Q: Target Display Mode?

OK, I'm trying to get Target Display Mode working, and I cannot get it to do so. I am confused.

I have a MacBook Pro 8.1 (late 2011) running 10.10.5. I've connected it to a 21" iMac (late 2009) running 10.6.8, with a Mini Displayport connector cable. I do Command-F2 on each computer, and NOTHING happens. I can't use either machine to display what's on the screen of the other. Are these not compatible computers? Are these not compatible operating systems? Do I need a Thunderbolt cable? (Is a Thunderbot cable really different than a Mini Displayport cable?

This is a nice feature, but if it works on a highly restricted number of machines, not so much.

One support reference suggests that only 27" iMacs can do this. Is that REALLY true?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Aug 28, 2015 1:43 PM

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Q: Target Display Mode?

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by Niel,

Niel Aug 28, 2015 1:46 PM in response to Dannymac22
Level 10 (314,422 points)

Mac OS X

Aug 28, 2015 1:46 PM in response to Dannymac22

1. The iMac isn’t compatible.
2. No.
3. No.
4. For pre-2011 iMacs, that’s true.

(132498)
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by baltwo,

baltwo Aug 28, 2015 1:49 PM in response to Dannymac22
Level 9 (62,256 points)

Aug 28, 2015 1:49 PM in response to Dannymac22

Peruse https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592 and https://support.apple.com/kb/PH19038. i don't have two machines with this capability, so that's all I can offer.

27" i7 iMac (Mid 2011) refurb, OS X Yo (10.10.5), Mavs, ML & SL, G4 450 MP w/10.5 & 9.2.2
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by Dannymac22,

Dannymac22 Aug 28, 2015 1:53 PM in response to Niel
Level 1 (10 points)

Mac OS X

Aug 28, 2015 1:53 PM in response to Niel

Thanks. So one really needs a 27" iMac? That kinda *****. And you say these aren't compatible operating systems with regard to Target Display Mode? If not, what are? Apple support documents on TDM don't refer to operating systems at all.
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by Niel,

Niel Aug 28, 2015 1:54 PM in response to Dannymac22
Level 10 (314,422 points)

Mac OS X

Aug 28, 2015 1:54 PM in response to Dannymac22

The mid-2011 and newer 21-inch iMacs do support it.

(132501)
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Q: Target Display Mode?

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by Niel,

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by Niel,

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