Qalaska wrote:
Can I use my iMac (PowerPC G5 2.1 GHz, Build 9L31a, Serial # W855104UTAR, VERSION 10.5.8) as a monitor with new Mac mini.
If yes, how to do it?
YES!
You either must use a monitor to initially set up the Mac Mini, or use Target Mode to boot into its hard disk, and create these settings, but:
You turn on Screen Sharing in the Sharing panel in System Preferences in the Mac Mini. In my case I also give my Mac Mini a fixed IP with DHCP with Manual Address in the Network panel.
Then you boot your iMac and in the Finder in the GO menu to Connect to Server... and enter: "vnc://192.168.0.148" but replace 192.168.0.148 with your Manual Address for your Mac Mini. You log in with your name and password for the Mac Mini and your Mac Mini will now appear in its own window.
Go to Full Screen and now you can running your Mac Mini with your iMac's keyboard, mouse and monitor.
I have been using my mid-2011 Mac Mini in this fashion since I purchased it.
As a backup, I have an HDMI cable connected from my Mac Mini to my HDTV to allow for "monitor viewing" when and if needed.
I have an older Mac Mini running Snow Leopard as part of my home entertainment center, and with its own IP, I also control it in this fashion without a monitor (although I can "view" it on my HDTV through its component video input, when needed).
This is known as a "headless" mac mini.
In my case, instead of an iMac, I use my MacBook Pro.