Andvari

Q: How do I use a MacBook with a Thunderbolt Display?

I have a new Thunderbolt Display which I use with a new Mac Mini. If possible, I would like to attach my 2008 era MacBook to the Thunderbolt Display to take advantage of the bigger screen. I understand that MacBook doesn't have Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt Display requires it, but...isn't there maybe, just maybe, some sort of Thunderbolt to USB2 cable or something that might make this work?

 

Help me, Obi-won, you are my only hope.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Apr 1, 2015 3:00 PM

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Q: How do I use a MacBook with a Thunderbolt Display?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,Helpful

    Kappy Kappy Apr 1, 2015 4:07 PM in response to Andvari
    Level 10 (271,017 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2015 4:07 PM in response to Andvari

    There are Thunderbolt adapters you can use for the type of video port on your MB:

    Display1 - Mini-DVI (VGA, Composite and S-video with adapter)

    But you may need to upgrade its OS X version at least to Snow Leopard.

     

    Upgrading to Snow Leopard

     

    You can purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.

     

    After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store. Access to the App Store enables you to download Mavericks if your computer meets the requirements.

     

         Snow Leopard General Requirements

     

           1. Mac computer with an Intel processor

           2. 1GB of memory

           3. 5GB of available disk space

           4. DVD drive for installation

           5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider;

               fees may apply.

           6. Some features require Apple’s iCloud services; fees and

               terms apply.

  • by Andvari,

    Andvari Andvari Apr 1, 2015 4:12 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (11 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 1, 2015 4:12 PM in response to Kappy

    I have Lion OS. It's good to hear there are adapters. Do you have a link to one? I cannot find any Thunderbolt to USB 2 adapters via Google.

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Apr 1, 2015 4:20 PM in response to Andvari
    Level 9 (52,313 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 1, 2015 4:20 PM in response to Andvari

    Your Macbook is not compatible with Thunderbolt displays:

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204154

     

    Ciao.

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Apr 1, 2015 6:26 PM in response to Andvari
    Level 10 (271,017 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2015 6:26 PM in response to Andvari

    You can't use a USB connection for a display monitor. I didn't say get an adapter for USB. I said for a

    Display1 - Mini-DVI (VGA, Composite and S-video with adapter)