iMac as an external monitor?

[L0s7man]

Hi folks,

A while ago iMacs became capable of being used as external monitors via displayport. Now it seems we've moved to Thunderbolt. What's the state of the game? Can I connect my Macbook Air via TB and use the iMac in the same way as the new Thunderbolt Display (or whatever it is called)?

 

[Hellhammer]

As long as both Macs have Thunderbolt, it will work. However, I don't think you can use iMac's ports and other stuff.

 

[rb76]

I was under the impression the display port on the back of the iMac is for video output to an external monitor only, not for use as an input?

 

[old-wiz]

I was under the impression the display port on the back of the iMac is for video output to an external monitor only, not for use as an input?

That used to be the case, but now it's not. I think the last iMac 27" before the Thunderbolt model had the feature.

 

[Curren~Sea]

You can use the 27" iMac as an external monitor for another Mac, such as a MBA or MBP. Not the 21", however.

 

[snejdk]

iMac as monitor for PC laptop?

You can use the 27" iMac as an external monitor for another Mac, such as a MBA or MBP. Not the 21", however.

Sounds nice - what about connecting a laptop to the iMac? Is it possible?

 

[nanosour]

I have a 27" base iMac (cheapest model) connected as an external monitor to my 27" iMac i7. Love the Target Display Mode (CMD-F2). It's all about the real estate baby!

 

[Wildog27]

So I have a question about this kind of setup.

My wife has a 2009 Macbook Pro. If we buy a 27 in iMac with Thunderbolt, can we use it as an external display for her Macbook, or would the MBP sending the signal have to have Thunderbolt as well?

Basically, is Thunderbolt backwards compatible to MiniDisplay Port?

 

[wrinkster22]

So I have a question about this kind of setup.

My wife has a 2009 Macbook Pro. If we buy a 27 in iMac with Thunderbolt, can we use it as an external display for her Macbook, or would the MBP sending the signal have to have Thunderbolt as well?

Basically, is Thunderbolt backwards compatible to MiniDisplay Port?

thunderbolt is backwards compatible (like FW 400/800)

 

[mcfly2]

So I have a question about this kind of setup.

My wife has a 2009 Macbook Pro. If we buy a 27 in iMac with Thunderbolt, can we use it as an external display for her Macbook, or would the MBP sending the signal have to have Thunderbolt as well?

No, you can't use a TB iMac as an external display for a non-TB Mac. See http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3775

This is what's stopping me from pulling the trigger on a new iMac.

 

[panzer06]

So I have a question about this kind of setup.

My wife has a 2009 Macbook Pro. If we buy a 27 in iMac with Thunderbolt, can we use it as an external display for her Macbook, or would the MBP sending the signal have to have Thunderbolt as well?

Basically, is Thunderbolt backwards compatible to MiniDisplay Port?

thunderbolt is backwards compatible (like FW 400/800)

No, you can only connect TB capable systems to the iMac as a display on the 2011 iMac, however, you can buy a 2010 iMac and it will act as a display for any mini-DP capable system. I use my 27" as a huge monitor for my alienware gaming system. It's awesome!

MacMall still has some brand new 2010 i7 models for only $1499.

Cheers,