audiofreak955
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: A 2nd monitor for my iMac

Hi there!

 

I've seen in these forums that I'd need to use a mini DVI to DVI or mini DVI to VGA adapter in order to use a 2nd monitor with my iMac. My question is, after I connect the two...do I need to change anything in my settings in order to make it work? My 2nd monitor will be a smaller screen, and I wondered how that would work? Would I find it looks funny, or is it as simple as adjusting the 2nd monitor to the resolution that just looks best?

 

I have an iMac 3.06 Intel Core Duo, running Mac OS X (10.6.8)

 

I'm not super tech savvy, but I can follow directions well, lol. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thank you so much!

 

Chris

iMac 3.06 Intel Core Duo, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 20, 2012 8:37 AM

by X423424X,Solvedanswer
X423424X X423424X
Level 6 (14,237 points)
A:

Your iMac uses a mini-displayport connection.  So use the approprate mini-displayport adapter to your other monitor.  So iif that monitor is 2vi and has a max resolution less than 1920 x 1200 you need a mini-displayport to DVI adapter.  Greater than 1920 x 1200 requires a mini-displayport to dual link dvi adapter.

 

Open the Displays system preferences and if do not see an Arrangement tab (or there is an Arrangement tab that shows only a single monitor) then there is something physically wrong with your connection.  Try clicking Detect Displays just to see if the computer can now sense the presence of the connection.  Check your cables and make sure the mini-displayport plug is pushed firmly in.  Mini-displayport plugs can be a little tricky in that you need to make sure the plug is fully seated in their socket.

 

If you do have an Arrangement tab, and it shows two screens, then click Gather Windows to bring the two Displays preferences on to your main screen if the second monitor is not yet showing an image.  Set the proper resolution.  Set the refresh rate if that preference is also shown.  You should see a image at this point.

 

Keep mirroring off to use both montors in extended display mode.  Use the Displays Arrangment to set the spatial relationship of the two monitors by dragging the little screen images around one another.  Drag the little white menu to change which screen you want as your main monitor.

Posted on Apr 20, 2012 1:45 PM

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audiofreak955

Q: A 2nd monitor for my iMac

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  • Helpful answers

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Apr 20, 2012 8:49 AM in response to audiofreak955
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Apr 20, 2012 8:49 AM in response to audiofreak955

    Go to Apple menu -> About This Mac -> More info: Check the model identifier:

    iMac 8,1 has mini-DVI

    iMac 9,1 and 10,1 have mini-Displayport

    Knowing which you have we can give you more concise advice.

  • by audiofreak955,

    audiofreak955 audiofreak955 Apr 20, 2012 8:56 AM in response to a brody
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 20, 2012 8:56 AM in response to a brody

    Thank you! I have an iMac 9,1

     

    I look forward to your help! Thanks!

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Apr 20, 2012 9:46 AM in response to audiofreak955
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Apr 20, 2012 9:46 AM in response to audiofreak955

    Ok your machine is one generation too old to carry audio over video. Your options are as follows.

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2902

  • by audiofreak955,

    audiofreak955 audiofreak955 Apr 20, 2012 10:25 AM in response to a brody
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 20, 2012 10:25 AM in response to a brody

    Thanks again for the quick reply, however, I am not trying to connect it to a TV. I just want to extend the desktop, so I have more space to work. I just want to be able to see what's on it. Audio can continue to play through my iMac. I may not have been clear that my 2nd monitor would be a computer monitor.

     

    My question is, after I connect a 2nd (computer) monitor...do I need to change anything in my settings in order to make it work? My 2nd monitor will be a smaller screen, and I wondered how that would work? Would I find it looks funny, or is it as simple as adjusting the 2nd monitor to the resolution that just looks best? Will the iMac know a 2nd screen is connected and adjust for me, or do I need to do something?

     

    Thanks!!

  • by X423424X,Solvedanswer

    X423424X X423424X Apr 20, 2012 1:45 PM in response to audiofreak955
    Level 6 (14,237 points)
    Apr 20, 2012 1:45 PM in response to audiofreak955

    Your iMac uses a mini-displayport connection.  So use the approprate mini-displayport adapter to your other monitor.  So iif that monitor is 2vi and has a max resolution less than 1920 x 1200 you need a mini-displayport to DVI adapter.  Greater than 1920 x 1200 requires a mini-displayport to dual link dvi adapter.

     

    Open the Displays system preferences and if do not see an Arrangement tab (or there is an Arrangement tab that shows only a single monitor) then there is something physically wrong with your connection.  Try clicking Detect Displays just to see if the computer can now sense the presence of the connection.  Check your cables and make sure the mini-displayport plug is pushed firmly in.  Mini-displayport plugs can be a little tricky in that you need to make sure the plug is fully seated in their socket.

     

    If you do have an Arrangement tab, and it shows two screens, then click Gather Windows to bring the two Displays preferences on to your main screen if the second monitor is not yet showing an image.  Set the proper resolution.  Set the refresh rate if that preference is also shown.  You should see a image at this point.

     

    Keep mirroring off to use both montors in extended display mode.  Use the Displays Arrangment to set the spatial relationship of the two monitors by dragging the little screen images around one another.  Drag the little white menu to change which screen you want as your main monitor.

  • by audiofreak955,

    audiofreak955 audiofreak955 Apr 20, 2012 1:52 PM in response to X423424X
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 20, 2012 1:52 PM in response to X423424X

    This is great info, thank you! I really appreciate it! I like the fact that I can set the resolution in the arrangement preferences. That's a nice feature. I was worried it would look weird, especially if I am going to be using a smaller screen as my 2nd monitor.

     

    I feel like I have enough to be able to make it work! Thanks so much! I'll keep all this handy as I get it set up!

  • by X423424X,

    X423424X X423424X Apr 20, 2012 2:24 PM in response to audiofreak955
    Level 6 (14,237 points)
    Apr 20, 2012 2:24 PM in response to audiofreak955

    It will look weird if you try to mirror them.  Try it to see for yourself.  The screen size in mirroring uses the smallest screen size in the mirrored set.

  • by mnaseersj,

    mnaseersj mnaseersj Jan 11, 2013 5:40 PM in response to a brody
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 11, 2013 5:40 PM in response to a brody

    Hi, I have iMac 8,1 and am trying to find out if I can use it as an external monitor display only which I want to plug into a Mac Mini which I am thinking of purchasing if this combination is possible, and I would grately appreciate if you could kindly help me fathem this out please.