Its secret weapon? A pass-through USB-C power jack. To cut to the chase, the clear winner on features is the UPTab USB-C to Mini-DisplayPort adapter ($35). Some of the adapters tested go in and out of stock rapidly, which is why I provide a few alternatives. I searched across Amazon, product manufacturers' sites, and other retailers for potential adapters, read reviews, and settled on four adapters to test. (Don't make a mistake and order one of the male Mini-DisplayPort to female HDMI adapters on the market.) While there are a variety of USB-C docks on the market that accept external video, nearly all of them only have an HDMI jack, and there is not, say, a female Mini-DisplayPort to male HDMI adapter available. Note that Apple says its Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter does not work with DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort displays, including the Apple LED Cinema Display. (You can find some options for DVI, but we opted to not test them given the smaller number, display quality, and age of those that remain usable.) I'm interested here in the second connector type, Mini DisplayPort, which is distinct from Thunderbolt 2, even though both standards use the same connector type.
My testing shows three affordable and viable options, plus a reasonable option for a full-featured USB-C dock that requires just a simple adapter.Īpple made multiple generations of its displays: the first used DVI (in single-link and dual-link flavors) the second, Mini DisplayPort the third, Thunderbolt 2. I purchased several adapters and cables that can take the LED Cinema Display's Mini DisplayPort (not Thunderbolt) and convert it into something that passes over USB-C in a compatible chain that allows you to connect to a USB-C equipped MacBook.
MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina display Late 2016) (October, 2016) Model ID: MacBookPro13,1 | 2.0GHz, 2.4GHzĬompatible with Intel / AMD based desktop/laptop PCs with built-in Thunderbolt 3 ports.Apple rarely releases sales figures on particular models of products they offer, but I have to imagine they shipped at least hundreds of thousands of its two Apple LED Cinema Displays ( 24-inch, 2008 to 2010, and 27-inch, 2010 to 2013) based on the number of people who have reached out and want to connect them to a USB-C equipped MacBook. MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina display Mid 2017) (June, 2017) Model ID: MacBookPro14,1 | 2.3GHz i5, 2.5GHz i7 This means that only one can be in use at a time. Dual 4K setups will run at different refresh rates depending on which OS and connection types are being utilised.Įxternal UL-listed universal auto-switching power supplyīoth the SD card reader and the micro SD card reader are controlled by the same chipset. Supports one 5K display 60Hz or two 4K via Thunderbolt 3 port and Mini DisplayPort.ĭual displays require a native Thunderbolt 3 display or the appropriate Thunderbolt 3 adapter. (1) Micro SD 4.0 media card reader (front) (1) S/PDIF digital audio port (output only) (1) USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port (front) - power delivery 5V up to 3A (1) USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port (front) - compliant with Battery Charging 1.2 spec
(4) USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports (rear) - 1 compliant with Battery Charging 1.2 spec (1) Thunderbolt 3 port (for downstream devices)
ġ) Thunderbolt 3 port (dedicated power delivery port)
To enable high-power USB support, an easy software update is required, including restart following this installation. High-power USB support is required for compatibility with the Apple SuperDrive and Apple USB keyboard, and is required to enable high-speed charging for Apple iPads, iPhones and other higher-power capable devices.
Thunderbolt certified for Windows and Mac.