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2009 iMac 21" as an external display

I have a 21" iMac (the late 2009 model, 3.06GHz core duo, running 10.6.8) that I'd like to use as an external display for a MacBook Pro 15" Retina (running 10.8.2). I purchased a Monoprice Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable and connected the computers via one of the Thunderbolt Ports on the MacBook and the Mini DisplayPort on the back of the iMac. Pressing Command-F2 on the iMac doesn't appear to work, though.

I found several references to the 27" iMac, including this KB: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT3924 ... but no specific mentions of the 21" iMac. In theory, it should be the same bi-directional port on both iMac models. So either it isn't and it will never work, or the $10 cable is sub-par. Has anyone connected the 21" iMac as an external monitor successfully?

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities

21'5-inch iMac can't be used as a monitor, although 27-inch iMacs and iMacs with Thunderbolt can work as monitor

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities

21'5-inch iMac can't be used as a monitor, although 27-inch iMacs and iMacs with Thunderbolt can work as monitor

Use a product such as ScreenRecycler; all of these products work over a network connection.

(72981)

Only 2010 and later models support Target Display Mode as far as I am aware. It's possible the 27" model may work, but neither model had a Thunderbolt port in 2009.

Thanks! Guess I'm stuck with a cheap DisplayPort cable I'll give ScreenRecycler a look. Hopefully, it's reasonably fast over wired Ethernet.

None of those solutions are very fast. If you wish to spend money go to Matrox.com who sell devices that work over USB and are a bit faster than Ethernet.

Is there any reason why iMac (27-inch, Late 2009) cannot be used as a monitor?

最後更新：2017-09-01 16:18:02

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