On: Thunderbolt

[maggit]

> Electrical or optical cables

From http://www.intel.com/technology/io/thunderbolt/index.htm

I don't know what that means though. Does the newly released MBP support both or only one?

[adolph → maggit]

Engadget seems to think the MBP will support both at least in theory: Intel will eventually bake the optical transceivers into the cables themselves.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/intel-thunderbolt-a-close...

[jlazarow → maggit]

Light Peak right now is only copper. Optical will be added in the future most likely.

[maggit → jlazarow]

I'd like to read about this. Is there an available document explaining why? Or do you know the reason?

(Not that I hate copper or anything, it is just that they designed it for fiber from the beginning and then suddenly bailed out)

[gamble → maggit]

Same reason why every interface standard that flirts with optical eventually ends up supporting copper: optical components are more expensive, and over short runs you can get acceptable performance with copper.

[cal5k → gamble]

They're also not as flexible a copper...

[frankus → jlazarow]

A which point they'll call it Lightning? Nah, too obvious :)

[wiredfool → frankus]

But, Thunder always follows Lightning...