Can I use my older mac as a dual monitor?

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Level 1

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Can I use my older mac as a dual monitor?

I just bought a 2021 iM MacBook Pro with all the bells and whistles so I can teach online without a hitch. Prior to this new computer I used a 2014 MacBook Air and used an HDMI cable to use a tv as a second monitor. I don't need such a large device in my room, can I use my old mac as the dual monitor and get rid of tv?

If so, how? What cables (if any) do I need? Any programs, apps or extensions that will work?

I love having the extra monitor to keep an eye on kiddos working online while I teach using the new mac.

Thank you in advance.

MacBook Air

Posted on Feb 15, 2021 8:47 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 15, 2021 10:14 AM in response to neuroanatomist

neuroanatomist--

Luna Display is a hardware dongle, sells for about US$70, and allows you to connect certain Macs with certain other devices.

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Answer 2

mikellg Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 15, 2021 10:20 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you, it looks like it works with ipad and laptop, I use my ipad for something else during instruction. I will probably stick with the TV monitor. I actually just need a smaller one (mine was unused at home and is pretty large and blocks my view of 1/2 classroom. I thought sure there was a way to make two macs sync easily to monitor on one and work on the other. Oh well...

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Answer 3

Feb 15, 2021 10:45 AM in response to mikellg

If you want the SAME picture to appear in a window on the other computer's display, that can be accomplished easily through:

System Preferences > sharing > screen sharing

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Many teachers are using a projector in the classroom, which is simply a special case of an external display.

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Answer 4

Feb 15, 2021 8:58 AM in response to mikellg

You cannot use a Mac notebook as an external display by simply connecting them.

There’s a software solution that I haven’t tried, Luna Display.

https://shop.astropad.com/

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Answer 5

Feb 15, 2021 10:02 AM in response to mikellg

My advice is to use the correct tool for the job. Use a TV or external monitor.

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Answer 6

mikellg Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 15, 2021 10:18 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

Thank you.

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Answer 7

Feb 15, 2021 11:13 AM in response to mikellg

Luna Display claims to work Mac-to-Mac. Personally, though, I agree with @BobTheFisherman – I’d just get a cheap, small HD monitor. There’s an HP V20 HD+ Monitor | 19.5-inch on Amazon for $80.

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Can I use my older mac as a dual monitor?

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