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Q: New 5K iMac not compatible with MBP

New 5K iMac not compatible with MBP

 

Good morning,


I've been using a Mac Book Pro for around 7 years and have had my current machine for 2 years.I have always used an external monitor with my MBP so I can work with two screens, useful as I do a lot of typesetting. I've always just added on a cheap PC monitor which has worked sufficiently. However, recently, I've been thinking of upgrading to a more powerful machine and thought that maybe now was the time to move to a desktop and have this as my primary machine, using the MBP alongside it.

 

When in the shop yesterday (PC World), I specifically asked whether I would use the iMac along side my MBP and use the MBP as an external monitor. I had read on one review that it wasn't possible to use the iMac as a second screen to the MBP but found no evidence of the reverse and was assured it was possible.

 

I have successfully used Migration Assistant to make my new iMac a perfect copy of my MBP using a thunderbolt cable. However, when trying to see the iMac on the MBP I am getting nowhere. They are just not talking to each other. On further research online, I'm seeing that it does indeed look like it's not possible. However, I've just plugged in my 5 year old Compaq monitor to the iMac and have a successful 2 screen configuration.

 

So, am I missing something, has anyone successfully connected their new 5K iMac to their MBP and if so, how?

 

I'm feeling like I've been misold the wrong product, if I'd known this was an issue, I'd have bought the 4k 21" machine, which I believe works perfectly this way (but please correct me if I am wrong)

 

Thanks for any advice.

 

M

iMac with Retina 5K display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)

Posted on Dec 29, 2015 2:32 AM

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Q: New 5K iMac not compatible with MBP

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  • by chroot,

    chroot chroot Dec 29, 2015 2:42 AM in response to NemoPromo
    Level 4 (1,099 points)
    Dec 29, 2015 2:42 AM in response to NemoPromo

    Sounds like you are talking about target display mode.  Target display mode allows the iMac to be used as an external monitor for another computer.  This feature is only available on the iMac computers and not the notebooks.  It's also not available with the new iMac's which have a 5k Retina display.  If someone told you that it was they gave you incorrect information.

     

    Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode - Apple Support

  • by NemoPromo,

    NemoPromo NemoPromo Dec 29, 2015 2:54 AM in response to chroot
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 29, 2015 2:54 AM in response to chroot

    Thanks chroot. I'd feared this was the case, I just don't really understand it when you can use a basic monitor with no problem.

     

    Also, from what you're saying, I'd have the same issue if I bought the earlier 21" model iMac? I specifically want to use the iMac as the primary machine..

     

    Thanks

  • by chroot,

    chroot chroot Dec 29, 2015 3:12 AM in response to NemoPromo
    Level 4 (1,099 points)
    Dec 29, 2015 3:12 AM in response to NemoPromo

    If trying to use the MacBook Pro as a secondary display for an older iMac, then yes, it would be the same case.  However, the iMac should be able to function as an external monitor using Target Disk Mode for the MacBook Pro.

     

    It's not supported on the newer iMacs with Retina displays due to different hardware requirements between the iMac and the notebook computers.

  • by NemoPromo,

    NemoPromo NemoPromo Dec 29, 2015 3:22 AM in response to chroot
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 29, 2015 3:22 AM in response to chroot

    Thanks for clarifying. There's no point a new machine if I'm only going to use it as a monitor.

     

    Frustrating but I'll just have to work round it using my old monitor and keeping all my files on dropbox / iCloud.


    Appreciate your help.

  • by dialabrain,

    dialabrain dialabrain Dec 29, 2015 3:37 AM in response to NemoPromo
    Level 5 (6,386 points)
    Mac App Store
    Dec 29, 2015 3:37 AM in response to NemoPromo

    Part of the reason for dropping Target Display Mode has to do with the move to Skylake chips, USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. It's all more than I'd care to type out. The info is out there.

     

    I happen to own a 5K Retina iMac. It's easily the nicest Mac of any kind I've owned. I can't image giving it up becaue it lacks Target Display Mode.