Secondary Monitor for iMac Questions

[iBighouse]

I've currently got a Samsung P2770 that I use next to my retina iMac...it looks lame compared to the retina display and I toy with the idea of replacing it with an Apple branded monitor...BUT, I don't like the looks of the Apple monitors. They lack the large aluminum logo band area at the bottom of the display like the iMacs have. So, I've wondered if anyone ever purchased a second iMac (non retina) to use as a secondary monitor only?

Seems like it might be an interesting refurb industry to take non-working iMacs and turn them into monitors only for folks like me who want such a monitor to match the iMac.

Seems like Apple should make an iMac option available as a "display only" device and sell it without all the computer guts in it for a much cheaper price. Heck, it wouldn't really even need a graphics card, would it?

 

[slimpsy]

I've currently got a Samsung P2770 that I use next to my retina iMac...it looks lame compared to the retina display and I toy with the idea of replacing it with an Apple branded monitor...BUT, I don't like the looks of the Apple monitors. They lack the large aluminum logo band area at the bottom of the display like the iMacs have. So, I've wondered if anyone ever purchased a second iMac (non retina) to use as a secondary monitor only?

Seems like it might be an interesting refurb industry to take non-working iMacs and turn them into monitors only for folks like me who want such a monitor to match the iMac.

Seems like Apple should make an iMac option available as a "display only" device and sell it without all the computer guts in it for a much cheaper price. Heck, it wouldn't really even need a graphics card, would it?

You don't like the cinema displays? It is rough to find a solid looking side-by-side. I have the same trouble myself. Especially with the retina!

 

[milleron]

I've used several monitors next to my iMac Retina, and they all suffer a lot by comparison, even the 4K models A repurposed 27" iMac is not going to be your answer, I fear. If your aesthetic eye cannot allow anything that doesn't match the external appearance of your Retina iMac, I think you're out of luck. If you can tolerate something that doesn't have the aluminum extension below the display to match the Retina iMac, then you can try the 27" IPS (2560 x 1440) monitors or the 4K versions, either TN or IPS, but I really don't like the TN ones. They were OK when they were the only option, but IPS monitors seem enough better to justify their increased price.

 

[jmoore5196]

I'm writing on a retina iMac; I have an ATD beside it as a second monitor. The two displays actually align fairly well, and they certainly play well together. Since you can buy the ATD at about $750 currently, that might be something to consider. I understand the ATD doesn't have the silver iMac 'lip,' but it works with a retina iMac well enough to be useable on a consistent basis. You can certainly tell a difference in color saturation and detail level, but I wouldn't say it's immediately noticeable.