thunderbolt docks on snow leopard?

[bjj22]

I was thinking about getting one of the thunderbolt docks (belkin, matrox, or caldigit when it comes out).

My early 2011 MBP quad i7 2.0 (has thunderbolt port) is running snow leopard and I am reluctant to upgrade. These thunderbolt docks stipulate mountain lion is required - but I am wondering if this is only to use the USB3 ports.

Does anyone know if I would be able to use USB2 devices (via the USB3 ports) with this dock and snow leopard? I have no need for USB3 currently.

Thanks

 

[maflynn]

If the minimum OS is ML, I'd be hesitant to buy it as it might not work. Buy it from a retailer that has a 30 day return and if it works, great, if not return it.

 

[g4cube]

To use the various ports, the docks typically require 10.8.3 or 10.8.4 to use the ML drivers. Earlier versions may not recognize the ports. Look at the minimum requirements for the dock.

 

[flynz4]

Do you have a specific reason for wanting to stay with SL? Do you have software that is incompatible with ML?

/Jim

 

[bjj22]

Thanks for the replies - I mainly use it for audio, using logic, and everything is working great. I've tried logic on a different mac with ML and there were a few glitches making me a bit hesitant to upgrade. (I have heard similar reports elsewhere). Also I am worried that ML, as a more advanced OS, will use more CPU power. I already have enough problems with the fans starting up which is annoying if trying to record something. Still, upgrading to ML is a possibility and I may just go ahead and use it if these docks are not at all compatible with SL.

 

[MadSc1]

Thread REvive !?!?

Looks like its nearly been a year since this thread started... I still have a question tho,, SNL compatible? yes/no?
I Confirm what bjj22 is saying about needing snow leopard compatibility. To bring the others up to speed. The reason to stay on previous operating systems that are known stable is strictly a matter of other developers getting their software up to speed. In the audio world there are massive amounts of plugins and getting a stable system where every "little" program works properly is a feat... upgrading means transferring licenses, testing, bla bla ,, sometimes to transfer licenses you have to actually talk to someone, tell them your purchase info from receipt, de-activate the old system, and say please re-issue an activation for my new system.. ..all done via human contact... ya its a mess ..... SOOOOOoOOOOOOooooOOOOOooooOOOooooOOOOoooooO The Question is ========= Does this work on Snow Leopard ? ========= Do some things work and some not? or is it all or nothing ?

 

[g4cube]

The answer is still no.

The recent Thunderbolt Docks do NOT work with Snow Leopard as they lack the drivers required. If you require Dock capability, you arelimited to what is built--in to the Apple Thunderbolt Display.