fine for these tasks. But I carry my retina MacBook Pro daily with me to the office, and use my Samsung at home. It would be really nice to come home and just plug in my MacBook Pro to thunderbolt port and power from monitor and be good to go. Is there is any down side to thunderbolt port??? I would really primary be doing this for convenience. I would run Ethernet, USB hard drive back up and maybe an external DVD drive.

    As always thanks.
     
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  2. Yahooligan, Sep 14, 2013

    Yahooligan macrumors 6502a

    Yahooligan

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    #2
    I have an ATD (Apple Thunderbolt Display. The Cinema Display is the displayport version), the only downside to the ATD is that it's Thunderbolt only. If I were to, say, get a used current-gen Mac Pro then I'd be out of luck and unable to connect it to this display.

    The other thing to note is that the ATD only has USB 2.0 ports, not USB3, so if you want to connect USB3 devices to your Mac then you'll either need a hub or to just connect to the built-in ports directly.

    If I had to do it all over again I'd probably get the Cinema Display just to have more compatibility with non-TB Macs or PCs. I have a USB3 hub and external speakers connected anyway, and without any external TB devices I'm not really gaining anything with the ATD over the Cinema Display, which also has USB ports, iSight cam, speakers, etc.

    Since you have an rMBP then you wouldn't be using up the only TB port to drive a non-TB display.

    Either display would be convenient, IMO. The ATD moreso if you happen to have Thunderbolt devices to connect to it.
     
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  3. case2001, Sep 15, 2013

    case2001 thread starter macrumors 6502

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    #3
    Thanks for the response. That's what I was wondering about. My MacBook Pro is the only thunderbolt device I have. However I do have a mix of Mac mini and pc devices. The Cinema Display is probably a better way to go for me.

    Thanks again.
     
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  4. mneblett, Sep 15, 2013

    mneblett macrumors 6502

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    #4
    I would suggest waiting on your purchase until the October (?) Mac Pro release -- there is a fair amount of speculation the TB display will be updated to TB2 to match the TB2 on the new Mac Pro, and I would expect other updates, such as USB 3.
     
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  5. case2001, Sep 15, 2013

    case2001 thread starter macrumors 6502

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    #5
    I read about a possible update possibility. I really wasn't aware of when the MacPro's were coming out. If it is only next month then I will wait.

    Thanks!!!
     
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  6. case2001, Sep 26, 2013

    case2001 thread starter macrumors 6502

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    #6
    Ok so much for the above. I came across an open box return at Best Buy for a good price. I considered waiting, a belkin dock and monitor, or display port cinema display. The Belkin dock lists for $299.00 and no power adapter, speakers, or camera. Plus I still would need a monitor. So for me the current Thunderbolt monitor fit the bill. Works great.

    thanks
    for you input!!
     
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  7. iAppl3Fan, Sep 26, 2013

    iAppl3Fan macrumors 6502a

    iAppl3Fan

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    #7
    Congrats! What price were you able to snag it at?
     
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