Apple Backpeddles on Hardware Claims

Since our previous report on the cost of Apple’s first party adapters to connect its new DisplayPort standard to older DVI ports, a new twist in the continuing issue with Apple’s DisplayPort and its adapters has surfaced.

First brought to light by Gizmodo back in December, users were complaining on the Apple Support Forums that their new Mini-DisplayPort to Dual Link DVI adapters were experience flickering and distortion while connected to 30” displays.

According to Gizmodo, this distortion, which is similar in effect to a Dual Link adapter losing one of its “Links”, can be replicated if a second USB device or hub was used in the second USB plug or the pass through plug located on the adapter itself.  The Mini-DP to DL-DVI adapter uses both the DisplayPort plug and the USB port to drive the larger 30” displays.  This distortion will occur almost instantly if the secondary USB plug is used.  But if it is left free, then the distortion could take up to one hour before appearing.

The adapter itself has experienced multiple delays from its initial announcement in October 2008.  Originally scheduled to ship with the launch of the uni-body MacBooks, it did not actually begin to ship until the middle of December 2008.  Users on the Support Forums have been in constant contact with AppleCare over this $99 Adapter.  They have reported that after numerous attempts to have this issue resolved, Apple has finally responded to the problem.  According to a Gizmodo reader, AppleCare had notified him directly that the Apple engineers have retroactively announced that these adapters are only compatible with Apple’s own 30” Cinema Displays.

It is already highly unusual for a company to “retroactively” declare that their product is incompatible when it was previously deemed compatible; the fact also remains the Apple 30” Cinema Displays are among the list of monitors that are experiencing this issue.  Speculations from users run from a failure of the new Nvidia chipsets to a firmware issue in the adapters.  As of press time, the Mini-DP to DL-DVI adapter has a two star out of five rating on the Apple Online Store.

One would think that after spending $100 on an adapter and $900 on a display, it would work without issue.  And if issues did occur, you wouldn’t be told that the problem existed with the brand and make of the monitor.  This whole situation goes against Apple’s normally exemplary customer service and support.  We hope that this issue can be resolved soon since it is such a shame to have all these beautiful 30” displays go to waste.