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All replies
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Helpful answers
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Mar 5, 2016 1:07 AM in response to g-podby K Shaffer,The present 2015 MacBook 12-inch Retina model does not support the Apple Thunderbolt display
from what I've read. The other Apple Cinema models can work if they are used with correct adapters
as could other brands. Some of the adapters do not support audio, while others do. Note there are
limits to the supported display specifications; this may narrow their usefulness if not best configured.
Special adapters and cables can allow one to configure certain display options for use with MacBook.
The graphic support across MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro varies along with specifications.
The lack of a Thunderbolt port, use of adapters to supply only what it can support MacBook 12-in.
and the mini-display-port does not connect or transfer at frequencies Thunderbolt displays use. The
cure would have to be built-in support for that; so adapters could carry the signals. A new model
could include such an improvement; but there's nothing of that spec in the Apple Store yet.
• Use 4K displays and Ultra HD TVs with your Mac - Apple Support
• Thunderbolt ports and displays: Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - Apple Support
• Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac - Apple Support
Good luck & happy computing!
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May 7, 2016 10:05 AM in response to g-podby Deltaman,The simple answer is - "You're using it wrong!" That Monoprice adapter is designed to connect a DisplayPort OUTPUT from a computer, to a HDMI INPUT on a display. As you pointed out — it works fine when hooked-up that way. However, that adapter is designed to work in only that one direction, and when you reversed it, to connect FROM a HDMI OUTPUT to a DisplayPort INPUT — it ceased to function. The "good news" (if there is any) is that Monoprice will probably refund your purchace price since they have been giving-out incorrect advice about using that adapter with the MacBook 12"
(Sorry to be th' Messenger! I'm here 'cuz I'm also seeking same solution...)
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May 7, 2016 11:52 AM in response to Deltamanby K Shaffer,Of course, the newest MacBook 12-inch Retina has different specifications than the earlier 2015.
And so the peripheral accessories may act differently; while the point you make would appear
valid should an accessory be designed for one useful purpose and support one-way traffic. When
an item cannot negotiate or hand-shake to other devices through such an adapter, then one needs
to locate and test a suitable replacement. Or change the ideas to formulate new plans to so enable.
Thank you for the information on the adapter in first question. My reply indicated one may need to
acquire an adapter from Apple and use their instructions. If the method of use was not included in
their instructions, then it could not be expected to perform in a manner it was not intended.
A newer build model could have a different circuitry path and technologies to allow different usage.
In any event...
Good luck & happy computing!
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May 7, 2016 1:42 PM in response to K Shafferby Deltaman,The performance enhancements in the 2016 MacBook are quite modest but welcome. However, there are no differences in the specifications of the multipurpose USB-C ports between the 2015 & 2016 models. Apple's "official" position is that there is no supported way to connect the video output of a MacBook Retina 12" to either the Apple Cinema or Thunderbolt Displays.
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May 10, 2016 9:34 PM in response to g-podby Lanny,A Thunderbolt display will only work with a Mac that has a Thunderbolt port. The 12" MacBook does not have a Thunderbolt port. End of story.
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May 10, 2016 10:34 PM in response to g-podby Deltaman,(There's been no sign of g-pod returning since that original post...)
A DisplayPort/ThunderBolt to HDMI adapter is NOT the same as an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter. These adapters are only designed to pass audio & video in one direction, so they cannot be used in reverse (as g-pod and several others have attempted). Athough there are HDMI to DisplayPort converters available, they are far more rare and pricey than the cheap and common Display/PortThunderBolt to HDMI adapters. So, although it's technically feasible to hook a MacBook 12" to a ThunderBolt or Cinema Display, you might consider that the extra $200+ you're likely to spend to accomplish that would be better-invested towards the purchase of a new TV or monitor with native support for 4K HDMI...
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May 11, 2016 5:42 AM in response to Deltamanby Lanny,So, although it's technically feasible to hook a MacBook 12" to a ThunderBolt
No, it is not technically possible to a Thunderbolt Display, to a LED Cinema Display, yes. They aren't the same.
(There's been no sign of g-pod returning since that original post...)
True, but you are the one that started up the post again.
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May 11, 2016 7:04 AM in response to Lannyby Deltaman,Apple still considers this thread to be active and refers people (including me) to it when they're searching for ways to connect the new MacBooks to external displays, so g-pod's question is still relevant — even tho that person appears to have moved-on without sharing how/if they found a solution...
USB-C and ThunderBolt are similar technologies; they both can support multiple data channels for many of the same modalities thru a single port —i.e. device power & charging, ethernet, audio & video via HDMI & DisplayPort, USB, etc. There are many Web sources which describe how these 2 technologies work, for anybody still feeling unsatisfied after witnessing lots of noisy splashing at the shallow end of the pool. Wikipedia is a good place to start...
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May 11, 2016 7:19 AM in response to Deltamanby Lanny,so g-pod's question is still relevant — even tho that person appears to have moved-on without sharing how/if they found a solution...
There is no solution for the OP's question. There would be no solution to share. To suggest otherwise, is inappropriate.
Thuderbolt Displays require Thunderbolt ports to operate, "period." Thunderbolts ports will support DisplayPort monitors like the LED Cinema Display, and the physical fit and dimensions of their plugs are the same. But Thunderbolt displays will not work with Displayport outputs or USB-C to DisplayPort adapters.
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC914LL/B/apple-thunderbolt-display-27-inch
From above:
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May 25, 2016 8:58 AM in response to g-podby hermann67,Kanex seems to come up with a solution
https://www.kanex.com/thunderbolt3/
but the documentation is weak and the discussion not very helpful yet.
Does anyone have a clue?
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May 25, 2016 4:06 PM in response to hermann67by Deltaman,The I/O connector on a MacBook 12" employs a USB-C form factor - which can optionally support many different uses. However, physical compatibility does not mean that all those potential uses will be supported by every device that employs a USB-C connector. For instance, the MacBook 12" design uses its USB-C port for charging, USB data, HDMI & DisplayPort; it does NOT support any flavor of ThunderBolt. The referenced Kanex adapter is NOT a converter; it cannot create ThunderBolt output where there is no ThunderBolt input present.
