MacBook Air's Mini Display vs Thunderbolt I can't find the right info on this, everything that I'm reading is mostly about monitors and HDMI about this topic.

So my questions is... can I run an ethernet adapter for internet access through a 2010 MBA model that has the Mini Display Port or is this only a capability with the Thunderbolt replacement port for the 2011 MBA models?
It is only possible with the Thunderbolt port. You cannot run an ethernet adapter on a Mini Display Port.

However, you can use a USB Ethernet Adapter and connect to your network with that.