HT201541: Update the software on your Mac

Learn about Update the software on your Mac
readingteacher
Level 1 (4 points)
Mac OS X

Q: can I connect a mac mini to existing imac?

I have an iMac 10.4 with a perfectly good display, but i am not able to upgrade it anymore. I am wondering if I can connect a mac mini to it and upgrade using my iMac display and keyboard.

iMac G5, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Jun 22, 2016 1:55 PM

Close
readingteacher

Q: can I connect a mac mini to existing imac?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by jameson.h,Helpful

    jameson.h jameson.h Jun 23, 2016 6:48 PM in response to readingteacher
    Community Specialists
    Jun 23, 2016 6:48 PM in response to readingteacher

    Hi readingteacher,

     

    Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. I understand that you want to use your older iMac as a display for your Mac Mini. I'm happy to provide you with some information about this process.

     

    This article has some good information about what is needed to turn your iMac into a display:

     

    Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode

     

    As you can see, it requires a compatible iMac with 10.6.1 or later. Since your iMac seems to be a G5 with 10.4.8, I'm afraid that it will not be compatible with this feature.

     

    I hope this helps clear things up. Cheers!

  • by BobHarris,Helpful

    BobHarris BobHarris Jun 23, 2016 6:47 PM in response to readingteacher
    Level 6 (19,282 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 23, 2016 6:47 PM in response to readingteacher

    There is a product called ScreenRecycler

    <https://www.screenrecycler.com/ScreenRecycler.html>

    that might work.

     

    I do not know if they have a PowerPC version of the software.  They do mention 10.4 versions, and they have a link for even older versions, so it is possible they have a PowerPC version you can use.

  • by readingteacher,

    readingteacher readingteacher Jun 23, 2016 7:00 PM in response to BobHarris
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 23, 2016 7:00 PM in response to BobHarris

    I'm not sure how this would help update my older iMac. Would it just be a display for my laptop?

  • by BobHarris,

    BobHarris BobHarris Jun 23, 2016 7:41 PM in response to readingteacher
    Level 6 (19,282 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 23, 2016 7:41 PM in response to readingteacher

    I'm not sure how this would help update my older iMac. Would it just be a display for my laptop?

    You would install the ScreenRecycler software on the iMac and the Mac mini (or whatever Mac you want to use).  Then over the home network, the ScreenRecycle software would make the iMac look like an external monitor

     

    I only know what I've read, as I have not actually used the software.

     

    So you would not be upgrading the iMac, you would just be installing some software that allows your newer Mac to use the iMac as an external display.