Using a 27" iMac as my PC's main display

[HKhalil]

Hi,

I currently have a ATI 6870 card with 4 monitors currently plugged in it (i.e : 2 23" using a DVI -> Mini Display Port), one 24" (DVI) and my TV (HDMI).

This setup works great and all four monitors run in parallel.

I went to the Apple Store today to get a 27" iMac, which would be used both as a Mac and as a replacement screen for one of my old monitors.

I researched online and found numerous sources that said that it was possible to use the iMac as a PC monitor as long as the video card supports display ports or mini display ports.

Fastforward to a few hours ago, two Apple store employees tell me that this is impossible since the iMac is a "computer" (?!?!?!? no kidding ?) and that I can only plug an external monitor to the iMac.

And so, I left the store with empty hands, wanting to research one more time online to make sure that the iMac can indeed be used as a PC monitor.

I have no idea who they hire at those apple stores, but if I'm right and the iMac DOES work with a PC, i'd be pretty damned disappointed in Apple for hiring clueless people to represent their company and its products.

So... Can the iMac be used as a PC monitor ?

Thanks

 

[mickbab]

I believe those employees are wrong.
Can't speak from personal use as I don't have one to test with, but have definitely read in various places around the internet that it can be used as an external monitor for another computer.

Oh, and it is written on Apple's website too (iMac tech specs page).

27-inch models also support input from external DisplayPort sources

 

[HKhalil]

I believe those employees are wrong.
Can't speak from personal use as I don't have one to test with, but have definitely read in various places around the internet that it can be used as an external monitor for another computer.

Oh, and it is written on Apple's website too (iMac tech specs page).

Thanks, so they were pretty clueless after all..

Thank you for researching Apple's site, I should have done that prior to posting here

Has there been any rumors circulating around regarding new versions of the iMacs ? I'd hate to purchase one now only to have new versions released in the very near future.

 

[mickbab]

Thanks, so they were pretty clueless after all..

Thank you for researching Apple's site, I should have done that prior to posting here

Has there been any rumors circulating around regarding new versions of the iMacs ? I'd hate to purchase one now only to have new versions released in the very near future.

That's okay, happy to help out. How the display function would work, I am not exactly sure of.

I notice you haven't posted around here much, so you may not have seen the MacRumors Buyer's Guide.

This page provides a product summary for each Apple model. The intent is to provide our best recommendations regarding current product cycles, and to provide a summary of currently available rumors for each model.

Looks as though the iMac is due for an update sometime soon, although with the recent setback in the production of new Intel chips, things may take a little longer.

 

[HKhalil]

That's okay, happy to help out. How the display function would work, I am not exactly sure of.

I notice you haven't posted around here much, so you may not have seen the MacRumors Buyer's Guide.

Looks as though the iMac is due for an update sometime soon, although with the recent setback in the production of new Intel chips, things may take a little longer.

Thank you once again, the links and information is appreciated

 

[mickbab]

Thank you once again, the links and information is appreciated

No worries, I have to do something to avoid school work