I have a work laptop connected to a docking station that I would like to send video over to my 2012 iMac. Is this possible? The docking station has ports for VGA, DVI, and displayport and I need to find out a way to get the image from there to the iMac's mini displayport/thunderbolt.
iMac
(the laptop is a PC)
Some Mac with DisplayPort/Thunderbolt support "Target Display Mode", which allows a Mac to become a dumb monitor for another DisplayPort/Thunderbolt capable computer. Not sure if your Mac supports "Target Display Mode" or not. Also not sure if your PC will send the correct signals to enable that.
<Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Apple Support>
You could use Microsoft's Remote Desktop software from your Mac to display the PC's desktop on your Mac (I assume the PC is Windows based).
<https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id715768417?mt=12>
There is a software product called Screen Recycler that may be able to make the Mac into a monitor for the PC
<http://www.screenrecycler.com/ScreenRecycler.html>
Also see: "Air Display"
Thanks @bobharris for the suggestions.
I tried out Air Display but it causes a lag in the screen activity making it impossible to control the cursor.
My network on the PC is through VPN so I don't think that I am able to use Remote Desktop. Previously, this is how I connected, but my work switched us from connecting via Remote Desktop to VPN to my chagrin.
My last resort is to buy a displayport to minidisplayport cable and see if it will work through Target Display Mode....
I use Microsoft's Remote Desktop over a VPN connection without any real problems. I was using it from Florida over a VPN connection during the month of January (I normally work in New Hampshire). Remote Desktop works very well. But your VPN and mileage may vary.
Also Remote desktop just mirrors your Windows display on your Mac. The other utilities and Target Display Mode, turn your Mac into a dumb monitor, which your PC can either Mirror or use as a second monitor.
using iMac as display for laptop PA
