I have an Intel iMac 27" (2019) and a M1 Mac mini
I would like to connect my M1 Mac Mini to the Intel iMac and use my iMac as display.
I want to avoid the expense of buying a second Studio display for my M1 Mac mini.
I already have a studio display for my new M4 Mac Mini.
Thanks for your help.
[Re-Titled By Moderator]
@tbirdvet is correct. The iMac as a display is not an option that Apple supports.
However, you might consider a third-party solution - Luna Display or Duet Display - though the performance of those options is limited and really not suitable for motion images. And you still will need a proper monitor to set up either of those options.
There are plenty of monitors in the 27" to 32" range that have very fine display characteristics but not the cost of the Apple Studio Display. Check in particular Samsung and LG brands.
@tbirdvet is correct. The iMac as a display is not an option that Apple supports.
However, you might consider a third-party solution - Luna Display or Duet Display - though the performance of those options is limited and really not suitable for motion images. And you still will need a proper monitor to set up either of those options.
There are plenty of monitors in the 27" to 32" range that have very fine display characteristics but not the cost of the Apple Studio Display. Check in particular Samsung and LG brands.
I also vote for a dedicated external monitor. It seems every third-party display solution— and some are expensive— has lag issues. Luna even goes as far as putting this very strongly-worded advisory on their support home page:
The red emphasis is theirs, not mine. To me that says that if you need space to park static pallets and Finder windows, Luna is fine. However, even a Mini used as a secondary computer needs a full-fuction primary display. Luna's disclaimer suggests you can't even watch YouTiube videos on a monitor their tech is driving.
An inexpensive external monitor, even one with minimum bells and whistles, will be easier to set up, offer full display options, and use far less power that an iMac.
Sorry but that is to supported. Need to buy a dedicated monitor.
Thanks for your reply.
Since the M1 Mac mini will not be my primary computer system, what displays can you recommend for it.
It will only be used for reading email and looking at websites using Safari.
I want a monitor that is compatible with the M1 Mac mini and not have to get involved in complicated kludges.
I just want to plug it in and it works.
There are literally scores of displays that will work just fine with your MM. What you need to determine is:
And not necessarily in that order. If you budget about $300-$400 you can get a very decent monitor. However you can also spend as much as $1500 too if you want Apple's 5K display. If you want to look by brand popular monitor brands are:
but again there are others too you may want to consider. Once you narrow down what your needs are then it is easier to narrow down monitor contenders.
The Mac mini supports HDMI video output as well as Thunderbolt and USB-C video outputs. Match the mini with a monitor that accepts any of these as inputs and you'll be good to go. There are lots.
Can I use my Intel iMac as a display for M1 Mac mini?
