What do I need to use my old Cinema Display

[NealF]

I've just ordered a new Mac Pro.

I've been using old G5s and have an old Apple Cinema Display and a Samsung SyncMaster 204r.

I think these monitors won't work with the new Mac Pro. If I understand, they are ADC and the new mac has DVI outs(?)

Anyway, what I'd like to do is use both these older monitors with the new mac. What type of adapter(s) do I need and where should I get them?

Thanks.

[kgdrum]

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8661LL/B" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

or this:

this is a cheaper alternative:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F2E9142-WH ... B000067RLH" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(I have not tried it but it should be OK:)

[NealF]

Thanks for replying.

Apple says the adapter they sell has a power supply. The Belkin doesn't. So I'm not sure that would do the job. Although I'd love to go for the cheaper one.

[zed]

Apple says the adapter they sell has a power supply. The Belkin doesn't. So I'm not sure that would do the job. Although I'd love to go for the cheaper one.

The unfortunate news is that you will probably need both of those items in the links above, since you will need adaptors for both your monitors (at least I did with mine), and you definitely need the special Apple contraption to run their monitor.

[NealF]

Thanks.

[noah330]

I have an old Cinema display.

You have to buy the more expensive power supply. You can usually find them on ebay for about $50.00.

You need it because the monitor needs power, which was supplied from the computer in the old setup (I used mine with a G4). Also, the box supplies USB power to the monitor as well.

The good news is that it works great and 50 - 100 is a lot cheaper then a new display.

[NealF]

Thank Noah.

I got the power supply from Apple. Didn't think about eBay.
You're right. It works and is way cheaper than a new monitor.

[newrigel]

For approximately $80 more you could have gotten a new monitor and had a resolution of 2048x1152 without all those wires and crap behind your desk. You do video work too and the best resolution you can get out of those are 1920x1200. I have one of these and performs better than my ACD's. Now the newer ACD's (LED's) are excellent but you'll pay for those. I had one of these adapters on my G5 Quad and just had to get rid of all that clutter back there.

[NealF]

I should always check with you before I buy anything. Got any tips on the stock market.

[zed]

For approximately $80 more you could have gotten a new monitor and had a resolution of 2048x1152 without all those wires and crap behind your desk. You do video work too and the best resolution you can get out of those are 1920x1200. I have one of these and performs better than my ACD's. Now the newer ACD's (LED's) are excellent but you'll pay for those. I had one of these adapters on my G5 Quad and just had to get rid of all that clutter back there.

I bought and returned 3 widescreen monitors from different developers being unsatisfied with them for assorted reasons. The Apple Cinema Display was the only one which fully satisfied me, with the right sharpness, pixel resolution and screen coating.

I am pretty picky about such things, apparently. If there is any chance you are like me, you want to have the opportunity to return a monitor if it doesn't suit you. Not all monitors are built equal. When my current ACD dies, I will probably not waste time trying to find cheaper substitutes... I will just buy what I know to be high-quality. Our eyes are looking into these things all day long.

And for the record, the Samsung SyncMaster was not one of the monitors I tried. So maybe that is the dream solution for quality and saved money... but it might very well have some of the same annoying qualites that had me returning the others.

[NealF]

Good to know. As long as it's returnable, shouldn't be a problem.

[newrigel]

This monitor is on all day long for about a year now... not one problem! Sure it goes to sleep (the monitor) but my computers stay on 24/7 and I move the mouse and my monitor wakes right up without a hitch! I LOVE ACD's but the cost was a hinderance. I'd rather put $$ into UAD's, RAM, SSD's etc. and stuff I need instead of a monitor that can go out @ any time apple or not. But I get 2048x1152 on this piece so I'm not gripin' about it. It has definitely earned it's keep compared to some things I have purchased.
Oh yeah, it has a warrantee. SyncMasters are great monitors! I have never had one go bad on me yet...