2009 mini... Do I have to now buy another display?

[biosci]

Anyway, 2009 MacMini user here and as I have been waiting for an upgrade, I am concerned that there is no mini display port for my 'old' cinema display. They look similar to thunderbolt but I'm guessing it's not compatible (Otherwise they'd call it mini display port 2 or +). So, if I want to upgrade my mini, does it now mean I have to now upgrade both the computer AND my display??

Thanks,
Mike

 

[simsaladimbamba]

No, you can use an MDP to DVI adapter just like before.

And because Thunderbolt is based on DisplayPort technology, the video standard for high-resolution displays, any Mini DisplayPort display plugs right into the Thunderbolt port. To connect a DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, or VGA display, just use an existing adapter.

from http://www.apple.com/thunderbolt/

 

[biosci]

That's a relief!! Okay, now I can feel assured ordering an upgrade!

Thanks for the link!! HEY WAIT A SEC. ON that link, it looks like it can take a mini display port plug!! BONUS Win!

Mike

 

[japtor]

Yeah the only caveat with using it is that if you have a Thunderbolt device down the line, that one has to be plugged into the computer, then the display into the TB device (cause if the display is plugged in first, the TB device has no port to plug in to).