04-25-2011, 02:07 AM

I'm nearly ready to buy a new MBP 15". I want to add an external drive, possibly a dual drive docking station. There isn't a lot of info on the new Thunderbolt interface. Some of the docking stations use a PCIe interface. Does the Thunderbolt interface work today with a standard PCIe cable?

I've read lots of posts in this forum, but haven't seen anything addressing this question.

Looks like some of the vendors are close to releasing Thunderbolt devices, both disk storage and video devices, but haven't seen any actualy specs or prices yet. Probably should wait and see what is available in the next couple of months. But, I'm anxious to buy the MBP and need to set up backups, etc. I like the capability of putting music, photos, videos, movies, backups etc on hot-swapable SATA drives.

Which is best to use now, USB, Firewire, or PCIe (assuming the Thunderbolt connector will work with PCIe)?

Thanks for suggestions!

04-25-2011, 02:01 PM

It may be awhile before we see any Thunderbolt enabled devices such as hard drives, displays, optical drives, etc.

For the time being, you may be better off buying an external hard drive with a triple interface - USB 2, FW400, and FW800. Other World Computing sells the "Mercury on the go Pro".

LaCie and iOmega also offer drives with a triple interface. You can find them at Amazon and NewEgg.

04-25-2011, 07:12 PM

Thanks CHSKAG. Good advice.

Question: Does the Thunderbolt port work today with a standard PCIe cable?

04-25-2011, 10:30 PM

The Thunderbolt port is backwards compatible with the Mini Display Port and can take either a MDP adapter or when the new TB devices are available, an adapter designed for TB.