2008 iMac - Target Display Mode?

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2008 iMac - Target Display Mode?

Hi! I am a little confused it looks like newer versions of the iMac 2009+ support target display mode but I can't find any info on older iMacs. I have a 2008 iMac that has a mini DVI on the back and a 2010 MacBook Pro with mini displayport. My question can I use the iMac as a monitor for my MacBook Pro? Can I take a mini displayport cable to DVI and a DVI to mini DVI to the back of the iMac? Or is the mini DVI on the back of the iMac an output only? If so does it allow you to use a second monitor?

Thanks!

Guy

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.1), 4 GB RAM

Posted on Sep 26, 2011 7:31 AM

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Answer 1

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captfred

Level 7

26,422 points

Sep 26, 2011 7:35 AM in response to guystephens

Target mode display was introduced with the late 2009 iMacs 27". Earlier Macs don't support it.

Regards,

Captfred

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Answer 2

guystephens Author

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Sep 26, 2011 7:38 AM in response to captfred

Thanks for the quick response - that's what I was afraid of. So the mini DVI on the back of the iMac is an output? You could run a second monitor from this iMac?

Guy

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Answer 3

captfred

Level 7

26,422 points

Sep 26, 2011 7:44 AM in response to guystephens

Yes, it's output only. You can run a second monitor by buying the appropriate adapter, Mini DVI to HDMI or DVI etc. and then connecting directly to the monitor.

Captfred

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Answer 4

guystephens Author

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Sep 26, 2011 7:48 AM in response to captfred

Thanks Captfred! Think I need a new iMac - amazing how quickly gear gets outdated!

Guy

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Answer 5

captfred

Level 7

26,422 points

Sep 26, 2011 8:04 AM in response to guystephens

I figure every 3-4 years. It's not that the old ones don't work, the new ones just add new features I want.. 😉

Captfred

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Answer 6

guystephens Author

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Sep 26, 2011 8:12 AM in response to captfred

I hear you - I'm trying to make it 4 (at a little over 3 right now) because I have some camera gear I want to buy first. My iMac has been crawling a bit lately especially when running Aperture. Just did a fresh Lion install this weekend and it seems to have improved. Was thinking about getting a super beefy Mac Mini and a 27" Cinema Display instead of an iMac next time - that way I can upgrade sooner and not feel so bad about it. Keep the Cinema Display and replace the Mac Mini every 3. Else bite the bullet and get a Mac Pro - but not sure I want a giant cheese grater 🙂

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