Queer mini-DVI Connector on Late 2006 iMac

Question

Queer mini-DVI Connector on Late 2006 iMac

I have a late 2006 (all white) 24" iMac and a new Mac Mini. The Mac Mini runs under Snow Leopard, and has a keyboard and mouse but no monitor. A couple of days ago, I downloaded Lion from the App Store,Thinking it would come as a downloadable file I could put on the Mac Mini. However, App store's distribution process forced me to install Lion on my iMac over Leopard then and there. After installation, I realized most of my regularly relied upon applications, scanner and other items were now obsolete, I knew I was in a predicament. Several days later, I'm forced to reinstall (ugh) SL on my iMac.

I believe it is possible to transfer my SL configuration on the Mac Mini to my iMac by firewire, if I have a monitor connected to the Mac Mini. Since the only monitor I have is the iMac...

My question: 1. Can I use the iMac monitor if I connect it to the Mac Mini? The connectors are HDMI (Mac Mini end) to mini DVI (iMac end).

2. I wouldn't be writing all this if it weren't for the fact that the miniDVI connector on the cable, while it fits the miniDVI connector on the Mac Mini, is totally different from the miniDVI connector that came built-in to the iMac. There's no way these to can fit together. What gives?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on Jul 29, 2011 2:11 PM

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Answer 1

ebinellis

Level 3

685 points

Jul 29, 2011 2:16 PM in response to rabartzfromkeego harbor

Monitor and Display Adapter Table: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3235

are you sure both connections are Mini-DVI?

EE

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Answer 2

Jul 29, 2011 8:28 PM in response to ebinellis

Thanks ebinellis for the link. It sent me searching and I discovered that connector is a video out port:

Apple Support Article: TA23859 iMac (Early 2006): External ports and connectors describes this port's function in exclusively output terms: "Using the Mini-DVI video out port, you can use a compatible DVI display, VGA display or projector in extended desktop or video mirroring mode with the appropriate Apple Mini-DVI adapter." Because it is silent about any video input source, it appears my assumption was mistaken.Seems I'm slated to do another basic install of Snow Leopard and its upgrades. 😢

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