Using with 30 inch ACD?

[kat.hayes]

I have a new 13 inch MBP. Can I connect it to an old 30 inch cinema display? Will I need an adapter?

Thanks.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Yes, you need a Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter. eBay probably has some:

Mini DisplayPort (MDP) / Thunderbolt

Mini DisplayPort is the current digital standard on all current Macs to transfer video to an external display or TV. It has been introduced in 10/2008 with the release of the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros and has gradually been adopted on all other Macs.
MDP is capable of transmitting video, and since 2010, audio too. MDP is a miniaturised version of DisplayPort. It is also license free and can support resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, which Mini DVI and Micro DVI are not able to do.
Since 2011, all Macs come with a Thunderbolt port, which is meant for fast data transfer and also as means to connect to an external display device to mirror or extend the Mac's screen.

To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP): Introducing Thunderbolt​

MDP adapters and cables can be bought online from:

Apple Online Store (or the physical Apple Store)

• MDP to VGA adapter
• MDP to DVI adapter
• MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter
• Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter

Monoprice

• Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

• Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cables
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cables

Also of interest: "What is "Mini DisplayPort"? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from or better than Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?"
​

 

[kat.hayes]

1.) Is this the easiest way to quickly connect and disconnect the Mac from the display?

2.) Will photos and video from the Mac look good on the display?

Thanks!

 

[simsaladimbamba]

1.) Is this the easiest way to quickly connect and disconnect the Mac from the display?

2.) Will photos and video from the Mac look good on the display?

Thanks!

1. Yes, as only that adapter supports the 2560 x 1600 pixels.

2. Probably, if it is still in top shape.

 

[DeltaMac]

1.) Is this the easiest way to quickly connect and disconnect the Mac from the display?

2.) Will photos and video from the Mac look good on the display?

Thanks!

If you want full resolution on that 30-inch display, then you need the listed mDP to dual-link adapter. Apple's is almost $100 - and Monoprice has a similar one for less than $75. Apple's provides a USB connection to the display. The Monoprice adapter uses USB for extra power, but not for connection to the USB ports on the display. Both give you the full res video, however.

And, yes, photos and videos will look good.

simsaladimbamba meant "supports the 2560 x 1600 pixel" - I'm guessing

 

[simsaladimbamba]

simsaladimbamba meant "supports the 2560 x 1600 pixel" - I'm guessing

NOOOOOOOOO, I meant "pixels".