connect early 2009 24" imac to mac mini

[AngS]

I was going to buy new imac but decided to wait a few years.
Problem: I need to keep Snow Leopard running on my early 2009 imac because I have design programs that wont work with a system upgrade. But I also need an updated system (High Sierra at minimum) to run some newer programs.

I contemplated buying another older imac (2013ish) as a second machine for cheap to get me through the next few years until I splurge on a whole new set up. But then I thought I may be able to connect an old imac MINI that can run a newer system to my early 2009 imac. Is this possible? What MINI model will work? Special adapters?
Thanks.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

I was going to buy new imac but decided to wait a few years.
Problem: I need to keep Snow Leopard running on my early 2009 imac because I have design programs that wont work with a system upgrade. But I also need an updated system (High Sierra at minimum) to run some newer programs.

I contemplated buying another older imac (2013ish) as a second machine for cheap to get me through the next few years until I splurge on a whole new set up. But then I thought I may be able to connect an old imac MINI that can run a newer system to my early 2009 imac. Is this possible? What MINI model will work? Special adapters?
Thanks.

It's not possible if you still want to use the early 2009 iMac with Mac OS.
iMac 24" ealy 2009 does not support Target Display Mode. I made the same misunderstanding when buying it, thinking of using it as a monitor.

 

[Fishrrman]

You might consider an Apple-refurbished 2018/20 Mini.
NOT the new "m1" Mini, but the one with an Intel processor inside.

Then set it up with the newer apps you need to run on it.

Keep the old 2009 iMac for the older apps -- nothing wrong with that.