Hi! I'm finally getting an iMac at work and getting rid of the old Dell they had me on. However, I would like to keep my old pc monitor and use it with my new iMac as a dual screen so I can have an extended desktop. Is there anything I need to know about doing this as far as special cables etc.? Thanks!
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Use PC monitor as second monitor?
- Thread starter Aqua315
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You need an appropriate adapter for the Thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort interface to whatever interface your display has (DVI, VGA, HDMI).
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 ThunderboltMDP adapters and cables can be bought online from:
Apple Online Store (or the physical Apple Store)
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.
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?"