I have a MacBook Pro 2015 which functions well but with a broken display. Now I want to purchase a Mac mini. Can I use the headless MBP as the input device (keyboard, trackpad) to the Mac mini? I’ve consulted ChatGPT and it mentioned something like target disk mode and target display mode. It seems pertinent but I’m not sure is it the best solution. If possible I don’t really want the MBP to run at least not to the OS level.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Use obsolete MacBook as input device to another Mac
- Thread starter eofc01
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Target disk mode is not relevant unless you want to access the hard drive of one Mac from the other. Target display mode is also irrelevant since you don't want to actually boot up the MBP. -2 points to ChatGPT
Short of some kind of hardware hack, I don't think you're going to find a way to have the MBP's keyboard and trackpad to pass signals through to the Mini without the MBP booted and running.
You say the MacBook Pro is functioning well, but since you don't want to actually boot it, just sell it and use the money to buy a proper keyboard and mouse/trackpad.
what I do I use network then "screen sharing" on 3 MacBooks and will screen share a macmini soon.
in 2012 I did not have a TV monitor and used screen sharing to read files from the mini to MacBook Air.
as far as a keyboard and mouse for the mini, there are plenty of other companies that make them besides .
I purchased a MacMini M1 Saturday and a new usbc charing BT mouse and keyboard from Satachi for under $100.
hope this helped!
in 2012 I did not have a TV monitor and used screen sharing to read files from the mini to MacBook Air.
as far as a keyboard and mouse for the mini, there are plenty of other companies that make them besides .
I purchased a MacMini M1 Saturday and a new usbc charing BT mouse and keyboard from Satachi for under $100.
hope this helped!
If I have to do it in the OS, perhaps the proper way to do it is via Universal Control nowadays. It just not seems to me very clean to boot into the OS for just the input abilities. Anyway, just want to find a way to use it. The MBP may not be a good computer today but it still worth a good scissor Magic Keyboard plus a Magic Trackpad if that’s ever usable and for Mac I do prefer trackpad over mouse.