2009 iMac 27 as a monitor for a newMac Mini??

[LVBrian]

Can it be done? If so what interface? Are there any disadvantages?

Thanks in advance

Brian

 

[Drharrington]

No problem. All you need is a two male mini display cable (not thunderbolt). We use it all the time. When its plugged in - it enters target display mode. Works great. One of the reasons those 2009 27s retain their value....

 

[WilliamG]

No problem. All you need is a two male mini display cable (not thunderbolt). We use it all the time. When its plugged in - it enters target display mode. Works great. One of the reasons those 2009 27s retain their value....

For things like a Mac mini (with Thunderbolt), you don't need just a 2009 27" iMac. You can do it with any 27" 2009-2012 iMac since Thunderbolt devices (Mac-wise) work fine. For non-Thunderbolt connectivity to the iMac, that's where the 2009-2010 27" iMacs have something over their later iterations.

 

[Drharrington]

For things like a Mac mini (with Thunderbolt), you don't need just a 2009 27" iMac. You can do it with any 27" 2009-2012 iMac since Thunderbolt devices (Mac-wise) work fine. For non-Thunderbolt connectivity to the iMac, that's where the 2009-2010 27" iMacs have something over their later iterations.

Bear in mind -- there are some limitations (not quite being a cinema display but close) -- for instance -- believe the built in facetime camera won't work -- sound should be fine --- just some limitations.

Yeah, essentially the 09 and 10s have the pleasure of serving in that capacity for anything in the mac universe.

Cheers