Thunderbolt Display??

[RGD7]

Hello. Advice please?

I have a mid 2011 iMac desktop. I also have a 2010 MacBook Air 11”. I am considering obtaining a Thunderbolt Display (2010-2016 - tbc).

Q1. Are the either or both of the mid 2011 iMac desktop and 2010 MacBook Air compatible with the Thunderbolt Display (and is specific software release and/or adapter required)?

Q2. If I upgrade either computer (mid 2011 iMac desktop and/or 2010 MacBook Air): are more recent or current iMacs or MacBooks (possibly with Thunderbolt 3) backwards compatible with the Thunderbolt Display (and are any other adapters required)?

 

[glenthompson]

The iMac should work fine with the display. The MBA requires an adapter since it uses Mini DisplayPort instead of thunderbolt. I’ve used a Thunderbolt Display with a late 2011 MBP and a 2015 MBA.

 

[RGD7]

The iMac should work fine with the display. The MBA requires an adapter since it uses Mini DisplayPort instead of thunderbolt. I’ve used a Thunderbolt Display with a late 2011 MBP and a 2015 MBA.

Thank you. Appreciated. So I am clear, compatible with iMac and MBA 2011. I assume standard Apple Thunderbolt cable and adapter for MBA Mini Display Port. Please, your opinion re likely compatibility with more recent and current iMac/MBA with Thunderbolt-3/USB-C?

 

[glenthompson]

It will work with newer Macs but needs a TB3 to TB2 adapter.

 

[RGD7]

It will work with newer Macs but needs a TB3 to TB2 adapter.

Thank you.

 

[xraydoc]

The iMac should work fine with the display. The MBA requires an adapter since it uses Mini DisplayPort instead of thunderbolt. I’ve used a Thunderbolt Display with a late 2011 MBP and a 2015 MBA.

An old MBA with a Mini DisplayPort (non-Thunderbolt) will not work with a Thunderbolt Display regardless of whatever adapters you attempt to use. The TB display requires a real Thunderbolt port.

It will, however, work fine with a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C Mac with the $49 TB3-TB2 adapter that Apple sells.

 

[xraydoc]

Just to add, the Thunderbolt Display does work perfectly with the M1 Macs, with the TB2-TB3 adapter that Apple sells. The display doesn't provide any power to the laptop, but otherwise everything else works perfectly (camera, speakers, USB and ethernet ports) and font smoothing is automatically adjusted for best appearance since it's not a Retina display. Using one now as I type this.

 

[RGD7]

xraydoc and glenth: thank you both. That’s clear. Time to experiment.