Apple Cinema Display to Thinkpad

Question

Apple Cinema Display to Thinkpad

Hi all,

I’ve got a Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon (7th generation), and need to create a WFH set-up with a monitor/mouse/keyboard for it. I was hoping to do this with just Apple products, so after some research have decided to get the Apple Cinema LED Display 2010 (A1316, 27”), the Magic Mouse 2 and the Magic Keyboard 2.

My question is, will this work?! Is it possible to connect the Thinkpad to the Cinema Display, and what cable will I need? Also, is it possible to use the wireless mouse and keyboard when the laptop screen is shut (just using the monitor) or would it be safer to buy the old USB accessories which can plug straight into the display?

From the Lenovo website it seems to suggest the Thinkpad has USB-C Thunderbolt, USB-A 3.1 (Gen1), and HDMI 1.4 ports - I’m not sure if this helps.

Thank you so much!

Posted on Jul 10, 2020 1:07 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 11, 2020 4:12 AM in response to kaz-k

Hi Kaz-K,

Thank you so much for your advice! If you don’t mind, I have a few follow up questions please?

The Cinema Display I’m looking at buying doesn’t come with any leads or cables apart from power - as well as the USB-C/Minidisplay lead which you suggested, should I buy a USB/Minidisplay-male lead to daisy chain to the Display with? I’m a total novice and not sure what needs to plug directly into the Cinema Display (apart from that it has USB ports)? Is there maybe one lead I could buy that can plug into the Display on one end and the Thinkpad on the other?
Will the mouse/keyboard be able to connect by Bluetooth to my laptop/Display even when the laptop lid is shut?

Thank you again! I really appreciate your help.

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Answer 2

kaz-k

Level 9

50,562 points

Jul 11, 2020 3:39 AM in response to machineslikeme

Hi,

Cinema Display could connect to Thinkpad via following USB-C to MiniDisplay port adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/Displayport-Adapter-Answin-Thunderbolt-2016-2019/dp/B07V828R4Q/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=USB-C+to+minidisplay+adapter&qid=1594463650&s=computers-intl-ship&sr=1-2

And Magic Mouse and keyboard 2 are could connect via Bluetooth.

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Answer 3

kaz-k

Level 9

50,562 points

Jul 11, 2020 4:31 AM in response to machineslikeme

Hi,

27inch Cinema Display I'm using is two cables come out from back side of the screen, one is for power outlet, the other is with three connectors, one is USB for sound and camera of the monitor, one is male mini display connector, and L type power supply connector for MacBook notebooks.

I'm sure Magic Mouse and Keyboard 2 are working even if Mac notebooks running as Clamshell mode, though not sure it is working when ThinkPad is in Clamshell mode.

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Answer 4

Jul 11, 2020 4:44 AM in response to kaz-k

Hi Kaz-K,

Thanks so much for explaining that the cables are built in - I’ve had a closer look at my prospective display and they are actually there (just well hidden in the photo!).

One last question, sorry! If the USB is for sound/camera access, then is it an issue that the Thinkpad doesn’t seem to have a standard USB port? Should I get another converter for that?

Thank you! :)

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Answer 5

kaz-k

Level 9

50,562 points

Jul 11, 2020 4:55 AM in response to machineslikeme

Hi,

Additionally, I think you can't display daisy chained connection.

I'm not sure USB which connect Display's camera, microphone, sorry I forgot to mentioned about microphone, and speakers are working on ThinkPad, so I can't tell you about the adapter, sorry.

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Answer 6

kaz-k

Level 9

50,562 points

Jul 11, 2020 5:04 AM in response to machineslikeme

If ThinkPad has USB 3.1 port, try to connect with male - female USB extension cable, if it works.

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Apple Cinema Display to Thinkpad

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