Second monitor for iMac?

[iCaleb]

Here is my setup I have the 21.5 inch iMac and a secondary 21.5 inch monitor above it both 1080p.

The monitor can use DVI or HDMI.

What should I use?

The secondary monitor does not have speakers or a webcam either.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Both inputs will be okay, since they digital.

 

[iCaleb]

Both inputs will be okay, since they digital.

Ok.......Thanks but Im most concerned about the adapters.

Is the official apple DVI adapter more reliable than some 3rd party HDMI adapter?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Ok.......Thanks but Im most concerned about the adapters.

Is the official apple DVI adapter more reliable than some 3rd party HDMI adapter?

Even third party MDP to DVI adapters from Monoprice are reliable. Just don't go for the very cheap stuff from eBay.

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 and cables can be bought online from:

Apple Online Store (or the physical Apple Store)

• MDP to VGA adapter
• MDP to DVI adapter
• MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter
• Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter

Monoprice

• Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

• Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cables
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cables

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?"
​

 

[turtlez]

I am using a $3 MD > DVI from ebay. It looks almost identical to the Apple one and runs my cintiq 21UX 2nd gen just great

 

[Lil Chillbil]

I use the Apple one that I got for $20 and btw why is the other monitor on top of the imac? I just always assumed that the monitor would always be on the side of the imac

 

[iCaleb]

I use the Apple one that I got for $20 and btw why is the other monitor on top of the imac? I just always assumed that the monitor would always be on the side of the imac

My room is small and my desk is small.

The window ledge is the only place it will fit.

 

[iCaleb]

I think I will just get this all in one MDP to HDMI cable as it provides less clutter.