hawkbug

Q: MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012) + Thunderbolt Display Issues

I just got back from the Apple store with my brand new $999 27 inch Thunderbolt display. I purchased this based on 2 things:

 

1) I read online that my MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012) was capable of using dual monitors via daisy-chained thunderbolt displays. I found this information here:

 

Thunderbolt ports and displays: Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - Apple Support

 

It clearly states I can do what I want, which is have dual external monitors with my notebook.

 

2) I double checked this information with the salesperson who sold me the monitor in the Apple store tonight.

 

So, my plan was to keep my MacBook Pro closed at all times and on my desk while using this new monitor, in conjunction with my existing monitor using the Thunderbolt port on the new monitor as the output, sending it through my official Apple Thunderbolt to DVI adapter. Everything I read online would support this. Low and behold, I hook everything up tonight and no matter what I do, I can not get the second display to work. I have now tried 3 different external displays. I know the monitors and my Thunderbolt to DVI adapter work because I can plug them to the notebook directly, and they work.

 

This all makes me think the Thunderbolt port on my new monitor is defective. Am I correct in assuming this, or am I missing something? This is a huge monitor to have to haul back to the store...

AppleTV 2, Windows 7

Posted on Nov 13, 2015 8:54 PM

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Q: MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012) + Thunderbolt Display Issues

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  • by hawkbug,

    hawkbug hawkbug Nov 14, 2015 7:57 PM in response to hawkbug
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 14, 2015 7:57 PM in response to hawkbug

    I want to add that I have now tried 2 other Apple brand monitor adapters on the Thunderbolt port on the back of the Apple monitor, and neither of those work with a 3rd party monitor either. So, is it true that the second daisy-chained monitor must also be an Apple Thunderbolt display??

  • by Duane,

    Duane Duane Nov 15, 2015 8:27 AM in response to hawkbug
    Level 10 (124,018 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 8:27 AM in response to hawkbug

    I would suggest that you take your MacBook Pro into the Apple store and ask to try it with some monitors there.

  • by hawkbug,

    hawkbug hawkbug Nov 15, 2015 10:12 AM in response to Duane
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 10:12 AM in response to Duane

    It's not the macbook. I tried with 2 other computers in my house and it didn't work with those. If anything, it's the monitor itself. It's that or what I'm trying to do is in fact not supported, despite what Apple initially told me.

  • by Duane,

    Duane Duane Nov 15, 2015 11:16 AM in response to hawkbug
    Level 10 (124,018 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 11:16 AM in response to hawkbug

    If you take your MacBook Pro into the store and explain what you are trying to do they can help you understand if it is not supported or if there is an issue which needs to be addressed.

     

    Think of it like taking your car into the repair center instead of just going to the parts counter and trying to get the correct part.

  • by hawkbug,

    hawkbug hawkbug Nov 15, 2015 8:29 PM in response to Duane
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 8:29 PM in response to Duane

    Thanks for the input, but this has nothing to do with my macbook. As I mentioned before, I tried several different macbook pros in addition to my own. Same for cables and other monitors. The only thing I can't switch out here is the Apple display itself, but I'll take it back to the store I guess and ask them again. I already asked them once - when I purchased it, and they told me it would work. I wouldn't have bought it otherwise.