2006 24" iMac as Target Display for 2011 MacBook Air?

ethanpeter · ethanpeter #1 (**permalink**)

09-03-2011, 11:04 PM

Is this at all possible, assuming there's a thunderbolt-to-mini-dvi cable?

I'm under the impression that the display port on the back of my iMac is for attaching a second display. I can't even find anything to suggest that I can use the iMac in target display mode.

Here are the specs of my machine that I'd like to use as a display: iMac (Late 2006) - Technical Specifications

Thanks!

zacster · zacster #2 (**permalink**)

09-05-2011, 07:23 PM

I don't think you can without opening it up and basically disabling every other function of the old machine and putting in an adapter of some kind. You'd be better off just buying a monitor.

SchwartzGeek · SchwartzGeek #3 (**permalink**)

09-07-2011, 05:54 PM

I'm attempting to do exactly this for my mother who wants to use her new MacBook Air with the 24" iMac serving only as a monitor.

FYI for anyone else interested in doing this:
I've found the necessary adapters:

Kanex C247m mini-DVI to mini-DisplayPort adapter (that uses built-in USB for power) ($75 from Amazon, or $130 from Apple)
a standard male mini-DP to male mini-DP cable (~$7)

I just need to verify that the iMac monitor supports target display mode. Any verified response is greatly appreciated!

chscag · chscag #4 (**permalink**)

09-07-2011, 07:39 PM

I believe only the late model (late 2009, mid 2010) 27" iMacs and the Mid 2011 21.5" and 27" models (Thunderbolt port) can be used as a target display.

The older model iMacs have no way to accept video in.

zacster · zacster #5 (**permalink**)

09-07-2011, 08:38 PM

It occurs to me that maybe there is a software method of doing this, output from the MB via USB and input to the iMac via USB. I have a feeling it would lag though if there were such a program.

SchwartzGeek · SchwartzGeek #6 (**permalink**)

09-07-2011, 09:05 PM

the late 2006 iMac has a mini-DVI plug in the back.

chscag · chscag #7 (**permalink**)

09-07-2011, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchwartzGeek

the late 2006 iMac has a mini-DVI plug in the back.

That's video output only.

chscag #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 32,017 Mac Specs: 21.5" iMac 2.5 GHz i5, iPad 3rd Gen., 3 iPods	09-07-2011, 07:39 PM I believe only the late model (late 2009, mid 2010) 27" iMacs and the Mid 2011 21.5" and 27" models (Thunderbolt port) can be used as a target display. The older model iMacs have no way to accept video in. Community Guidelines
	QUOTE Thanks

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2006 24" iMac as Target Display for 2011 MacBook Air?

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ethanpeter #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 03, 2011 Posts: 2	09-03-2011, 11:04 PM Is this at all possible, assuming there's a thunderbolt-to-mini-dvi cable? I'm under the impression that the display port on the back of my iMac is for attaching a second display. I can't even find anything to suggest that I can use the iMac in target display mode. Here are the specs of my machine that I'd like to use as a display: iMac (Late 2006) - Technical Specifications Thanks!
	QUOTE Thanks

zacster #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jun 07, 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 274 Mac Specs: Intel iMac 20" Core Duo 256mb VRam 115gb SSD 2gb Ram Finally!!!	09-05-2011, 07:23 PM I don't think you can without opening it up and basically disabling every other function of the old machine and putting in an adapter of some kind. You'd be better off just buying a monitor.
	QUOTE Thanks

zacster #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Jun 07, 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 274 Mac Specs: Intel iMac 20" Core Duo 256mb VRam 115gb SSD 2gb Ram Finally!!!	09-07-2011, 08:38 PM It occurs to me that maybe there is a software method of doing this, output from the MB via USB and input to the iMac via USB. I have a feeling it would lag though if there were such a program.
	QUOTE Thanks

SchwartzGeek #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 07, 2011 Posts: 2	09-07-2011, 09:05 PM the late 2006 iMac has a mini-DVI plug in the back.
	QUOTE Thanks

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