Connect Thunderbolt Display to Mini DisplayPort?

I too want to get one of these nice displays for my current MacBook Pro (late 2008), instead of the non-TB model, as I will assume that I will eventually upgrade my Mac, at which point the TB would be more useful.

Previously I beleive (as recently as Feb) there was an update that required USB to be connected.

As the new display doesn't have the USB input (used previously by audio and firmware updates), then maybe you cannot apply firmware updates from non-TB enabled Macs

So currently I am assuming until (told otherwise) that

a) the display will work

b) none of the extra connection on the back of the display will work, apart from the magsafe connector

c) you will probably not be able to apply firmware updates via USB port on rear of display

This is such an obvious question that the ambiguity around it all seems deliberate. Either Apple thinks they will have support and customer relations nightmares around people buying something that appears to plug in to an existing computer but whose "new" features do not work; or they want to preserve the retail value of their existing inventory of displays. The point here about the impossibility of updating the firmware without a TB enabled computer is a serious one. I'm going to wait and get clearer information. I would hate to have to buy one of the old tech monitors, but we're probably 3 years from buying new laptops that will have the TB capability.

I actually just bought the older model from Anazon for $940

I wanted the Display sound, microphone, camera and USB hub to work, so I didn't get thunderbolt version

This model has 3rd party software that let's it work on Windows also

I think if I could use thunderbolt version with some adapter, I would only get picture and nothing else

The actual led display is identical either way.

I am happy with my setup

Here's a new article that basically covers and clears up all the new Thunderbolt display questions (same things I previously stated).

Enjoy!!

http://www.tuaw.com/2011/09/18/thunderbolt-display-daisy-chaining-spec-cleared-u p/

The thunderbolt display does not work on my 2010 Mac Pro, the thunderbolt display plugs into the ATi 5870 perfectly but no picture, I think I need either thunderbolt display drivers 1.0 for my Mac Pro or a thunderbolt GPU upgrade kit from the 2011 Mac Pro once it's released, i'm stuck with thunderbolt display and it's collecting dust on my desk unless i go buy a newer Mac but my current mac is only a year old spending other $7,500 on a Mac Pro just to use a thunderbolt display is crazy, I sure hope that Apple develops either adaptors, drivers or GPU upgrade kits, all I want out of the Thunderbolt display is video and to setup dual displays with my 27-inch LED Cinema but you guys remember a few years ago the 24-inch and 27-inch LED Cinema was not compatible with 2006-2008 non-mini display port Mac's but when bare feats did a test on there 2008 Mac Pro with a 2010 GPU upgrade kit a ATi 5870 it worked, then users with 2006-2008 Mac Pro started to upgrading to the ATI 4870, 5770, 5870 and Nvidia GT120 and using the 24-inch and 27-inch LED Cinema. I think late model Mac Pro users just need to upgrade there video card.

No CRTC it will not work at all, You will need to get a thunderbolt enable MacBook Pro in order for the display to work, I'm taking my thunderbolt display back on saturday and exchange it for a LED Cinema Display, Don't know why Apple does this every time, Apple makes it harder and harder for those who want newer hardware with late model Mac's, it seems like we have to buy a new Mac everytime Apple comes out with new technology not everyone can afford a new computer every year which is not fair at all but my advice is to return your Thunderbolt Display and exchange it for the LED Cinema Display they look the same

@Darrell: I was also shocked to read your message since I'm in the same situation, but I just got off the phone with support and they told me to upgrade to Lion, because I'm using 1.6.7 and this was released at a time where Thunderbolt didn't exist in the OS yet. This makes perfect sense. He assured me that it will work with my 2008 MBP displayport once I've upgraded to 10.7.

I'll let you all know if it worked out.

@0x80 i'm currently running Lion 10.7.1 and the TB display does not work still, All I hear is people calling Apple support, I'm here to tell everyone it will not work you need a Thunderbolt enable Mac in order for the TB display to work, The TB display will not work on late model Mac's with mini display-port you will get a black screen, My advice to everyone is just buy the LED Cinema Display if you have a late model Mac or buy a new Mac

I can confirm this. I bought one after talking to a apple sales rep. on the phone, who said I could get a picture but nothing else (TB, USB, ethernet). That was wrong information.

Im NOT able to plug the new thunderbolt display into a mac book pro with a mini display port and get a picture.

FFS It's ridiculous this is such a common thing that will happen to loads of people. I really don't understand how they can be giving everyone false information. Older cinema display is not a good option for me. I'd rather wait since my computer will probably be replaced in a year.

Thanks everyone for clearing this up.

I tried plugging the TB into my 2010 MBP - NADA. I am running snow so maybe lion would make a difference, but...

Unless new confirmed info available, take "correct" reply to orginal post with caution.

@jaimeandalex the TB display won't work with Mini displays-port, You will diffinitly need a TB enable Mac to drive that TB display, I know because I bought the TB Display a week ago and tryed it on my 2010 Mac Pro and all I got was a blink screen, took it back this past saturday and exchange it for a LED Cinema Display.

basically what needs to be done is that Apple, or a third party, makes an adapter that goes from Thunderbolt to MiniDisplay Port, disableing the PCI-E function inside the Thunderbolt cable, so only the Monitor part can come true, without bugging. This way we can buy the Thunderbolt Display, hook it up to our old MacBook Pro's and when our laptops fail or die, we can replace them and as a reward get all the functions the display has to offer with Thunderbolt.

Why is this so difficult Apple? Is it not clear hundreds of people are having complications with your monitor? Sell the old display, place is out of stock, and go on selling ónly your new display, and let people know that the thunderbolt options (USB, Ethernet etc) won't work withouth a Thunderbolt Mac (OBVIOUSLY) and we will all understand, buy the display anyway, and soon upgrade to a new Mac model.

..

Anyway. Please, if somebody here finds a way, by using an adapter of some sort (and I'm sure it must excist)!!! let us know. Or if you are good with electronics. make Thunderbolt - MiniDisplay Port and become our hero.

How about you plug that ThunderBolt cable into this:

http://www.datapro.net/products/mini-displayport-extension-cable-male-female.htm l

Perhaps it will disable the PCI-E options inside the cable, but still transmit the MiniDisplay Port (monitor, and perhaps audio) signal.

@TH_Architecture: This looks like a plain old passive extension cable. In other words, just a few strings of copper wrapped in a piece of plastic. Why would you think it has the brains to convert one protocol into another? Come on.