CalDigit Thunderbolt FAQ's

Will CalDigit support Thunderbolt?

Yes, CalDigit is currently developing products that use Thunderbolt™ technology, like the ThunderExpress. CalDigit has made commitments to Intel and Apple that they will support Thunderbolt.

When can I get a Thunderbolt product from CalDigit?

CalDigit plans to release its first Thunderbolt products in 2012.

Is Thunderbolt better than USB 3.0?

Thunderbolt's bandwidth is faster than USB 3.0 in theory, however it is also more expensive.  Each interface serves a purpose and USB 3.0 devices offer great cost savings and wide adoption, as well and backward compatibility.  Thunderbolt, on the other hand, has a very talented architecture that can transfer USB, FireWire, Ethernet, DisplayPort and PCIe protocols. In fact, Thunderbolt is created to provide a simpler cable connection to a wide variety of interfaces. Thus we believe Thunderbolt technology is a plus to USB 3, FireWire and even ePCIe platforms.

Can I use an existing CalDigit product with Thunderbolt?

CalDigit is developing ways to allow existing CalDigit uses to leverage Thunderbolt.

Does Thunderbolt simplify my workflow?

Yes, with Thunderbolt technology, you can attach multiple peripherals to your Thunderbolt enabled computer.

How many Thunderbolt devices can I attach?

You can daisy chain 6 Thunderbolt devices.

Can Thunderbolt bus power devices like FireWire?

Yes, Thunderbolt provides 10W of bus power.

What is the speed of Thunderbolt?

Dual channel 10Gbps.

How long are Thunderbolt cables?

Currently Thunderbolt cables can reach up to 3 meters in length.

How is Thunderbolt different than external PCIe?

Thunderbolt is a dual-protocol interface which supports the PCIe protocol. The most common use of PCIe is via expansion cards, which required a desktop computer, like the Mac Pro. Thunderbolt uses the same protocol, but in a simple to use interface, like USB or FireWire. This means devices that use to be in the PCIe card form factor can now take advantage of the Thunderbolt interface.