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Correct cable
- Thread starter Needy
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Unfortunately, there is no cable that will work. The Mac mini you have is not supported (see 2nd bullet point below).
support.apple.com
Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
Target display mode is a feature available with certain older Mac models.
I don't know about Luna Display, but I don't understand why you would want to use the old imac as a screen at all. It will have to boot and run HS every time you want to use it. Almost any old LED display will be plug 'n play with HDMI, Displayport, DVI/VGA w/adapter, and people are giving them away these days. And if you have some money to spend, get a screen that has good performance image quality wise, and a nice big size that suits your needs.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
I don't know what "cheap" means for you, but if you'd like to put a 5K retina monitor with that 2023 Mac Mini, the Samsung one is on sale for what I consider "cheap" and it would give you a much bigger 27" monitor instead of the 21.5" one you were seeking with that iMac.
And unlike that iMac screen, when that Mac Mini ages out and you have to replace it, you WILL be able to attach the replacement to the Samsung... even if you went PC. Bonus: if you happen to need Windows too and ARM Windows is not enough, that monitor has TWO inputs so you could connect 2 computers to it... or the Mini and an AppleTV or game console, etc. Bonus #2: it also has some TV apps and a remote so you can use it like a 27" television too.
However, you can budget less than half of that price for a 4K monitor if "retina" isn't important to you. I've helped people go both ways and 4K can look quite good even if not retina. Find an ideal one by doing searches for "best 4K monitors 2024" and similar and then reading reviews for any of interest. Note that best is not necessarily defined in full by "cheapest", so you are advised to dig in and get a sense of a mix of features & benefits rather than just jumping on one with a cheap price. For example, do you want a:
And unlike that iMac screen, when that Mac Mini ages out and you have to replace it, you WILL be able to attach the replacement to the Samsung... even if you went PC. Bonus: if you happen to need Windows too and ARM Windows is not enough, that monitor has TWO inputs so you could connect 2 computers to it... or the Mini and an AppleTV or game console, etc. Bonus #2: it also has some TV apps and a remote so you can use it like a 27" television too.
However, you can budget less than half of that price for a 4K monitor if "retina" isn't important to you. I've helped people go both ways and 4K can look quite good even if not retina. Find an ideal one by doing searches for "best 4K monitors 2024" and similar and then reading reviews for any of interest. Note that best is not necessarily defined in full by "cheapest", so you are advised to dig in and get a sense of a mix of features & benefits rather than just jumping on one with a cheap price. For example, do you want a:
- built-in webcam or perhaps add that as an accessory later if desired?
- great speakers built in or perhaps add good ones as accessories?
- a good hub built in?
- faster than minimal refresh rate?
- Etc.
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If I told you what I consider cheap you might sit down and cry or laugh every thing you said makes sense so the balls in my end of the court now.
Thank you
Thank you
The 2012 21.5" iMac has a 1080p screen. If you want something similar, you could get a Dell 21.5" 1080p monitor for $80. Could probably even find cheaper ones elsewhere. If you want a little upgrade, 27" 1440p monitors can be found for less than $200.
Is this iMac going to be the only display for the Mac mini, or a secondary display? If the former, I hope Luna Display doesn't give you any issues, because you do need another monitor in order to set up Luna Display. A tech shop could probably do this part; but if something breaks or quits working for whatever reason, you'd be screwed until you take it to the shop again.
Is this iMac going to be the only display for the Mac mini, or a secondary display? If the former, I hope Luna Display doesn't give you any issues, because you do need another monitor in order to set up Luna Display. A tech shop could probably do this part; but if something breaks or quits working for whatever reason, you'd be screwed until you take it to the shop again.
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