Q: The value of the HDMI port?

PlotinusVeritas wrote:

 

by using target display mode

 

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3924

 

http://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials/using-an-imac-as-a-second-monitor-in-tar get-display-mode--mac-51833

I will give that a try. On the one hand, using a perfectly good iMac just as a monitor seems somewhat of a waste. On the other hand, the fact that it is also a perfectly good iMac which I can simultaneously have in case I need a backup probably makes it worthwhile. Especially since the specs of the new MBP are actually better than the iMac: better cpu, more RAM, SSD instead of HD, etc. It would be interesting trying.

I know I can't use the 24" 2007 iMac as a display because it doesn't have an port for that. So maybe I'll try to sell that.

Thanks,

doug

Hmm... According to that support page my 21.5" late 2009 iMac might not qualify. It says,

iMac (27-inch Late 2009)

But it doesn't say anything about the 21.5-inch late 2009 iMacs. Yet in the back of my iMac I do see a port, next to the firewire port, with a monitor mark on it.

doug

Yes, I've confirmed that. While both the late 2009 21.5" and 27" iMac have mini monitor ports, only the 27" model support "Target Monitor" mode. So I have nothing at the moment that is usable as an external monitor for the new MBP that is coming.

That's too bad. I would like to use the MBP more than just a portable, since it has great specs.

Right now I have two iMacs:

1. My late 2009 21.5"

2. A 2007 24" iMac I inherited from somebody

Maybe the solution is to sell the 24", which is my current backup computer, and use the money to get a separate monitor. Then use my current 2009 iMac as my backup computer.

Or sell both and get a new iMac that supports target display mode! Then it could be my monitor most of the time, and a backup computer when I need it.

It seems a waste sort of to use a computer as just a monitor in any case though.

Oh well.

doug

PlotinusVeritas wrote:

 

Easier would be to sell the 2007 and buy a nice 27" monitor

Yes, I'm thinking so too. First in, first out and all that. And I never ever use it. I tested screen sharing in Mavericks just before, but all that does is let me see that screen on my 2009 iMac in a finder window and control it, like I can do with iMessages (but with less lag).

I'll check around for good monitors. It seems wasteful to spend $1,000 on an Apple monitor. There must be decent ones for this purpose in the few hundred dollar range.

Then I'll still have this nice iMac 2009 for backup.

Too bad about the target display mode though. I guess there are no 3rd-party-gizmo workarounds?

doug

PlotinusVeritas wrote:

 

best for money would be LG or Samsung, $199 as I recently recall for either, Im typing on one now.

 

The Apple monitors are LG mfg.  (last time I had one apart).

Well, this person is dropping by Akihabara tomorrow to check out the monitors at Yodobashi Camera. Yours is a 27"? Decent ppi?

That would be humongous in my tiny office room in my Japanese house, but might be fun.

doug

PlotinusVeritas wrote:

 

best for money would be LG or Samsung, $199 as I recently recall for either, Im typing on one now.

 

The Apple monitors are LG mfg.  (last time I had one apart).

I see that this 23" LG IPS (you said IPS was best, right?) monitor is just ¥14,000. That's less that $140, including tax.

http://www.yodobashi.com/LG%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AC%E3%82%AF%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E3%83%8 B%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9-%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AB%E3%82%B8%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AC%E3%82 %AF%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E3%83%8B%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9-23EA53VQ-P-23%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3 %E3%83%81-IPS%E3%83%91%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB%E6%90%AD%E8%BC%89/pd/100000001001684670 /

It's also larger than my current iMac. Anyway, it looks like there are lots of LG IPS choices at Akihabara. It seems useful to have.

Do you use yours as a 2nd screen? Or in "closed clamshell mode" with an external keyboard and trackpad?

I wonder what the resolution is.

Big question of the day: work or go shopping?

doug

That's the same one you have? Interesting. So how do you use the monitor if not as a 2nd monitor? In mirrored mode with the MacBook shut?

Retired at 32, eh? Well, it must be nice. I don't know if I'll be able to retire at 70. But I do plan to have all my mortgages paid off while I'm still in my 60s.

What's the resolution of that monitor?

I think I'll sell my 24" iMac 2007 (4 GB RAM, running Mavericks) at an auction site. And then I'll use this iMac 21.5" 2009 model as a backup. It's sort of a waste as a backup though. It probably still has enough value that if I sell it I could probably get a MacBook Air as a backup and take up less space.

A 4.5 tatami size computer room is small.

Thanks,

doug

This 27" LG also looks good, for only $230. If I order today it will arrive today it says (if you live inside Tokyo).

http://www.yodobashi.com/LG%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AC%E3%82%AF%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E3%83%8 B%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9-%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AB%E3%82%B8%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AC%E3%82 %AF%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E3%83%8B%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9-27EA53VQ-P-27%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3 %E3%83%81-IPS%E3%83%91%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB%E6%90%AD%E8%BC%89/pd/100000001001684672 /

doug

I see. I've done that before. I am not sure given my desk space situation whether that will work well or not. I'll have to try different arrangements..

Here are the specs on the 27" model:

http://www.lg.com/hk_en/monitors/lg-27EA53VQ

Looks good. If I order within the next 16 minutes they can guarantee same day, free delivery. But I really ought to see it in person I thing before ordering.

I wonder if I will need an HDMI connecting cable or if it comes with it. Best to drop by the store to find out. Looks very nice though.

Thanks,

doug

I'm at the store now and the HP looks extremely nice. More vibrant than the LG. But they don't have larger ones than 21". Now that I'm seeing the 27" ones I like them. But the store is much larger than my office. :)

The HDMI cable is extra. I assume the HDMI port on the MBP is a standard size, right?

Doug