Old cinema display; new macbook pro

TuckerdogAVL · #1 March 20th, 2009, 11:48 PM

Wasn't sure where to post this: I have a 20" cinema display and am about to purchase a new 15" macbook pro. Will I be able to use the cinema display -I assume using the adapter I have - with the new macbook pro? I want to use the laptop primarily as my hard drive but have the laptop available when I want a laptop out on the road. So, the 2002 quicksilver is going to be converted to just storage....

ElDiabloConCaca · #2 March 21st, 2009, 10:10 AM

Is the 20" Cinema Display an ADC display, or a DVI display? Which one it is will determine the adapter(s) you need to use.

TuckerdogAVL · #3 March 21st, 2009, 10:54 AM

I have an adapter I purchased to use with a MacBook that is 2 years old; I am assuming I would use that same adapter. the small end has what appears to be two rows of eight...the larger end has 24 little boxes. Is the slot of the new MacBook Pro the same as the slot for the MacBook from 2006? If ADC is the older one than it's an ADC. If DVI is the older one, than its a DVI. The Cinema display is from about 2004 or 05. System Profiler tells me nothing.

DeltaMac · #4 March 21st, 2009, 11:31 AM

That would be a simple video adapter, and doesn't require its own power supply?
Then, yes, you need to purchase a different adapter (if your new 15-inch is the unibody model (black trim and keyboard), and not the older all-aluminum 15-inch.
The external video output is the new mini DisplayPort - so you would need a mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter.
like this: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB...mco=MjkyNjI0MQ
In any event, you won't be able to use the same video adapter that you used with an older MacBook.

TuckerdogAVL · #5 March 22nd, 2009, 01:14 PM

well, isn't that annoying. so, not only do i have to upgrade most of my software, i can't even plug in a monitor without more $$$ and hassle. Well, at least I hold apple stock so I get some of my money back. ;-)

TuckerdogAVL · #6 March 22nd, 2009, 01:15 PM

PS I went and looked at the link you sent me - after I posted my other reply - and that is exactly what my adapter I currenty have, looks like.

ElDiabloConCaca · #7 March 22nd, 2009, 07:00 PM

That adaptor looks similar to the mini-DVI to DVI adaptor, but is different. Make sure this isn't the one you have:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9321G/B

DeltaMac · #8 March 22nd, 2009, 10:06 PM

The adapters seem very similar until you realize that the small end is quite different. Your older MacBook takes the mini-DVI type. The new aluminum MacBook takes the mini-DisplayPort type (as well as your new MacBook Pro.
The two adapters cannot be interchanged.

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