[cal5k]

I can't seem to find an answer to this in the materials - is this optical or copper? Light Peak was supposed to be optical, but the Wikipedia page has unsubstantiated claims of it initially being copper.

[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]

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]

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

[maggit]

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]

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]

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

[frankus]

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

[wiredfool]

But, Thunder always follows Lightning...

[modeless]

It's copper for now. I haven't found any confirmation of this, but I believe Intel's strategy for optical is to have the lasers and light detectors built into the cable itself, so that the plug connection is still completely electrical.