MBP retina 15'' with dell ultrasharp u2713hm

That monitor has more inputs than you stated. From the specs it has

1 Dual Link Digital Visual Interface connectors (DVI-D) with HDCP

1 DisplayPort 1.2 (DP)

1 High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

1 Video Graphics Array (VGA)

I would try the DVI-D to get the full native resolution. I don't know about the display port. So you would need a Thunderbolt/MiniDisplay port to DVI-D adapter then a DVI-D cable. Some else should be able to say wjether the DP will provide full native resolution for that monitor.

The Thunderbolt port on your computer is the miniDisplay port. Your computer does not have separate Thunderbolt and miniDisplay ports.

I doubt you will get the full Res as Apple has limited the rMBP res output. It may work with a Dual Link TB/MDP to DVI adapter and then maybe not.

TimeSeeker wrote:

I know it has a thunderbolt port. Are you saying its the same thing as a miniDisplay port?

Yes

TimeSeeker wrote:

Thanks!

Why doesnt Apple just say its a minidisplay port instead of coming up with a new name.😮

Because in the context of a display it is a miniDisplay port. In the context of external drives etc. it is a ThunderBolt port.

Because it is BOTH but primarily it is a Thunderbolt port.

My retina MBP has two Thunderbolt/MiniDisplay ports. You have not told us which retina you have so we don't know how many ports of which kind you have.

Hello TimeSeeker,

I currently use a Dell U3011, basically a 30" version of the Dell U2713.

I use it with my MacBook Pro15 w/Retina display. BobTheFisherman is right about the TB. The primary advantage of the Apple TB 27" dispaly is the ability to Daisy Chain TB devices and also use the TB link to provide a wired network connection at GIgabit rates. The ability for TB to handle data as well as video is what makes it a TB port instead of a Mini-Display port. It can also provide power via the mag safe cable.

I have had my U3011's (I actuallly have two for photography and video work) for a couple of years, originally I used them with a MacBookAir, MacMini and a Windows based PC for flight simulation. There was a little frustration at first getting a Display Port to MiniDisplay Port cable that worked well enough. I finally got one throught StarTech.

The Dell's have served me well I particularly like the 16:10 aspect ratio. The Apple TB is a 16:9, minor difference and personal preference. All that being said, I am seriously considering buying an Apple TB display for the Mac connectiivity it provides.

One last word of caution, if you want to mix platforms, Mac and Window, I'd recommend sticking with the Dell. It provides connectivity to both platforms but doesn't have the Mac platorm features of the Apple TB display. Good luck.