This is a 2007 model that is about to die! I can't afford a new computer so I want to get a Mac Mini to attach to this OSX, use it as a monitor, keyboard and mouse. I'm a senior citizen and don't do anything on the computer except Google search, email and facebook, so I need very little. Can you tell me if I can do as I described above or what might I do to replace this old girl!!??
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iMac, OS X 10.11
Unfortunately, you cannot use the 2007 iMac as a display for any other computer.
Since funds are limited, I think your best option is buy a refurbished Mac mini direct from Apple (or other respected Apple reseller). A new monitor can be purchased for ~$100 or so. Continue to use your current keyboard and mouse.
Please visit > https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac
Unfortunately, you cannot use the 2007 iMac as a display for any other computer.
Since funds are limited, I think your best option is buy a refurbished Mac mini direct from Apple (or other respected Apple reseller). A new monitor can be purchased for ~$100 or so. Continue to use your current keyboard and mouse.
Please visit > https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac
The "why" is in the hardware and software requirements for Target Display Mode (TDM) shown in this Apple support article:
Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
2007 iMacs never supported TDM.
At $589, this M1 Mac mini is the lowest priced Mac on the list at the moment.
It only has 8GB of Unified memory. That's a little thin in my book, but it'll get the job done today for the limited use you describe. Others will likely have a different idea of the Mac mini you should get. I rarely recommend the lowest tier of any Mac - or anything else, for that matter. I'll usually suggest a step up for the sake of a wee bit of future proofing.
Macs come and go from the list constantly. If there isn't something that pushes your buttons now, look again tomorrow or in a few days. Your planned use is not demanding at all, and any Mac can do those things.
I had a Mac Mini M1 with 8GB RAM and it ran great even doing some video rendering. RAM on M1 Mac is much more efficient than RAM on Intel Mac. You should be fine with the 8GB and I would get 512GB SSD.
Okay, darn!! since I only do Facebook, email and Google search, what Mac Mini do you suggest I get?
I notice a lot of Apple products are refurbished. I'm not crazy about anything used. I don't buy used cars, used clothing, etc...so I wondered what your opinion is??
Can I use a 2007 iMac as a display for any other computer?
