Using iMac G4 as an external display for Mac Pro

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Using iMac G4 as an external display for Mac Pro

I know this question has been answered before.
But this one is slightly different.

I know you cannot normally use the display from an AIO (all-in-one) mac for an external display.
But can you modify the electronics to allow the display to be used from a host computer which supports multiple displays (Mac Pro)?

I don't want to use ScreenRecycler ( http://www.screenrecycler.com/home.html) as the iMac I have in mind is not powerful enough to handle this and play music and video at the same time.

Does anyone know the steps to modify the electronics of the iMac G4 to allow the screen to be an external display for a Mac Pro?

Thanks.

1x MacBook 2.0GHz with random auto-off feature, 1x iMac G5 2.0GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jul 28, 2008 10:25 AM

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Answer 1

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Jul 28, 2008 1:43 PM in response to MacAddict62

Yes it's probably possible but it's massively complex. There are no regulars here who have that knowledge. No-one on MacMod.com appears to know either. In short (and please excuse the stereotype) you need to be a Japanese hobbist with years of experience to get this working. LCDs (even S-IPS panels) are cheap nowadays.

mrtotes

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Answer 2

MacAddict62 Author

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Jul 28, 2008 1:53 PM in response to mrtotes

Thanks!

The stereotyping has no effect on me, but I will add my apologies so that it hurts less if anyone is offended by that comment.

Another idea: Could you remove the innards and screen of the original iMac and place a new screen onto the arm, with a cable coming out of the mac to the Mac Pro?

So, basically, the iMac becomes a stand for a new screen (then the screen could be as big as possible).

Just asking.... my brain won't stop wishing this could happen, you see...

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Answer 3

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Jul 29, 2008 11:01 AM in response to MacAddict62

An articulating VESA mount and a cheap display or this Dell would be far simpler. The iMac G4 20" had to be specially weighted to hold just a 20" panel.

This Dell in particular has a host of display connectors that Apple doesn't offer on it's panels so multiple devices can be connected simultaneously:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=223-4890&cs=19&c=us&l= en&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063

cheers

mrtotes

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Answer 4

MacAddict62 Author

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Jul 29, 2008 11:12 AM in response to mrtotes

Thanks mrtotes.
Great advice, and I'll look into the Dell Monitor.

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