Can an iMac be used as external monitor with a MBA?

MacPat333 · Nov 5, 2012, 11:57 AM

Ok,

despite the fact that someone would run an iMac rather than an MBA with external monitor, I still would like to know if it is possible to run the iMac as external screen without actually using the hardware of the iMac itself.

Is there a "screen only" mode via TB?

Thanks!

Stetrain · Nov 5, 2012, 12:27 PM

Yes, the 2011 and (most likely) the 2012 models can act as a display for another Mac over Thunderbolt. So as long as your MBA is a 2011 or newer model you can connect them with a Thunderbolt cable and it should work.

GGJstudios · Nov 5, 2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacPat333

I still would like to know if it is possible to run the iMac as external screen without actually using the hardware of the iMac itself.

Yes. This may help: Use another Mac as a display

flynz4 · Nov 5, 2012, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacPat333

Ok,

despite the fact that someone would run an iMac rather than an MBA with external monitor, I still would like to know if it is possible to run the iMac as external screen without actually using the hardware of the iMac itself.

Is there a "screen only" mode via TB?

Thanks!

I have done this many times. My "work computer" is a MBA... and I have a 27" iMac at home. I would often connect my work computer to my iMac... using the iMac as only a screen. That combined with a wireless keyboard/mouse... I had a great 2560X1440 "work computer" while at home.

I've since purchased an ATD as my monitor which I use at home with my MBA. The ATD can also be connected to the iMac to create a dual headed workstation.

/Jim

MacPat333 · Nov 5, 2012, 01:09 PM

Great, thanks a lot.

PaulCostello · Nov 5, 2012, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flynz4

I have done this many times. My "work computer" is a MBA... and I have a 27" iMac at home.

/Jim

Can this be done with a 2011 21.5'?? Just wondering if this is an option available only for the 27'...hmmm.

ihuman:D · Nov 5, 2012, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulCostello

Can this be done with a 2011 21.5'?? Just wondering if this is an option available only for the 27'...hmmm.

It should work with any mac with a TB port.

Nov 5, 2012, 11:57 AM	#1
MacPat333 macrumors regular Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Dubai	Can an iMac be used as external monitor with a MBA? Ok, despite the fact that someone would run an iMac rather than an MBA with external monitor, I still would like to know if it is possible to run the iMac as external screen without actually using the hardware of the iMac itself. Is there a "screen only" mode via TB? Thanks!
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Nov 5, 2012, 12:27 PM	#2
Stetrain macrumors 68030 Join Date: Feb 2009	Yes, the 2011 and (most likely) the 2012 models can act as a display for another Mac over Thunderbolt. So as long as your MBA is a 2011 or newer model you can connect them with a Thunderbolt cable and it should work.
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Nov 5, 2012, 01:09 PM	#5
MacPat333 Thread Starter macrumors regular Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Dubai	Great, thanks a lot.
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