Using MacBook Pro display for another computer, is this possible?

I have a MacBook Pro and an older Dell tower, i would like to see if I can use an input on the MacBook Pro to view my desktop on the Dell without the use of another monitor clogging up my workspace. Im thinking firewire or something.... i don't know.... Thanks.
PowerMac G5, PowerMac G4, iMac G3 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

You cannot use a display built into a Mac as a monitor for another machine, as no Mac has a video-in port. You may be able to get a workable configuration by installing a VNC server on the PC and then using a VNC client on the MacBook Pro such as this one to control it.
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Using macbook pro + logic for live - what to consider

so i just received the macbook pro which I will use live with logic for playing back bounced audio tracks, audio instruments and live inputs + effects.
I want to avoid (if possible) an additional external drive in order to keep the setup simple.
I`m thinking of partitioning the internal drive into two parts and use one partition for the audio material.
Or is it maybe better to keep the whole drive as one partition (80GB)?
Any further suggestions? e.g. Which os do you think is more stable 4.6. or 4.7?

Hi. I use my MBP live for Ivory Grand piano sounds and occasional backing tracks with live piano. I suggest you set it all up and suck and see. You will quickly get an idea of what will and won't work. Set up a scenario where it is doing a fair bit more work than you anticipate it doing live, and then you will be confident of it doing what you want it to do.
Partioning a hard drive just means that the same single hard drive is trying to split it's attention to two places at once, and so will probably give worse performance. It is no real big deal to carry a small firewire drive these days. By the time you have plugged in MIDI interfaces and cable, an extra firewire cable will not make much difference. Samples stream much faster from an external drive. Audio should play back just fine from the internal hard drive.
I am using 10.4.7 and I don't seem to be having any problems so far, touch wood.

Hi guys, I am using Macbook pro 17" for last 1 year... recently for the last 4-5 monts i am experiencing 2 unusual problems with the videos. first is that when I run videos on full volume it starts giving jerks and break ups.....

hi guys,
2 display/video isssues
1) when videos played with full volume, it starks giving jerks and breaks
2) some times when i play videos it gives glitches althougs the videos are clean when played on another computer.
please let me know and help out guys.

A Question...
How much Free Disc Space do you have on your Hard Drive...?

Playback stutters on MacBook Pro, not on another computer

Hi,
I have a strange problem with QT's exported from QT player PRO. The base file is a 1280x720 HD QT in Apple ProRes which I exported in H264 640x360. When I playback the exported movie it stutters (jumps back and forth rappidly). No, it's not a fieldorder issue, because the original file is progressive. It's actually a cool effect, but very unwanted The strange thing is when I copy the same file to another Mac it plays back fine. Any clues?
Tijs

Sorry, some extra info: I use QT Pro 7.6 and already tried to re-instal.

MACBOOK PRO ASKS FOR PIN TO UNLOCK THIS

I bought macbook pro from some one and I was not aware that it can be stolen macbook because bag and original charger was with mac,so my question is that I used 3 days and the owner has blocked the mac because whenever I turn on there is a msg enter pin to unlock this computer,,,is there anybody can give best salution to unlock this or how i can install new OS? THANKS

So you want to keep a stolen machine that the rightful owner has locked remotely to prevent its use?
You will not get any help here.....
Try taking it back to your "friend" and ask for your money back.

I want to view the screen of my dslr camera in live view on my macbook pro via the hdmi port, is this possible?

I would like to view the output from my DSLR on the screen of my macbook using the hdmi port. I know I can connect to a tv to send images "out" from my macbook, but is it possible ti send images in?? I operate my camera by remote control, and would really live a live view if possible.
Thank

Nope - you can only output video from your MBP - there's not a port for input.
Clinton

Can i use a thunderbolt display for my macbook pro and hp laptop with windows 7 and what adapters will i need

Can i use a thunderbolt display for my macbook pro and hp laptop with windows 7 and what adapters will i need

Hi jayhrab,
Currently, the system requirements listed for an Apple Thunderbolt Display are:
Thunderbolt-enabled Mac computer, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac
OS X v10.6.8 or later
Apple - Thunderbolt Display - Read the tech specs.
Regards,
- Brenden

Using MacBook Pro as a display for external media via Thunderbolt/Displayport

How do I enable Thunderbolt display input via HDMI to use my MacBook Pro late 2011 as a display for other media? I have HDMI connected by a rocketfish adaptor and their company website Q and A seems to indicate this should work.

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
You cannot use a MacBook Pro as an external display. To do this, you need that Target Display mode is included in the firmware, and this is only available on iMacs.
However, you can still use your MacBook Pro as an external display for another Mac by using ScreenRecycler

I bought a used macbook pro from a friend. Software updates are available, but when I try to update, the computer asks for apple id and will only accept the former owner´s. How can I connect my macbook to my apple id?

I bought a used macbook pro from a friend. Software updates are available, but when I try to update, the computer asks for apple id and will only accept the former owner´s. How can I connect my macbook to my apple id?

The first thing you should do after acquiring a used computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. How you do that depends on the model. Look it up on this page to see what version was originally installed.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard installation disc, which you can get from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller — not from eBay or anything of the kind.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the gray installation discs that came with it. If you don't have the discs, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To boot from an optical disc, insert it, then reboot and hold down the C key at the startup chime. Release the key when you see the gray Apple logo on the screen.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, it should boot into Internet Recovery mode when you hold down the key combination option-command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a spinning globe.
Once booted from the disc or in Internet Recovery, launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the internal drive — not any of the volume icons nested beneath it. In the Partition tab, select the default options: a GUID partition table with one data volume in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. This operation will permanently remove all existing data on the drive, which is what you should do.
After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. When the installation is done, the system will automatically reboot into the Setup Assistant, which will prompt you to transfer the data from another Mac, its backups, or from a Windows computer. If you have any data to transfer, this is usually the best time to do it.
You should then run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. If you want to upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, buy it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the previous owner. He or she can't legally transfer it to you, and without the Apple ID you won't be able to update it in Software Update or reinstall, if that becomes necessary. The same goes for any App Store products that the previous owner installed — you have to repurchase them.

I am trying to import songs to my new macbook pro from my old computer using home sharing. Both computers say that home sharing is now on but neither show up in each other's library menu. I am logged on with the same apple id for both computers.

I am trying to import songs to my new macbook pro from my old computer using home sharing. Both computers say that home sharing is now on but neither show up in each other's library menu. I am logged on with the same apple id for both computers. and both are on a stable wireless connection

Logging into itunes store on each machine wth different Apple IDs is OK Autorising each others machines with the other Apple ID is OK. This is completley separate from Home Sharing
For Home Sharing to work you need to
File > Home Sharing > Create Home Share.
You need to select one of the two Apple IDs you are using and ENTER THIS ON BOTH MACHINES WHEN CREATING THE HOME SHARE.
Home sharing will then work

How can i copy files from one external hard disk to another using macbook pro with retina display

How can i copy files from one external hard drive to another using macbook pro with retina display?

That's odd - if you open Disk Utility (Applications->Utilities) and select the disk(s), how are they formatted? If you're only going to be used with your Mac, they should be formatted as "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)".
Clinton

I have just purchased a used MacBook Pro. Should I use a virus protection program on this computer? I can get Norton for free through my cable provider. Thanks, funkro

I have just purchased a used MacBook Pro. Should I use a virus protection program on this computer? I can get Norton for free through my cable provider. Thanks, funkro

See my Mac Malware Guide.
This issue is more complex than some of the responses you have gotten are indicating. You definitely should avoid Norton, but there actually IS malware out there, and all anti-virus software is NOT "snake oil." Don't listen to anyone who tells you otherwise, as they don't know what they're talking about.
Although you should be able to do without anti-virus software just fine, there are some perfectly good reasons to install it and some good anti-virus apps to use if you decide to do so. Further, even if you do avoid anti-virus software, you need to understand what the threats are so you don't end up thinking you're totally safe and do something you shouldn't.

Do i have to charge my replacement macbook pro batter for a certain amount of time before using the computer?

do i have to charge my replacement macbook pro batter for a certain amount of time before using the computer?

First, if you have a Late 2008 or older MacBook Pro, you should calibrate the battery, as the battery for these MacBooks don't come precalibrated > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1490?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
Then, the battery should come charged, so use it until the battery percentage is low, and then, charge it. You can use your Mac while your battery is being charged, and your MacBook will stop charging the battery when your battery is full, so you can unplug it at any moment

HT1338 Purchased a used macbook pro with Mountain Lion. My old Mac runs Snow Leopard is backed up to Time machine. How do I register the operating system to me and how do I use Time Machine to move my files to the new used computer?

Purchased a used macbook pro with Mountain Lion. My old Mac runs Snow Leopard is backed up to Time machine. How do I register the operating system to me and how do I use Time Machine to move my files to the new used computer?

If you look at the User Tips tab, you will find a write up on just this subject:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4053
The subject of buying/selling a Mac is quite complicated. Here is a guide to the steps involved. It is from the Seller's point of view, but easily read the other way too:
SELLING A MAC A
Internet Recovery, and Transferability of OS & iLife Apps
Selling an Old Mac:
• When selling an old Mac, the only OS that is legally transferable is the one that came preinstalled when the Mac was new. Selling a Mac with an upgraded OS isn't doing the new owner any favors. Attempting to do so will only result in headaches since the upgraded OS can't be registered by the new owner. If a clean install becomes necessary, they won't be able to do so and will be forced to install the original OS via Internet Recovery. Best to simply erase the drive and revert back to the original OS prior to selling any Mac.
• Additionally, upgrading the OS on a Mac you intend to sell means that you are leaving personally identifiable information on the Mac since the only way to upgrade the OS involves using your own AppleID to download the upgrade from the App Store. So there will be traces of your info and user account left behind. Again, best to erase the drive and revert to the original OS via Internet Recovery.
Internet Recovery:
• In the event that the OS has been upgraded to a newer version (i.e. Lion to Mountain Lion), Internet Recovery will offer the version of the OS that originally came with the Mac. So while booting to the Recovery Disk will show Mountain Lion as available for reinstall since that is the current version running, Internet Recovery, on the other hand, will only show Lion available since that was the OS shipped with that particular Mac.
• Though the Mac came with a particular version of Mac OS X, it appears that, when Internet Recovery is invoked, the most recent update of that version may be applied. (i.e. if the Mac originally came with 10.7.3, Internet Recovery may install a more recent update like 10.7.5)
iLife Apps:
• When the App Store is launched for the first time it will report that the iLife apps are available for the user to Accept under the Purchases section. The user will be required to enter their AppleID during the Acceptance process. From that point on the iLife apps will be tied to the AppleID used to Accept them. The user will be allowed to download the apps to other Macs they own if they wish using the same AppleID used to Accept them.
• Once Accepted on the new Mac, the iLife apps can not be transferred to any future owner when the Mac is sold. Attempting to use an AppleID after the apps have already been accepted using a different AppleID will result in the App Store reporting "These apps were already assigned to another Apple ID".
• It appears, however, that the iLife Apps do not automatically go to the first owner of the Mac. It's quite possible that the original owner, either by choice or neglect, never Accepted the iLife apps in the App Store. As a result, a future owner of the Mac may be able to successfully Accept the apps and retain them for themselves using their own AppleID. Bottom Line: Whoever Accepts the iLife apps first gets to keep them.
SELLING A MAC B
Follow these instructions step by step to prepare a Mac for sale:
Step One - Back up your data:
A. If you have any Virtual PCs shut them down. They cannot be in their "fast saved" state. They must be shut down from inside Windows.
B. Clone to an external drive using using Carbon Copy Cloner.
1. Open Carbon Copy Cloner.
2. Select the Source volume from the Select a source drop down menu on the left side.
3. Select the Destination volume from the Select a destination drop down menu on the right
side.
4. Click on the Clone button. If you are prompted about creating a clone of the Recovery HD be
sure to opt for that.
Destination means a freshly erased external backup drive. Source means the internal
startup drive.
Step Two - Prepare the machine for the new buyer:
1. De-authorize the computer in iTunes! De-authorize both iTunes and Audible accounts.
2, Remove any Open Firmware passwords or Firmware passwords.
3. Turn the brightness full up and volume nearly so.
4. Turn off File Vault, if enabled.
5. Disable iCloud, if enabled: See.What to do with iCloud before selling your computer
Step Three - Install a fresh OS:
A. Snow Leopard and earlier versions of OS X
1. Insert the original OS X install CD/DVD that came with your computer.
2. Restart the computer while holding down the C key to boot from the CD/DVD.
3. Select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu; repartition and reformat the internal hard drive.
Optionally, click on the Security button and set the Zero Data option to one-pass.
4. Install OS X.
5. Upon completion DO NOT restart the computer.
6. Shutdown the computer.
B. Lion and Mountain Lion (if pre-installed on the computer at purchase*)
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because
it is three times faster than wireless.
1. Restart the computer while holding down the COMMAND and R keys until the Mac OS X
Utilities window appears.
2. Select Disk Utility from the Mac OS X Utilities window and click on the Continue button.
3. After DU loads select your startup volume (usually Macintosh HD) from the left side list. Click
on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
4. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Optionally, click on the Security button
and set the Zero Data option to one-pass.
5. Click on the Erase button and wait until the process has completed.
6. Quit DU and return to the Mac OS X Utilities window.
7. Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion and click on the Install button.
8. Upon completion shutdown the computer.
*If your computer came with Lion or Mountain Lion pre-installed then you are entitled to transfer your license once. If you purchased Lion or Mountain Lion from the App Store then you cannot transfer your license to another party. In the case of the latter you should install the original version of OS X that came with your computer. You need to repartition the hard drive as well as reformat it; this will assure that the Recovery HD partition is removed. See Step Three above. You may verify these requirements by reviewing your OS X Software License.

Using MacBook Pro as a monitor for video camera using HDMI

I want to connect my Canon 70D to HDMI port on MacBook Pro so that I can use the MacBook Pro as a monitor while shooting video with the camera? AppleCare unable to provide a solution. Is there a way to do this....and/or an app for that?

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
You cannot use a MacBook Pro as an external display. To do this, you need that Target Display mode is included in the firmware, and this is only available on iMacs.
However, you can still use your MacBook Pro as an external display for another Mac by using ScreenRecycler

Using MacBook Pro display for another computer, is this possible?

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