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Can the mini display port of my iMac 2012 be used as an input to connect a dell laptop or do I absolutely have to use the Thunderbolt?
I want to use my iMac as a monitor for my Dell laptop from work as I am working remotely now.
iMac 27″, macOS 10.15
Like I said many forums say otherwise, here is a blurb:
So, before you go ahead and make your iMac as a monitor for your PC, you have to make sure that you check or have the following.
The very first thing that you would be needing to see is that if your iMac is compatible to use as a second monitor. You have to check on the ports of your iMac. And if it comes with a Thunderbolt or a Mini Display Port feature, then it means that you can use it as your second monitor. But on the other hand, things may not fall on what you are expecting. So with that, you have to check for their compatibility.
Aside from that, there are also some late 2014 models that you can use as a second monitor. But, when it comes to the late 2014 5k retina iMac, it does not come with a Target Display Mode. And for the other things that you need as a requirement, you have to make sure that you have a PC that comes with a Mini Display Port or a Thunderbolt port.
One could connect PCs to 2009/2010 iMacs, but this is unsupported on later iMac models. If you require a larger display, then purchase a real computer display supporting your Dell laptop's connectivity options.
There has been quite consistent responses here for several years about the lack of support for PCs using iMacs as physically connected displays, other than the 2009/2010 iMac models. Just as consistent, is the recommendation for PC users to purchase a separate display.
You read what you wanted to read in that content, and unfortunately, some people use the term PC to refer to Macs and Windows machines without proper specificity.
This community, the one that really counts, and unlike your stated many forums, is advising you with specificity that you cannot physically connect your Dell to a 2012 iMac. The virtual network computing (VNC) network approach has been mentioned, along with its performance considerations.
target display mode only works with macs not with windows computer or consoles or the likes
so how do I use my iMac as a second screen for the Dell laptop, apparently it can be done?
Thank you, when you look at forums they say the iMacs up to 2014 can be used as a monitor, is that false information?
no, but the 2011 to 2014 only act as monitor for macs
there are software which let you do it over the network but it being over the network will take its toll on performance
so basically I cannot use it like I thought I would (based on my review fo forums)?
that really sucks :(
I am not a techie so you can't blame someone like me for thinking those forums were right?! How could I possibly know that it was not true??
Now I am stuck
Can the mini display port of my iMac 2012 be used as an input to connect a dell laptop or I absolutely have to use the Thunderbolt?
