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MBA using iMac as display

C

canvasback13

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 5, 2011
131
107
I am trying to use my 2013 air(OSX 10.9.1) with a mid 2010 27' iMac (3.2 ghz intel, OSX 10.7.5) as display. I bought a mini display port to mini display port cable.

When I hit cmd F2, I see the background of the MBA desk top appear and the info bar at the top. I can't see my mouse or any active windows from the MBA or my dock.

Any thoughts on why I can't get full functionality?
 
Not sure if this is the correct answer but I can do this between my 2013 MBA and 2011 iMac using a Thunderbolt cable. I can't do it between my partners 2010 MBA and iMac.

I didn't think you could do it with a mini display port cable, although I could be wrong.
 
Crazy Badger said:
Not sure if this is the correct answer but I can do this between my 2013 MBA and 2011 iMac using a Thunderbolt cable. I can't do it between my partners 2010 MBA and iMac.

I didn't think you could do it with a mini display port cable, although I could be wrong.
Click to expand...

Well the 2010 iMac is display port only.

It *should* work, maybe he's seeing the iMac as a second display and not the primary?

@canvasback13 are you in clamshell mode?
 
i bought a thunderbolt cable from apple. That doesn't seem to work at all.

i had the air open when using the mini display port cable. I don't know what clamshell mode it, I just had it open.

How would I know if it was showing as second display, not primary?
 
That is odd. I don't have an iMac, but my MBA will drive an external screen via either HDMI or DVI without problems while running on battery power.
 
canvasback13 said:
ok, i got it. the MBA needed to be plugged into the wall.

Now it all works!
Click to expand...

it took me awhile to figure this out too. it seems like every few months I change my setup to use an external monitor and I cant figure out why when I close the air the external monitor doesnt work. its like I forget every time the air has to be plugged in to make the external monitor work in clamshell mode.

this has happened 3 times already and I forget every time.
 
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