Help with 2023 iMac and PC laptop

[Miimac7]

Hi all! I'm really hope someone here can help me. For background, I don't know a lot about computers. I know enough to help/teach my parents and know when to call an IT person. I did contact apple, however I am getting conflicting information, hence posting here.

Here's my situation:

I currently own, as in like 2 weeks ago I purchased, an M3 iMac (2023 version, purple). I purchase the middle of road one with 16GB memory, 256 Memory.

I accepted a position as a consultant to read x-rays. My client is going to provide me with a PC laptop so that I can log into a VPN, then into the cloud based software.

I'd really like to use my new iMac, however I'm not sure that if I will be able to log into the vpn/software directly on my Mac. I'm kinda thinking I should be able to since it seems like the software is cloud based, however there could be protections on the laptop due to pt. health info. So, I was wondering if I could use a dock for the PC laptop and then plug the dock into the iMac. I'd also like to attach a Mac studio display to the iMac. Then when I am not working I could unplug the dock and have my iMac back.

In summary here is what my ideal set up would be:

my new iMAC with a Mac studio display (placed in portrait orientation), hook to a dock that hooks to the pc laptop. When I look at the 2 screens I see what is on the pc laptop screen.

I explained all this to apple sales, and I was told this is entirely possible.

However, I have found conflicting articles and posts that is not possible, however never for this exact setup. So looking for someone to help me straighten all this out.

Thanks!!!

 

[Libertine82]

As an IT person never put a personal device on a corporate network unless you have permission. Also if i understand you want to be able to see your windows pc on your iMac and studio display unfortunately it would only be able to show on the studio, iMac does not act as a display for any other device to present to

 

[Miimac7]

As an IT person never put a personal device on a corporate network unless you have permission. Also if i understand you want to be able to see your windows pc on your iMac and studio display unfortunately it would only be able to show on the studio, iMac does not act as a display for any other device to present to

Thank you so much for answer. Would this setup work: TWO studio displays connected to the PC dock/laptop, then when not working unplug the pc dock and plug in my MacBook to the studio display (or just one of them)?

 

[Libertine82]

Hmm they are high spec monitors if it was just two normal monitors then def, but you’d need to check the spec of the work laptop…

i think maybe yes 🤷🏻‍♀️ and your iMac only supports one external monitor (there are display port work arounds I believe but never tried myself) so you could then plug one back in. Maybe get one Apple studio display (for iMac and work laptop) and a second cheaper monitor for your work pc?

I’m sure someone with more experience with 2 ASD’s may be able to help more

Thank you so much for answer. Would this setup work: TWO studio displays connected to the PC dock/laptop, then when not working unplug the pc dock and plug in my MacBook to the studio display (or just one of them)?

 

[Bigwaff]

First, ASD only support portrait mode using VESA mounting. You are buying your own stand.

Second, in order to share the ASD with your iMac and PC (meaning switch between), you will need a Thunderbolt KVM which supports DisplayPort 1.4 - which means your PC laptop must support TB. TB KVM devices are not cheap.

You might be better served with a USB-C 4K monitor. One that accepts two sources and has built in KVM switching support... and rotates… on its own stand.. at half price of ASD…

Dell UltraSharp 32 Inch 4K Computer Monitor - U3223QE | Dell USA

View the Dell UltraSharp 32 Inch 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U3223QE) with an intelligent 4K webcam & IPS Black technology or view all Dell computer monitors at Dell.com.

www.dell.com

 

[Abazigal]

Without knowing exactly what you are using your iMac for, I am thinking that you are probably better off getting a dedicated monitor for your work laptop, and just using your iMac as is without the need for a studio display (which sounds a bit like overkill).

 

[Miimac7]

As an IT person never put a personal device on a corporate network unless you have permission.

It looks like the Dell Ultrasharp monitor recommended by BigWaff would work. I could hook my work laptop into the monitor and then when not working hook in my personal MacBook. Is the monitor part of the network? Would this be ok?

First, ASD only support portrait mode using VESA mounting. You are buying your own stand.

Second, in order to share the ASD with your iMac and PC (meaning switch between), you will need a Thunderbolt KVM which supports DisplayPort 1.4 - which means your PC laptop must support TB. TB KVM devices are not cheap.

You might be better served with a USB-C 4K monitor. One that accepts two sources and has built in KVM switching support... and rotates… on its own stand.. at half price of ASD…

Dell UltraSharp 32 Inch 4K Computer Monitor - U3223QE | Dell USA

View the Dell UltraSharp 32 Inch 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U3223QE) with an intelligent 4K webcam & IPS Black technology or view all Dell computer monitors at Dell.com.

www.dell.com

Great suggestion on this monitor. I was planning on a VESA mount.

Without knowing exactly what you are using your iMac for, I am thinking that you are probably better off getting a dedicated monitor for your work laptop, and just using your iMac as is without the need for a studio display (which sounds a bit like overkill).

I bought the iMac about 2 weeks ago because I was looking for a personal computer to use for streaming internet tv, printing and reading sewing patterns, internet browsing etc. I preferred the iMac to the ASD/MacBook Air (purchased in 2021) because of the color and size. This consulting job was totally out of the blue. I think I will probably return the iMac as I don't have enough space for the work computer and iMac, hence why I'm trying to use the monitors for both laptops.