General Mac hardware discussions: Can MacBook Pro laptop use IMAC monitor (easily)?
Can MacBook Pro laptop use IMAC monitor (easily)?
by twocoins - 10/18/08 7:53 AMI am considering monitor options to use with my laptop (MacBook Pro).
I work as a print graphic designer and am partial to apple monitors.
I am thinking that spending for a 24" imac could be a good investment IF I could easily connect the laptop to that monitor.
Ideally I would like to work primarily on the laptop and use the imac mostly for backup, since that insures I have ALL needed files with me when I travel for work, and at the same time I wouldn't be SOLELY dependent on a single computer!
Any input on a which Imac would make most sense, or advice on this whole idea would be appreciated! THANKS- Jane
Let's look at video ins and outs...
by R. Proffitt
- 10/18/08 8:13 AM
In reply to: Can MacBook Pro laptop use IMAC monitor (easily)? by twocoins
The macbook has some video output listed at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2541
So that's a DVI output.
The imac 24 has these connections -> http://www.apple.com/imac/specs/
Still a DVI output. So there is no direct output to input. But this doesn't mean we can't network them and share either files or displays. Here's an example http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4146248
Try a soft solution?
Bob
imac as external monitor for macbook
by twocoins - 10/18/08 8:37 AM In reply to: Let's look at video ins and outs... by R. Proffitt
Hmmmmm - makes sense.
Don't know why the networking and additional software solution makes me a bit squeamish. But will give it some additional thought.
Many thanks for your quick response and the link to the earlier posting - it was exactly the info I was looking for!
- Jane
Here's an idea
by BeatleMegaFan - 10/18/08 9:54 AM In reply to: Can MacBook Pro laptop use IMAC monitor (easily)? by twocoinshttp://www.apple.com/displays/
What do you think? A 24-inch display, made for MacBooks, that looks exactly like an iMac. Has peripheral ports on it, an iSight camera, and a MagSafe charger for the notebook attached to it. This thing practically works like a dock for the laptops. Not bad. This would only run you half of what a 24-inch iMac may cost you. If you were planning on buying one of the new aluminum MacBooks, then this would work for you since you need the Mini DisplayPort that Apple has started using. It won't work with previous Macs if I've heard right.
I would consider this route unless you really wanted two working computers that could share the other's display when needed. In that case, networking would be a good idea like Bob said. Good luck.
-BMF
Keep it simple
by minimalist - 10/19/08 7:55 PM In reply to: Can MacBook Pro laptop use IMAC monitor (easily)? by twocoinsIf you really just want to work on the laptop anyway, get yourself a 900 dollar 24" Cinema Display and invest in a couple of external drives for Time Machine Backups and you've just saved yourself a thousand dollars. Or back up to the cloud through a pay service like Carbonite or Mozy and you'll always have access to your backup data no matter what.
The iMac has no video input anyway so it really can't be used as a monitor.
Check out eyeTV
by qaz111111 - 11/11/08 9:15 PM In reply to: Can MacBook Pro laptop use IMAC monitor (easily)? by twocoinsI believe eyeTV would enable you to connect your two macs via usb. 
Still debating
by twocoins - 11/12/08 5:00 AM In reply to: Check out eyeTV by qaz111111Thanks to all for continued input!
I was really leaning toward the new 24inch display made just for laptop connection - since that is exactly what i was going for and i love the simplicity...
BUT - turns out that it is only for NEWEST laptops - mine is just over a year old. And apple says they MIGHT make an adapter but no idea when.
So now EyeTV is TOTALLY new to me... will look into it...
Meanwhile still working on my small laptop screen and thinking about the options. THANKS again.
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