Want to use Dell Laptop/Dock with iMac Display

Question

Want to use Dell Laptop/Dock with iMac Display

Hello, i currently have a MBP and a Work Laptop (Dell with Dock) and i would like to change my MBP to a iMac but i would like to use the same display on the iMac for the laptop dock too.

Is this possible?

I have read a couple of posts and am i right in thinking that there is no way of doing this with the new iMacs or the very new iMacs getting released in Nov/Dec?

Do i need to buy a 2009/2010 iMac and if so, is this easy to hook up?

Thanks

Barry

iPhone 4S, iOS 5.1.1, Mac/iTunes/Match/iPhone 4S.

Posted on Nov 14, 2012 4:49 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,958 points

Nov 14, 2012 5:08 AM in response to barryfromnewcastle

If the Dell has a mini display port you could use it on a 2009/2010 iMac only. If you want to buy a new iMac (2011 or 2012) then you will need another computer besides the Dell that has Thunderbolt. The feature you are asking about Apple calls Target Display Mode and is explained in:

Target Display Mode 2011 Macs

Target Display Mode 2009 & 2010 iMacs

Reply

Answer 2

Nov 14, 2012 6:05 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for that, just as a add on questions,

If i got a 2009/2010 iMac as this seems to suit my situation, once i have it up and running, Mac on and my laptop connected, is it easy to switch between display mode so i can view either when needed?

Thanks

Reply

Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,958 points

Nov 14, 2012 6:14 AM in response to barryfromnewcastle

Your answer is in Target Display Mode 2009 & 2010 iMacs, but yes it's quite simple. My suggestion would be to ditch the PC and use a new Mac or Refurbished Mac (from Apple's online store) with Boot Camp. It's a much more elegant solution that starting with old technology.

Reply

Answer 4

Nov 14, 2012 6:17 AM in response to rkaufmann87

That would be ideal but the PC is a work PC with a lot of security on it. It also has numerous work systems on it so as much as i would love to do your solution, its not really possible.

Thanks

Reply

Answer 5

Nov 15, 2012 11:41 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I just checked my laptop outputs, it does not appear to have a display port out, but the dell dock it sits in does.

Will this just need a display port to mini display port?

Thanks 🙂

Reply

Answer 6

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,958 points

Nov 15, 2012 3:04 PM in response to barryfromnewcastle

Impossible to say unless you try it. The issue is on the Dell side not the iMac, so I'd recommend taking your system down to your local AASP and see if they have a 2009 or 2010 iMac you can test it on.

Reply