Does Mini DisplayPort adapter work in Thunderbolt Port?

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I understand that the Thunderbolt is backwards compatible and therefore works in the older versions of the MacBook that have the Mini DisplayPort.

I read somewhere that you cannot use a Mini DisplayPort adapter in the Thunderbolt port, is this true? And if it is true - how have people been transferring video/audio to the newest MacBook Pro model the past few months (with the Thunderbolt cable only just being released?)

Thanks
 

bobtomay

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I read somewhere that you cannot use a Mini DisplayPort adapter in the Thunderbolt port, is this true? ...

Patently false.
 

bobtomay

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The Thunderbolt port on a Mac is backwards compatible with mdp.

You are not going to connect a device that requires Thunderbolt to an older mdp and expect it to get Thunderbolt speeds. As to whether it will work at all - probably - but, I have not checked that out and don't really care as I'm not going to spend $50 for the TB cable on a Mac that does not have TB when I can buy mdp cables all day long at less than $10.

The older mdp has not somehow become magically TB capable.
Even though Apple likes to throw that term around. ;D
 
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OK thanks but the main thing to confirm is that MDP do work in the Thunderbolt port?
 

bobtomay

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Well sort of

I went through the trouble to buy both cables, including a new macbook air with thunderbolt to get the right combinations of options. All the results are posted here: Thunderbold and MiniDisplay Mac Compatibility 101 « Mike95 Blog Hopefully this saves lots of people the compatibility griefs and alleviates the doubts of others. Thanks


I understand that the Thunderbolt is backwards compatible and therefore works in the older versions of the MacBook that have the Mini DisplayPort.

I read somewhere that you cannot use a Mini DisplayPort adapter in the Thunderbolt port, is this true? And if it is true - how have people been transferring video/audio to the newest MacBook Pro model the past few months (with the Thunderbolt cable only just being released?)

Thanks
 

chscag

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Welcome to the Mac Forums.

Nice information to have. Thanks for posting the link to your blog, and don't forget to visit with us often.
 

bobtomay

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2nd that - nice job.

Just answered the question everyone has about the new Thunderbolt Cinema Displays.
They do not work with a MDP out. Must have a video card that outputs via Thunderbolt and a Thunderbolt cable.
 

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