Using iMac as a display - what cable?

[dylanbrown]

Hi there,

I have a quick question. I want to connect a Thunderbolt equipped MBP to a 27" iMac with mini-display port (i.e. no Thunderbolt).

What cable should I use, I'm guessing a Thunderbolt - Thunderbolt cable wouldn't work, so would a mini-displayport - mini-displayport work?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[old-wiz]

Unfortunately, no. It's thunderbolt-thunderbolt only for video.

 

[AkuskaUK]

Can a iMac actually be used as a dedicated second display? I would think about investing in a 27" iMac to be used with my Mac Pro instead of a ACD then...

 

[flynz4]

I use my late 2009 iMac as an external display with the following two computers:

Mid 2011 rev e 11" MBA using a mini-displayport to mini-displayport cable
Lenovo X201 with docking station using a displayport to mini-displayport cable

Both work fine.

I was under the impression that 2011 iMac could accept either TB or mini-displayport as an input, but I am not positive. I know that the ATD can only accept TB.

UPDATE: The 2011 iMac spec sheet says it is compatible with:

• Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter
• Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
• Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter

I realize they are discussing using the iMac TB port as a mini-displayport OUTPUT to another device... but if the port does support display port... that opens the possibility that you might be able to drive it with a mini-displayport signal.

I just bought a ATD, and I will be using that going forward as the display for my 11" MBA.

/Jim

 

[old-wiz]

All the stuff I can find says that the Thunderbolt iMac 27" will only accept video input from another Thunderbolt port, not mini-display port.

 

[panzer06]

All the stuff I can find says that the Thunderbolt iMac 27" will only accept video input from another Thunderbolt port, not mini-display port.

OP has 2010 iMac so it will work just fine.

Cheers,

 

[theSeb]

Hi there,

I have a quick question. I want to connect a Thunderbolt equipped MBP to a 27" iMac with mini-display port (i.e. no Thunderbolt).

What cable should I use, I'm guessing a Thunderbolt - Thunderbolt cable wouldn't work, so would a mini-displayport - mini-displayport work?

Many thanks in advance.

Yes, you need a mini dp to mini dp cable.

 

[flynz4]

If I am reading the OP's post correctly... he does not have a TB equipped iMac... his iMac only supports Mini-Displayport. His MBP does support TB or Mini-Displayport.

This configuration will work using a mini-displayport to mini-displayport cable.

EDIT: 3 replies a minute apart. I guess I was slowest on the draw.

/Jim