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Review on StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Connect TB3 Laptops to TB2 Displays/Devices - TB3 Certified Converter - 20Gbps/10Gbps Speeds - Black - Windows/Mac Compatible by Andy Edwards

Revainrating 5 out of 5

The product didn't suit me

I am sharing this review in the hope it will help others. The problem I wanted to solve with the StarTech adapter was connecting my Apple Thunderbolt display to a new Windows USB-C/Thunderbolt laptop. After much research based on StarTech publications, I bought this rather expensive adapter. I tried this with two brand new Windows laptops, a Lenovo C930 and a Dell XPS 13. The results were the same on both. Notebooks detect the Apple Thunderbolt Display and ask permission to connect. After selecting Always Connect, laptops do not recognize the Thunderbolt display and the screen remains black. There is no option to extend or mirror the display on a second monitor in the display settings. As for StarTech Support, let me save you some time and hassle. The persistent message is to go back to your manufacturer and update the BIOS and all drivers, but no specific information is provided. I've spent hours doing all of this with both machines and it hasn't changed the results. Startech's response was that the problem was still with the laptops, BIOS or drivers, not their product. Result: Disagree. It works with my daughter's new MacBook Air, as does Apple's cheaper USB-C to Thunderbolt adapter. But I find that the adapter is not working in the application I bought it for. Hope this helps others.

Cons
  • Big and chunky