Imac connected with another monitor screen

[Yogakun]

I'm not sure which forum to put this under, but anyway.

Is there an adaptor (official or third party) that connects the imac to another led screen. I would like to have double the screen real estate under windows (boot camp) and in osx.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Yes, there is:

Mini DisplayPort (MDP) / Thunderbolt

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.
Since 2011, all Macs come with a Thunderbolt port, which is meant for fast data transfer and also as means to connect to an external display device to mirror or extend the Mac's screen.

To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP): Introducing Thunderbolt​

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
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?"
​

from

Most common video interfaces on external computer displays and TVs

Common video interfaces on Macs and the appropriate adapters to connect to other display devices
​

 

[Hellhammer]

Any Mini DisplayPort to VGA/DVI/HDMI adapter will work. The best adapter for your needs depends on the monitor you have.

 

[KylePowers]

Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter from Monoprice - *NOTE* This product does NOT support audio for Macs that outputs audio through the Mini DisplayPort.

This is false. It would be true for the VGA and DVI converters, but my HDMI adapter from Monoprice outputs audio just swell.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

This is false. It would be true for the VGA and DVI converters, but my HDMI adapter from Monoprice outputs audio just swell.

Thanks, I guess they changed that adapter since I made that guide. That's where I copied that NOTE from anyway.
Btw, Macs using MDP and being released before 2009/2010 can't transfer audio via the MDP interface, that is where the adapter comes from, but I guess Monoprice updated that adapter.

 

[Yogakun]

Thanks! I forgot about the mini display ports. (still a mac noob). I asked a store if it was possible to do this, the guy said no. To his credit he's knowledgable about pc stuff.

Off to the mac store I go.