Early 2009 iMac Display Question

[bpopilek]

Hello, I am the new owner of a used early 2009 iMac 20" computer. I picked it up for a song because the LCD was cracked. The computer boots up, and I can see about 25% of the bottom of the screen, so I know the rest of the PC is OK.

So my questions are:
1. How can I determine a compatible display for this so I can order one?
2. Is it possible to leave the LCD out and just connect a external LCD monitor up to the display port?

My current LCD is a model LM201WE3, however I have seen references for models of M201EW02 VF & M302EW02. Will either of these work, or do I need to stick with the exact same model that came in mine? Also, when I have looked on sites like eBay, I have found that the Dell XPS One uses a M201EW02 V.8 LCD. Would this be compatible? I only ask because price wise, it is considerably cheaper.

Now, if it is possible just to use a secondary screen instead, how do I enable it without being able to see the settings from within the MacOS? I have the displayport to DVI adapter, but my second monitor never shows anything and stays in sleep mode.

Thanks for any thoughts/suggestions and for reading this!

[bpopilek]

I hate to bump this, but I need to get this iMac running soon so I can do some video editing for family Christmas gifts. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[fhall1]

Find someone that has another mac and you can then try to remote/screenshare to your broken iMac while the second monitor is attached. Then open the display prefs and see if you can wake it up and make it the primary.

[purfledspruce]

Originally Posted by bpopilek

Now, if it is possible just to use a secondary screen instead, how do I enable it without being able to see the settings from within the MacOS? I have the displayport to DVI adapter, but my second monitor never shows anything and stays in sleep mode.

Thanks for any thoughts/suggestions and for reading this!

Try http://guides.macrumors.com/Keyboard_shortcuts

Only thing I can find though is "option-brightness" which will open the screen prefs. If you can see part of that window you might be able to grab it and enable second monitor...good luck!

[lenfords]

Originally Posted by bpopilek

Hello, I am the new owner of a used early 2009 iMac 20" computer. I picked it up for a song because the LCD was cracked. The computer boots up, and I can see about 25% of the bottom of the screen, so I know the rest of the PC is OK.

So my questions are:
1. How can I determine a compatible display for this so I can order one?
2. Is it possible to leave the LCD out and just connect a external LCD monitor up to the display port?

My current LCD is a model LM201WE3, however I have seen references for models of M201EW02 VF & M302EW02. Will either of these work, or do I need to stick with the exact same model that came in mine? Also, when I have looked on sites like eBay, I have found that the Dell XPS One uses a M201EW02 V.8 LCD. Would this be compatible? I only ask because price wise, it is considerably cheaper.

Now, if it is possible just to use a secondary screen instead, how do I enable it without being able to see the settings from within the MacOS? I have the displayport to DVI adapter, but my second monitor never shows anything and stays in sleep mode.

Thanks for any thoughts/suggestions and for reading this!

What did you end up doing. Did you use one of the Dell screens?