Can I connect a Flat Diamondtron Display to a Mac Book Pro

Question

Hi,
My laptop screen is too low for me and is causing neck pain. I'd like to connect up a screen at a higher level. I own a 17" Studio Display Natural Flat Diamondtron. Will it connect to the Mac Book Pro (bought in 2007) 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo? If so, what cable(s) do I need and where would I get them, please
Many thanks,
Fiona.

Answer 1

Hi Fiona!
Can you look on the back of the Studio display and find the Apple model number. It should be some like "M7649." Please post it--that can help people come up with more targeted solutions.
However, I believe your monitor uses the obsolete Apple Display Connector (ADC) technology that makes it expensive to connect to a modern Mac. The problem is that, in addition to the video signal, the ADC monitor must get power and USB through the cable. Your MBP's DVI port cannot provide power, just video.
The proper adaptor to make your monitor work on an MBP includes a power supply but is discontinued by Apple and was expensive even when new (US$100). It looked like this:
!http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRElYslCWkweQmelfAP-uFA7sDWHtLEXO02QwlC WmUXfQJILu8&t=1&usg=__pxb-xu6qbc3P852Fa4HK24nwDMw=!
When you find them, they can be twice as much on the used market.
The less expensive adaptors (US$20-40) are for the "other way," connecting a modern monitor to an older Mac. They generally look like this:
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and won't work for your needs.
You can purchase a smaller, no-name FP display new for what the proper adapter could cost, or pick up a cast-off 17- to 19-inch CRT monitor for a few pounds.
If I've confused the issue, please do post back. It is an area the needs explanation as people with the older ADC monitors are finding the obsolete technology a challenge with modern computers.
Regards,
Allan