iMac 27" as monitor for Dell precision m6400 laptop

[alvize]

Hello!
I've pluged the Display port of my dell m6400 precision laptop into the Mdp port of my iMac27" ( using a mdp to vga adaptor for the imac plug and a Dp to vga adaptor for the laptop ).
Dp ( display port ) has the same signal of Mdp but it's a bit bigger.
Anyway, it doesn't work. I can't get the video of the dell into the imac screen.
It seems like the Imac doesn't recognize the In signal from the mac. the Imac tries to to use the laptop screen as second monitor instead.
I know it is possible to do that ( to successfully use the imac 27" screen as external monitor for non-apple computers ) but i think i need different adapters, cables, ...wahtever.
Can anybody please help me with this thing?

p.s. i've tried many times to contact Brucem91 who seems to know how to do that but he never got back to me that's why i'm starting a new thread.

Regards.

alvise

 

[alust2013]

The problem is that you're using the VGA adapters, which do not carry a displayport signal, and the adapter at the other end can't convert it back into a displayport signal. What you need is a displayport to mini displayport cable, which can be had for pretty cheap.

 

[alvize]

The problem is that you're using the VGA adapters, which do not carry a displayport signal, and the adapter at the other end can't convert it back into a displayport signal. What you need is a displayport to mini displayport cable, which can be had for pretty cheap.

Thanks a lot for your help!

alvise

 

[FJ40]

Solution for Dell M6400 connected to 27" iMac

Hi Alvize,

I have the exact same setup as you - the Dell Precision M6400 17" laptop/workstation with a large DisplayPort and a 27" iMac with a Mini DisplayPort. I even tried the same wiring setup as you, Apple adapters with a SVGA cable in between. Did not work either. Then I found the Dell/StarTech "10ft Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Adapter Cable - M/M" from Dell (I had to call them) and just got it today. After my first attempt, nothing, but re-plugging it in to the Dell made it come to life on the iMac and I am now happy to report it is working perfectly! The display on the iMac is stretched slightly due to the resolution size differences, but I have not played with those yet to optimize.

The model number of the cable is MDP2DPMM10. As I said, I ordered from Dell, but on the package it says www.startech.com all over it, so I assume you can order it there too.

On my packing slip from Dell, it lists 2 numbers in the item number column, so I will give them both:

64543V
A3977488

There is also a UPC code listed:
065030840507

I'll keep looking into fine-tuning the resolution, but that should not be a problem. I hope this helps some of you avoid having to buy a couple sets of cables and adapters.

-FJ40