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Welcome to Techsurvivors => Tech => Topic started by: jchuzi on March 14, 2022, 08:43:03 AM

Title: Can I use my iMac as a separate display?
Post by: jchuzi on March 14, 2022, 08:43:03 AM
My Late 2014 27" 5K iMac cannot use any OS beyond Big Sur. Although I am not in a hurry to replace it, I would consider a Mac Studio and a separate display. Is there any way to connect my iMac to the Mac Studio and use the iMac as the display? Since the MS will have Monterey (or later) installed, the iMac won't be able to boot from it, so that is not an option. The display of a 24" iMac, although a fine machine, would be disappointing after using the larger 27" one.

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Can I use my iMac as a separate display?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 14, 2022, 09:05:18 AM
Most iMacs cannot be used as a second display. That is touted as an advantage of the Mac Studio; you can (probably) replace the computer without losing the monitor, they are two separate pieces. The disadvantage, of course, is the price.

I'd suggest a search for your specific question making sure to include your iMac model. You my also come across an app that allows some Macs to act as second monitors.
Lastly, you might want to consider a non-Apple monitor that your current Mac can use along with the built-in screen.

I doubt anyone here has any direct experience with the brand new or current hardware you are using. Please let us know what your searches reveal.
Title: Re: Can I use my iMac as a separate display?
Post by: jchuzi on March 14, 2022, 12:52:07 PM
The LiveWire link says it all. My iMac can't do it. I'm in no rush to change my system, especially because SWMBO detests the planned obsolescence that she accuses Apple of. (I make no apology for ending a sentence with a preposition.) Oh well, c'est la vie.  :verysad:  :ohmy:
Title: Re: Can I use my iMac as a separate display?
Post by: Paddy on March 20, 2022, 10:15:14 PM
Well, there is the lovely new 27" 5K Studio Display that Apple announced last week...

I'm hoping my 2018 27" iMac lasts a good long time...
Title: Re: Can I use my iMac as a separate display?
Post by: jchuzi on March 21, 2022, 07:11:19 AM
Quote from: Paddy on March 20, 2022, 10:15:14 PM
Well, there is the lovely new 27" 5K Studio Display that Apple announced last week...

I'm hoping my 2018 27" iMac lasts a good long time...
Your iMac will probably outlast its ability to use whatever OS is current. BTW, neither the Mac Mini nor the Mac Studio comes with keyboard/mouse. So, if you want one of them to go with the 27" Studio Display, you'll have to buy the keyboard/mouse separately. There is a bit of uncertainty that older keyboards will work with Apple Silicon. See this Apple page (https://www.apple.com/us/search/Keyboards?src=globalnav) for specs. Part of my issue is that both my wife and I like the old plastic keyboard that we continue to use since our first Mac. (A phone call to Apple, with two different sales reps, gave conflicting opinions about keyboard compatibility issues.)

To my way of thinking, selling a computer without keyboard/mouse is like selling a car with the tires being optional.  :mad:
Title: Re: Can I use my iMac as a separate display?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 21, 2022, 08:30:57 AM
Quote
two different sales reps, gave conflicting opinions
Obviously, you need to call a third rep. "Two out of three can't be rong!" :p Advice Rule # 73: Always get an odd number of replies.

Intel machines are history.
    All-in-Ones are so 2020!
        Apple Silicon rules!
            Separate pieces means "progress".

I think "No keyboards/mouse (are people still using those?) is just Apple's way of "urging" us to stop throwing 'old' hardware away. Only new function of a keyboard might be touch ID. I'd be really happy if the iOS's had functioning command/option/control keys!! :doh: :Thinking: :clap: :yes:

How does it feel to not be Apple's important demographic? I got used to that a decade ago... :laughhard:
Title: Re: Can I use my iMac as a separate display?
Post by: Paddy on March 21, 2022, 08:53:48 AM
Well, I wouldn't worry about the keyboards...there are oodles of choices out there beyond what Apple offers, and they all work just fine with Apple computers. My sons game (they both have PCs for that, since Apple really doesn't make gaming machines) but before the younger one acquired a PC he had a very fancy gaming keyboard hooked up to his iMac - worked fine. Gamers tend to like the older-style "clacky" keys, btw. They're a very fussy lot - lots of alternatives.

The trouble is - once you've HAD a 5K screen, everything else looks lame. Of course, I've yet to lay eyes on either the 6K Apple pro offering or the Dell 8K option - I'm sure those are lovely too.

Title: Re: Can I use my iMac as a separate display?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 22, 2022, 11:44:27 AM
Luna Display turns a 27-inch iMac into a 5K display
&
Replacing a 27-inch iMac
TidBITS #1603 (https://tidbits.com/issues/1603/) (link @ 10 9:30)! :Devilish:

Very extensive review of how to use an app to let you share an iMac as an external monitor.

Also much more info on a Studio View/iMac replacement conumbrum. :Thinking: