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NYOUNG75

Q: iMac shared/extended/dual display issues  - iMac 2009 with iMac 2013

Hello, I have an early 2009 iMac (24 inch) and recently bought a 2013 (27 inch). The old iMac works fine, I'm just looking for something faster. However I would like to use the old iMac in a shared/dual display capability. is this possible?

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Dec 22, 2013 4:44 AM

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Q: iMac shared/extended/dual display issues  - iMac 2009 with iMac 2013

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  • by mende1,

    mende1 mende1 Dec 22, 2013 4:47 AM in response to NYOUNG75
    Level 10 (93,314 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 22, 2013 4:47 AM in response to NYOUNG75

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities

     

    Only 27-inch iMacs and Thunderbolt iMacs can use Target Display mode, so they can be used as external displays. As your old iMac is not a 27-inch one or a Mid 2011 or newer one, you cannot use it as an external display with a cable.

     

    Instead, another way of using your old iMac as an external display for your new iMac is by using ScreenRecycler. It does the same, but you need to have both computers connected to the same network