Using MacBook Pro as a second screen for my? 2020 iMac

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Using MacBook Pro as a second screen for my? 2020 iMac

I have a 2018 MBP (MPXQ2B/A MacBook Pro 13" (Mid 2017) - Core i5 2.3GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD), running Mojave. I have a new iMac running Catalina. I would like to use the MBP intermittently as a second monitor for my iMac. Is that possible? I can physically link them with a thunderbolt cable I already have (used for charging the MBP), but I get the message “ Cannot use Thunderbolt Accessory. Connect accessory to a Thunderbolt port on this Mac.” Thoughts and advice appreciated.

Posted on Apr 8, 2020 2:49 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 9, 2020 10:30 AM in response to Bill-Ravenshead

"Legacy" display interfaces {Analog VGA, DVI, and HDMI} include the "heartbeat" refresh required for use with a CRT. That is, the entire screen data, changed or not is set incessantly every refresh period (60th second). With adapters, you can use whatever display you choose.

DisplayPort family (and ThunderBolt and USB-C) native displays have a screen buffer in the display. When the display stops changing, the link goes quiet, resulting in less power used to run the display, and cooler and quieter operation. DisplayPort family displays are superior.

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Answer 2

Apr 9, 2020 1:53 AM in response to Bill-Ravenshead

PS I'd never heard of DisplayPort before. I've looked it up online. As I only plan to use the second monitor for documents, not videos or gaming etc., am I right that a Thunderbolt to HDMI would do the trick? (I have tested it on a TV monitor and it does work). Or would I need/ would it be better to buy a cable (which I presume would be a Thunderbolt iMac output to a Displayport socket) and then use an HDMI cable from that to the monitor HDMI socket? Phew!

Many thanks.

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Answer 3

Apr 9, 2020 1:36 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

That's very helpful and helps me to move forward. I found it difficult to get an answer from other online sources, and I don't think that was just down to my stupidity!

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Answer 4

Apr 9, 2020 11:24 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Many thanks.

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Answer 5

Apr 8, 2020 3:01 PM in response to Bill-Ravenshead

Sorry, NO.

There are no display inputs on a MacBook Pro. It cannot be used directly as a display.

Use a TV set. Or buy a real display. DisplayPort family input is vastly preferable.

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Using MacBook Pro as a second screen for my? 2020 iMac

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