Using 27'' iMac (2012) as extended monitor for MacBook Air (2012)?

Hi all, I'm trying to find a solution how to use my iMac as the extended monitor for my MacBook Air. I saw the video on YouTube >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bVOssjlsGY << but I am not sure if it is real or fake. I have checked the forums here and other sources, but I haven’t seen any official statement about the possibility to use thunderbolt cable for this purpose. Do you have any experiences with that? Or can you advice please?

Yes, you can use the 27" as a monitor with Target display mode. Just attach the two with a Thunderbolt cable and press Command F2 on the iMac. It will become a secondary monitor for the MBair.

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IMac 6,1 as monitor for Macbook Air 11'' ?

Hi everyone,
I have an old iMac "core 2 duo" 2,16 24'' (also know as the iMac 6,1), with OS version 10.6.8 which is getting old. I would like to use it as a monitor for my Macbook air 11'' (with the latest Yosemite).
1) Is it possible?
2) What do I need?
I know it is possible with newer versions of the iMac but I'm not too sure mine can do the "cmd + F2" thing. And before buying expensive cords to link them, I want to be sure it can be done
Thank you very much for your time and your help!!

Unfortunately your iMac is too old to use Target Display Mode Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Apple Support
You might look at Screen Recycler http://www.screenrecycler.com/ScreenRecycler.html it may or may not meet your needs but it's worth a try.

IMac as an extended monitor for a windows based laptop

Can I use my iMac as an extended monitor for a windows based Laptop while also still using the iMac as an iMac?

Hi tpskoog,
Certain iMacs support a mode known as Target Display Mode which allows them to function as an external display, but at the moment only other Macs with certain video out ports are supported as the primary (source) machine. You may find the following article helpful:
Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3924
Regards,
- Brenden

Has anyone ever installed OWC 1.0TB Aura Solid State Drive and Envoy Storage Solution for MacBook Air 2012? Did it work out?

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IMac (2010) as external screen for Macbook Pro (2012)

I've been googling this for a few hours now and have only walked into walls.
My 21,5" iMac only has a FireWire, Mini DisplayPort and several USB ports and has the newest up to date software but is from mid 2010.
My 13" Macbook Pro only has a FireWire, Thunderbolt and several USB ports and has the newest up to date software but is from mid 2012.
It would be very interesting and useful for me to be able to use my iMac as an extra screen for my Macbook Pro, as all I do is video editing, photo editing, video grading etc.
All help or suggestions is welcome! Thank you!

In addition to Niel's post, this article might help you out. What you're looking to do is called "Target Display Mode." I would make sure to especially check the "requirements" section to make sure that your model will work for this.
Regards,
Gnomish8

HT3924 I can't get my iMac 27" 2009 Mini DisplayPort to work as external monitor for Macbook Air Thunderbolt...

I am using a Mini DisplayPort Cable from iLuv as the connector between them. Upon connecting the cable or hitting Command/F2 on the iMac, the iMac will go blue followed by the Macbook Air, then both will flicker and usually the iMac reverts back to its native screen and NOT display the Air's. Or sometimes the iMac will go black while the Macbook Air becomes very slow and choppy, and while selecting the Gather Windows option in the display window in Settings will show the Imac display window, I can't really do anything with it. I even tried switching the ends of the cable to see if that would help, but it didn't. Advice?

Welcome to the wonderful world of copy protection.
Your display may not be on the "approved" list, or was removed from it.
Apple's Mac lines includes a form of digital copy protection that will prevent protected media, such as DRM-infused iTunes movies, from playing back on devices that aren't compliant with the new priority protection measures.
The Intel-developed technology is called High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) and aims to prevent copying of digital audio and video content as it travels across a variety of display connectors, even if such copying is not in violation of fair use laws.
Among the connectors supported by the technology are the Mini DisplayPort found on Apple's latest Macs, in addition to others such as Digital Visual Interface (DVI), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Gigabit Video Interface (GVIF), and Unified Display Interface (UDI).
Apple has apparently acquired a license for the technology and is now using it across its lines to to prevent transmission of purchased iTunes content (and some DVDs) to devices that don't include support for HDCP.
The problem can often be solved by using an HDMI to Component Video adapter. Many believe that Component Video will give you a better HD picture than HDMI without any of the hassles of HDCP.
Generally try to avoid using HDMI. When able, use Component Video. With Component Video you get full HD quality and you will never have HDCP hassles (which of course is why Hollywood wants to ban it).
However sometimes a display can be HDCP certified and then later be removed from the certified list. So purchasing a new display may not be a permanent solution.

Using the IMac 27 only as display for MacBook Pro

Hello,
i like to use my iMac 27 only as display for my MacBook Pro.
I have the connecting cable.
I must start the iMac, he is booting and then i can plug in the cable to my MacBook. Now i have the second display for using with my MacBook.
Now my question: Is it possible to use the display without booting the iMac-system?
Thank you for help!
Best wishes
Lutz

LutzTrabert wrote:
Now my question: Is it possible to use the display without booting the iMac-system?
no.
[_*Using a 27-inch iMac as an external display*_|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3924]
JGG

Problem ssd for macbook air 2012

I have a problem with the sd disk in MacBook Air 2012 god is much slower than other laptops the same result.
We took it to the apple authorized service vvv.istjle.rs but they gave us a test sdd sd and said that everything was working ok. but they do not have the ability to test the speed of SD and it's made by Apple to work.
So please reply us what to do. For our sd is correct but radisporije than others of the same model?

That's about the normal speed for your SSD.
What size is your ssd and what model?
Mine is TS128E = Toshiba
If your SSD starts with a SM, the you have a Samsung SSD
Here is mine = 128GB Toshiba

Macbook Pro 2012 with 240GB SSD or Macbook Air 2012 240GB SSD or Macbook Pro Retina

Macbook Pro 13inch 2012 240GB SSD Specs:
2.5GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
4GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM — 2x2GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
240BG Mercury Extreme Pro 6G SSD
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Overall Price $1600+Tax
or
Macbook Air 2012 13inch with 240GB SSD SPECS:
1.8GHz Intel Dual-Core Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
240GB Auro Pro 6G Solid State Drive
Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Overall Price $1600+Tax
or
Macbook Pro Retina 15inch 2012 256SSD Specs:
2.3GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
256GB Flash Storage
Intel HD Graphics 4000
NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory
Overall Price $2199+Tax
orMacbook Pro Retina 13in 2012 256SSD Specs:
2.5GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
128GB Flash Storage or 256 Crucial m4 256GB 2.5 inch if possible to upgrade
2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
8GB 1600MHz memory
Intel HD Graphics 4000
I'm looking for a laptop that will last me a couple of years which is why I'm upgrading to SSD without losing performance. I usually game on my Mac so I want a laptop to handle that, handle programs in the background and writing or reading without losing speed, I also need a laptop that has fast boot time.
I will be using the laptop mainly for school and running programs such as iWork and mircrosoft office as well as websurfing and video streaming thanks for any advice.

I hope others pipe in with their comments, but the first suggestion is to visit your local Apple Store and try out the units. Trying them out can make a difference in your decision.
This is how I'd try to make sense of this:
MBP 13 2012:
Solid all-purpose portable at a decent price, and even has a 240GB SSD. If you don't load it with tons to videos, this will more than fit your needs as a student and websurfer. A little heavier than the others here, but it's a solid package that's stable. Great if you need to use the CD/DVD.
MBA 13 2012:
Also good, similar specs, notably lighter. Notes are easy to take, and easier to carry on long campus treks. If you're not near a power source, the battery life may be a concern. If you need a CD/DVD, you can connect it when you need it - but it's extra. Servicing a MBA is more difficult.
MBR 15 2012:
Beautiful display, packed with performance. No DVD/CD drive, NVIDIA performance is unproven, kind of pricey, the first generation of a device; it's going to get better over time. Can't be serviced in any way by the user; the Apple Store is your only option. Now's not the best time to get the MBR.
MBR 13 2012:
Same comments.
I'd say the MBA is a good pick. Few moving parts, therefore more reliability. Low heat. You can always attach a CD/DVD drive via USB. Intel Graphics is solid; no problems there. Plenty of capacity for your needs. And the display is bright. MBA 13 or 11, IMO.

How to use an iMac as a second monitor for an iMac

I have two 21.5 inch iMac's (late 2009) and I want to use one as a second monitor for the other. I have a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort connector but when I connect it to both computers, nothing happens. I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong once they're plugged in or if I have the wrong cable all together. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

Not going to work, the ONLY 2009 / 2010 iMacs that supported Target Display Mode were the 27" models, 21.5" models simply will not work. Please read Apple FAQ on TDM and you will see I am correct.
Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While Neil is correct, Screen Recycler's performance is not that good so the user experience probably will not be worth it.

To use imac 27 late2009 as monitor for macbook pro 13 rethina with thunderbolt cable

when i us a thunderbolt cable from mac book pro rethina to my imac 27 late 2009 nothing happen, even with command F2 i can not use the imac as monitor for the mcbook pro

You have got a problem: your iMac does not detect Thunderbolt cables because it has got Mini DisplayPort instead. However, you can use your iMac as a display for your MacBook Pro.
To do this, you need to get a Mini DisplayPort cable like this one and connect it to your iMac and the MacBook Pro. Then, press Command and F2 keys on your iMac and it will show up as a screen for your MacBook Pro.
For more information about Target Display mode > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3924?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Am I able to use a iMac 27" as a monitor for my MacBook Pro 15" ?

Hi there,
Am I able to use a (mini display) iMac 27" as a secondary monitor for my (thunderbolt) MacBook Pro 15" ?
Are they able to connect to eachother?
Many thanks,
Seppiee

I am under the impression that this kind of set up is not possible. However, there's a Cult of Mac article that talks about the feasability of such set up.

How use iMac G5 as external monitor for MacBook core due

I would like to run iMovie 06 on my MacBook using my iMac G5 as an external monitor? Can I do this?
If so how?
Thanks.

Try ScreenRecycler - VersionTracker or MacUpdate.

Is it possible to use an iMac as an external monitor for a MacBook?

What is the process (if any) to turn off the iMac's system and make it essentially an external monitor for the MacBook?

No, it's not possible. Your iMac simply does not have a "video in" port for the MacBook's "video out" port. While Mike N. (nahyunil)'s option may give the illusion that you have two monitors, it does NOT turn off the system on the iMac. The iMac must be on and fully functional for that option to work.
-Doug

Which external monitor for MacBook Air?

I have a 13" 2012 Macbook Air and want to buy the best monitor I can for my budget, which is around £175. It only has a lightning adaptor.
I've just started a 2 year masters degree and will be doing a lot of working from home, so would like the best quality/size I can afford.
Any personal recommendations?
Thanks in advance!

Actually it's called a Thunderbolt port, and you can use any monitor with a Thunderbolt input. You can also purchase an inexpensive Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter, and use any monitor with an HDMI input. There are many more of them to choose from.
Here is one place to start: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords =hdmi+1080p+monitor&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ahdmi+1080p+monitor
Here is an adapter: http://www.amazon.co.uk/quality-DisplayPort-cable-Apple-MacBook/dp/B00841JTI6/re f=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1412289695&sr=8-6&keywords=thunderbolt+to+hdmi

Using 27'' iMac (2012) as extended monitor for MacBook Air (2012)?

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