Connecting a MacBook/MacBook Pro 2016 to an Apple LED Cinema Display

One of the challenges in moving to the new MacBook Pro was finding a way to link to my older Apple LED Cinema Display. This display has a MiniDisplayPort connection, something not supported by the new Apple adapters, such as the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter.

But I have worked out two neat solutions for the Apple LED Cinema Display:

1/ Hyper: there is an accessories company called Hyper which sells a "USB Type-C Hub with Mini DisplayPort", and this works with the new MacBook and the new MacBook Pro (2016). This is a very neat solution and provides a few extras along with the MinDisplayPort connection, such as two USB 2.0 A ports and a micro SDXC slot. It costs $59 from their website. At the time of publishing they are sold out but they say they should have stock back in soon. I bought one of these in December and it has worked very well:

2 /the second option is to combine cables for a MiniDisplayPort-only solution. I bought two cables from Amazon.co.uk:

- "KiWiBiRD® USB 3.1 Type C THUNDERBOLT 3 to DisplayPort 4K Adapter" (approx GBP £10) [link]

- "StarTech 6 inch DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Video Cable Adapter - M/F" (approx GBP £7) [link]

The combination of the two cables also works great and provides a cheaper solution. It is not as pretty as the Hyper hub, but it provides the straight connection between the display and the Mac at a low price.

In fact the cost of these two cables is less than the price of some Apple adapters (such as the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter). So if you can live with the look it is a great solution.

Many shops don't have solutions and finding the right cables can be difficult. I hope this helps out other Apple LED Cinema Display and MacBook Pro owners.