How to connect new 15" MacBook Pro to 23" Apple CIN HD Display

Question

How to connect new 15" MacBook Pro to 23" Apple CIN HD Display

I'm heading out tomorrow to buy a new 15" Retina Display MacBook Pro.

I currently have a 10 year old PowerMac G5 (loaded, works well, but outdated, especially the OS) and an Apple Cinema HD Display, 23" Flat Panel, Part M9178LL/A.

I'd like to connect the laptop to the Cinema Display:

1) Is this possible

2) What adapter(s) do I need.

The cable running from the Display has 4 leads: DVI (Digital Visual Interface), FireWire 400, USB 2.0 and DC power (24.5 V)

Thanks.

MacBook Pro with Retina display

Posted on Apr 3, 2014 8:30 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

timbuening

Level 1

50 points

Apr 3, 2014 11:26 PM in response to sandiefromhollywood

Hey!
That is no problem at all:
You need a Thunderbolt to DVI adapter! Ones by Apple will coast about 30-40$ i think. You can purchase them online by other manufacters as well! The MacBook pro 15'' Retina (i am sitting in front of it right now), has 2 thunderbolt slots. so you can use 1 monitor on that, and some other devices. furthermore one HDMI, so could install a bunch of monitors!

Greets!

Thats one for VGA! It looks quite simmilar to the one for DVI!:

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Answer 2

Apr 4, 2014 6:40 AM in response to timbuening

Hello and thanks. A few more questions:

1. I suspected that I needed a Thunderbolt to DVI adapter, but when I looked on Apple's site, there was also a 'Dual Link DVI Adapter', so I wanted to be sure which one I needed. Am I to use the "Mini Display Port to DVI Adapter" and not the Dual Link?

2. My Cinema Display's cable has a Firewire 400 connector, wouldn't I need an adapter for that, too, since the Powerbook doesn't have a Firewire port??

3. AND....while we're at it, if I want to connect an older, not bluetooth laser printer to it that is connected via Ethernet, I'd need another adapter for that as well. I'm assuming that for that I'd get the "Thunderbolt to Gigabite Ethernet Adapter". Is that correct?

4. If I then also wanted, at the same time, to connect to my network (which is wireless, but there are times that I don't use that) via ethernet, I know I'd need an adapter for that, too. BUT there are only 2 Thunderbolt ports, so is there a hub of sorts that I can get to be able to connect all of the above?

Much appreciated!

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Answer 3

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Apr 4, 2014 7:11 AM in response to sandiefromhollywood

1. You can use the minidisplayport to DVI.

2. You don't need to connect the Firewire port at all if you don't need it.

3. If you connect the laser printer to the network with an ethernet cable, you should be able to print wirelessly to it just fine. You don't want to run an Ethernet cable to the printer from the Mac.

4. If you want to hook up your Mac with a wired connection, you need that adapter. It doesn't seem that you need a hub though if you don't bother with the firewire port.

I'm pretty sure all the firewire and USB cables do is to connect to pass through ports on the monitor, meaning the monitor would act as a hub for other USB or firewire devices. Obviously those ports on the monitor won't work if you don't connect those 2 cables.

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Answer 4

Apr 4, 2014 8:01 AM in response to BobRz

RobRz

1. Thanks!

2. So, to reiterate and for me to be certain, the only reason, then, to connect the Firewire and/or USB cable would be to turn the monitor into a hub to connect other devices. Right? And if I leave them 'dangling'/not connected, the Cinema Display will work with only the Mini Display Port to DVI adapter. Right?

3. What would be the problem connecting the printer to to the laptop with an Ethernet Cable adapter? It's a Xerox Phaser Laser Printer. It also has a USB port....would that be better if I wanted to forgo the network and connect directly?

4. I understand the first part about the adapter. I'm not sure I understand the second sentence ;-(

Bear with me. I'm only slightly techy. I'm learning, though, and appreciate your guidance.

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Answer 5

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Apr 4, 2014 8:34 AM in response to sandiefromhollywood

Right. I think if you look at the back of the monitor you'll see firewire and USB ports. They just won't be useable if you don't plug them in. They're probably Firewire 400 and USB 1.0 ports anyway.

I think what's going to happen if you connect the two with Ethernet is that it'll screw up your web browsing and stuff. That port isn't really designed to be a printer interface. I'm not sure it won't work, it just seems like it could be a problem. You're not using the network anyway if you were to connect that way, so USB is doing the same thing as what you want. I still say plug it into the router if you can.

I'm not sure which sentence you're talking about. Do you need me to explain something else?

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Answer 6

Apr 4, 2014 8:51 AM in response to BobRz

That port isn't really designed to be a printer interface. I'm not sure it won't work, it just seems like it could be a problem.

The Xerox Printer is not connected to the network. My network is set up on one side of the house and the Xerox is way on the other side and is not bluetooth. It's 6 years old, color laser, and works fast and well, so I'd like to be able to use it. Right now, it's plugged into a PowerMacG5, which I'm retiring, though it, too, works well for an older OS. What kind of problem would there be if I connect it directly to the laptop?

You're not using the network anyway if you were to connect that way, so USB is doing the same thing as what you want.

Can you clarify this. I'm not sure what you mean. Sorry.

It doesn't seem that you need a hub though if you don't bother with the firewire port.

I didn't understand this sentence in the context of #4.

Also.....I just know that there have been times I've had to connect to a network via Ethernet at home AND in especially traveling in some hotels. If there's only Ethernet and no Bluetooth or Bluetooth that does not work well, then what?

Thanks AGAIN! Really.

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Answer 7

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Apr 4, 2014 11:23 AM in response to sandiefromhollywood

The Xerox Printer is not connected to the network. My network is set up on one side of the house and the Xerox is way on the other side and is not bluetooth. It's 6 years old, color laser, and works fast and well, so I'd like to be able to use it. Right now, it's plugged into a PowerMacG5, which I'm retiring, though it, too, works well for an older OS. What kind of problem would there be if I connect it directly to the laptop?

OK. Now I get it on the printer. As I said, using ethernet might screw up your browsing. Try it and see what happens, though if you just use USB you'll be fine and it'll work.

I didn't understand this sentence in the context of #4.

The hub comment was referring to the Thunderbolt hub you originally mentioned when you thought you needed more than 2 Thunderbolt ports. Since you didn't need the Firewire connection from the display, you didn't need the hub.

By all means get the ethernet adapter if you think you'll need it. It is useful on occasion. I was just saying you're better off using USB to connect to the printer.

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Answer 8

Apr 4, 2014 11:48 AM in response to BobRz

Thanks again, RobRz. You've been terrific, responsive and so helpful ;-)

One more quick question, at least for now: If I use an adapter to connect via Ethernet to the router or at a hotel, will I perhaps get the same issues with browsing that you mentioned might happen with connecting the printer?

Have a great day....

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Answer 9

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Apr 4, 2014 11:56 AM in response to sandiefromhollywood

Not at all. Sorry, I think I confused you with that one. The ethernet adapter should work fine for connecting to the network. My concern was that the computer would get confused if the printer was connected via ethernet and try to get internet connectivity through that port even though you were using wifi. Like I said, that might even work but it's certainly not the normal method to hook up a printer.

Let me sum it up. Connect the printer with USB. Use the ethernet adapter when you need it, like for very large file transfers or in a hotel.

Enjoy your new Mac, stop back if you have any issues.

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Answer 10

Apr 4, 2014 12:02 PM in response to BobRz

Will do and thank you, thank you, thank you for solving this so quickly.

Sandie

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Answer 11

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Apr 4, 2014 12:08 PM in response to sandiefromhollywood

You're very welcome.

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Answer 12

Apr 29, 2014 7:06 AM in response to BobRz

Hello again!

Just to let you know that you were absolutely RIGHT ON regarding the computer getting confused when the printer was connected via ethernet. The USB connection worked famously and I'm very appreciative.

In this regard, I've yet another question: I have an old Apple LaserWriter 12/640PS that still works well. I'd like to connect it as well and use it if possible, but the connections are only parallel or ethernet. If I connect it via Ethernet, I'll run into the same 'confusion' issue. Is there such a thing as a Ethernet to USB adapter that would enable me to connect this printer to the network?

MUCH APPRECIATED, as always ;-)

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Answer 13

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Apr 29, 2014 8:26 AM in response to sandiefromhollywood

Sandie,

I think this is what you need. You want to go from the USB port on the computer to Ethernet on the printer, right?

http://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Ethernet-Network-Chromebook-Specific/dp/B00484IEJ S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398785114&sr=8-1&keywords=ethernet+to+usb

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Answer 14

Apr 29, 2014 8:48 AM in response to BobRz

Hi and thanks, as always, for 'jumping' in my behalf....

I want to go from the Ethernet on the printer into the USB port on the Time Capsule. Is this still the correct adapter?

Also, assuming so, the specs say that it has drivers for OS 10.7+. I'm running Mavericks. Should I post that question on Amazon or do you know if it will work.

;-))))

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Answer 15

BobRz

Level 5

6,138 points

Apr 29, 2014 9:44 AM in response to sandiefromhollywood

You can connect it physically with that adapter plus an ethernet cable. I don't think the TC will affect anything, but I can't promise. It's kind of an unusual setup.

According to their website, the driver will work. Read down a few paragraphs.

http://plugable.com/2013/10/22/before-you-upgrade-to-mac-os-x-10-9-mavericks

You can also look into this one. They don't specifically talk about Mavericks compatibility, but OWC are Mac specialists. I'm sure they can tell you if you call.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Kanex/USBRJ45/

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