iMac to External Monitor

[teknobrat2003]

I would like to connect my iMac late 2009 27 inch to another monitor to either extend or mirror the display. Is this possible? If so, what cables are needed.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Depending on the inputs of the monitor, you either need DVI or HDMI or even VGA.

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?"
​

 

[Hellhammer]

You will need Mini DisplayPort to HDMI/VGA/DVI adapter, depending on what is the input of the other monitor.

 

[scramble103]

You will need Mini DisplayPort to HDMI/VGA/DVI adapter, depending on what is the input of the other monitor.

Does the new imac 21.5inch have a mini display port? Is this the same as the thunderbolt port?

and any monitor recommendations for the 21.5 inch imac?

 

[Hellhammer]

Does the new imac 21.5inch have a mini display port? Is this the same as the thunderbolt port?

Thunderbolt is same as Mini DisplayPort (and a lot more). Any existing mDP adapter will work.

and any monitor recommendations for the 21.5 inch imac?

Depends what you are looking for. Probably 21.5" 1080p monitor is your best choice so the monitors would be somehow alike.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Does the new imac 21.5inch have a mini display port? Is this the same as the thunderbolt port?

Thunderbolt is used to output the MDP signal.