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How does the iMAC work as an external monitor?

M

mpetes

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Title says it all...how does the new iMac work as an external monitor?

Is there a way to use it as a monitor without having to log in / load OS? Is there any delay as compared to a standard monitor?


I'm just thinking long term as the iMac becomes long in the tooth and we move on to new machines. Can the iMac still be used as a quick turn on monitor or do you need to load up both machines (and do you need to rely on all parts functioning in the iMac, such as mobo, hard drive, etc. still working) to utilize it as a monitor)?


Thanks,

mpetes
 
Word on the street is you still need the computer booted up in OSx to use the iMac as a monitor. It's controlled by a function key, I think it's F3 or some such.
 
mpetes said:
Title says it all...how does the new iMac work as an external monitor?

Is there a way to use it as a monitor without having to log in / load OS? Is there any delay as compared to a standard monitor?


I'm just thinking long term as the iMac becomes long in the tooth and we move on to new machines. Can the iMac still be used as a quick turn on monitor or do you need to load up both machines (and do you need to rely on all parts functioning in the iMac, such as mobo, hard drive, etc. still working) to utilize it as a monitor)?


Thanks,

mpetes
Click to expand...

Check this page out:

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac-Intel-27-Inch/1236/1

The key thing to note is that there's no special shortcut from the LCD to the external Mini DisplayPort connector. The signal will need to go through the logic board, so you'll need to have your iMac powered on if you want to display from an external video source.
Click to expand...

It may be possible for some enterprising individual to get a video signal in without the built-in OSX functions, but it sounds like the monitor depends on the rest of the hardware system to function.
 
OP, also note that only the 27" iMac works as external monitor, the 21.5" does not handle screen signal input.
 
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