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iMac as Second Display

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Has anyone here ever though about buying a imac with some sort of problem and Modifying it so that you can connect it as a DVI to your other mac? Id like to look into it. Maybe a Mac with motherboard problems or Processor crap. I think that It can be done. I know that soldering and exterior mods would have to be done in order for it to work.
Anyone??
 
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The built in mini-DVI connector on an iMac is for video OUT only, not in. So simply plugging it into another computer won't let you use it as a secondary monitor.

I'm sure there's a way to mod the iMac's screen to make it work as an external monitor, but would it really be worth the effort?
 
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Mjc.americor
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I know that DVI is strictly output only.

I have a friend with a broken imac G5 and Im considering looking at the pdf repair manual to see what kind of plug the monitor has onto the motherboard etc... I am going to school for electrical engineering this fall and think that this might be a cool project for me!
 
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On the inside it's hooked up to the logic board via one of those small, thin ribbon cables. I'm no electrical engineer, so I have no clue whether or not that can be adapted to either a VGA or DVI connector.
 
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Mjc.americor
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its probably 15 or 20 wires. I think that the end of a DVI is a 15-pin so I believe that it would be adaptable with a lot of work and long hours. Ill save it for a winter project as winters get pretty bad here in northern michigan
 

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