Can you hook up an Mac Mini or PC to an iMac display?

[tshrimp]

Can you hook up an Mac Mini or PC to an iMac display?

The reason I ask this is.....

I just purchased a Mac Mini and was thinking about buying an IPS 22-24" display as well as a new keyboard and mouse. The thing is once I do that it puts the Mac Mini at about the same price as an iMac.

However, when the current version of the iMac becomes outdated and I want to upgrade to something else like maybe a more up date Mac Mini, or even a highend Mac will I be able to use this display, or will it have to be retired with the computer that is built into it?

Thanks.

 

[viktorlsn]

as far as i know only the 27" imac has video input, if you choose an 21.5", you can only use it as a second monitor i think. i'm not sure... you can always have a second monitor with macs, but why buy an imac and connect it to the mini ? stay with the imac an if you choose so, buy another display.

good luck ! hope it helped

Viktor

 

[old-wiz]

Current iMac 27" and current minis both support thunderbolt. You can connect the mini's thunderbolt connector to the iMac's thunderbolt port; it is called target display mode.

 

[viktorlsn]

Current iMac 27" and current minis both support thunderbolt. You can connect the mini's thunderbolt connector to the iMac's thunderbolt port; it is called target display mode.

yep, did a quick search on that feature. didn't know it existed...
but how about the 21.5 imac?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

yep, did a quick search on that feature. didn't know it existed...
but how about the 21.5 imac?

iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011) and iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011) support Target Display Mode via Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cable (2 m) when the source is another Thunderbolt-equipped computer.

from here

 

[viktorlsn]

from here

thanks mate !

 

[tshrimp]

as far as i know only the 27" imac has video input, if you choose an 21.5", you can only use it as a second monitor i think. i'm not sure... you can always have a second monitor with macs, but why buy an imac and connect it to the mini ? stay with the imac an if you choose so, buy another display.

good luck ! hope it helped

Viktor

I would never buy an iMac just to connect it to a mini or a PC. But at some point the iMac will be outdated, and I would hate to spend all that money and have to scrap everything. It would be nice that when the iMac is replaced with a Mini, PC, or other that the monitor will still be usable.

 

[viktorlsn]

I would never buy an iMac just to connect it to a mini or a PC. But at some point the iMac will be outdated, and I would hate to spend all that money and have to scrap everything. It would be nice that when the iMac is replaced with a Mini, PC, or other that the monitor will still be usable.

hm, ok. i uderstand your doubt... so, yes you can hook up an imac display to a mini, but when it comes to pcs, I dont think it would work.
sorry about he missunderstanding good luck ! post back your experience on the forum !
cheers

Viktor

 

[Skeith]

Wirelessly posted

Remember is thunderbolt equip device
So currently PC is still a no... which is the reason stopping me in getting the current one.. will be perfect if I can.hook it up to my PC and ps3

 

[tshrimp]

I just ended up buying an LG IPS monitor to go along with my Mac Mini instead of returning my Mac Mini and getting the iMac . Looks good and saved some $$. I also purchased a new keyboard. I was looking at the wireless from Apple, but wanted a number pad and didn't like the feel, so bought this one from Best Buy....http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wire...8VRU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333993987&sr=8-1

I know that is the Amazon link, but I can't find the keyboard on the BB website. I am loving this keyboard. Now to find a good mouse and my mini will be complete.