dual monitor set up for new imac

[yakkowarner epi]

I am going to use my current 21 inch with my new 27 inch imac (coming when they offer the free ipod). I was told that there was a couple of ways to set it up but I don't know what they are. I was just going to plug it in and hope that it would just create more desktop to use.

Is there a different way to set it up that you recommend I do or a program you recommend?

I also don't know if having different size monitors would be a problem.

 

[I AM THE MAN]

Is the 21inch an iMac?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Only the 27" iMac an be used directly as external display.
If you want to use the 21.5" iMac as external display, you could use AirDisplay.

MRoogle might help you looking for threads you already read.

Ah, you meant a display with the 21 inch?

Mini DisplayPort (MDP)

Mini DisplayPort is the current digital standard on all current Macs to transfer video to an external display or TV. It has been introduced in 10/2008 with the release of the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros and has gradually been adopted on all other Macs.
MDP is capable of transmitting video, and since 2010, audio too. MDP is a miniaturised version of DisplayPort. It is also license free and can support resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, which Mini DVI and Micro DVI are not able to do.

MDP adapters can be bought online from:

MDP to VGA adapter from Apple
MDP to DVI adapter from Apple
MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter from Apple

Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter from the Apple Online Store

Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter from Monoprice - *NOTE* This product does NOT support audio for Macs that outputs audio through the Mini DisplayPort.
Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter from Monoprice
Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter from Monoprice - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to VGA Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Cables from Monoprice​

Also of interest: "What is "Mini DisplayPort"? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from or better than Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?"
​

 

[yakkowarner epi]

The monitor I am using for my mac mini is a samsung 21 inch. That would be the monitor I would use for dual monitors.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

The monitor I am using for my mac mini is a samsung 21 inch. That would be the monitor I would use for dual monitors.

Then you need one of the above adapters. DVI or HDMI will be the most likely input on that monitor. Additional to the appropriate adapter, you also need a DVI or HDMI cable, unless it is already included with the display.