New IMac query

aj_4176 · 7 Jun 2008 at 08:27

Hi

I am contemplating ordering the new IMac but was wondering if it can be used as a computer monitor as well.

The reason is that although i can load windoze on the mac, I would rather not and keep it separate.

Thanks

Beepcake · 7 Jun 2008 at 08:40

No it can't. The only way you can get video input into it is via a TV card or something along those lines.

aj_4176 · 7 Jun 2008 at 09:30

Thanks for reply and it's a shame, although if i put a video card in my current PC how will i match the resolution of the Mac monitor?

unknowndomain · 7 Jun 2008 at 23:51

This is not an attack on you, but a lot of people ask the same question, can I use my iMac as a display, but what I don't understand is why they think it would be possible, as its like a laptop its built in, however technically the answer is no, there is ScreenRecycler which you can use.

Spyhop · 8 Jun 2008 at 10:20

edit - arf, that wouldn't work

mdjmcnally · 8 Jun 2008 at 13:07

Apparently there is a way of doing this, but I am not sure myself if I would want to do it.

If you remove the bottom of the casing then you will find the connection port and cable that connects the Screen to the logic board.

Insert a switch in there that allows you to select the input, connect the iMac logic board to an input, connect the PC to an input and connect the screen to the output.

If you fireup the iMac with the screen output switched to the PC then you should get a PC screen.

Like I said it is possible however would I really want to do it?

unknowndomain · 8 Jun 2008 at 20:39

Hey, just to point out that would totally void your warranty and I cannot tell if your being serious or not, however I have never heard of that.

LordSplodge · 8 Jun 2008 at 20:42

mdjmcnally said:
Apparently there is a way of doing this, but I am not sure myself if I would want to do it.

Like I said it is possible however would I really want to do it?

If you did that Steve Jobs would come round your house and kill your wife or first born. Seriously who would even consider doing that?

aj_4176 · 9 Jun 2008 at 22:51

unknowndomain said:
This is not an attack on you, but a lot of people ask the same question, can I use my iMac as a display, but what I don't understand is why they think it would be possible, as its like a laptop its built in, however technically the answer is no, there is ScreenRecycler which you can use.

The reason was that I just wanted to keep my current computer as a workhorse pc (so to speak) and my mac for general browsing, music player etc. It's just I thought it might have a spare DVI connection at back.

Although looking at a standalone point of view it makes sense for it not to have any.

mdjmcnally said:
Apparently there is a way of doing this, but I am not sure myself if I would want to do it.

If you remove the bottom of the casing then you will find the connection port and cable that connects the Screen to the logic board.

Insert a switch in there that allows you to select the input, connect the iMac logic board to an input, connect the PC to an input and connect the screen to the output.

If you fireup the iMac with the screen output switched to the PC then you should get a PC screen.

Like I said it is possible however would I really want to do it?

A lot of effort, that I would never dare do. Thanks for the replies.

iSam · 9 Jun 2008 at 23:46

Just get Boot Camp, Parallels or VMWare on there.

Save a load of hassle.

hyper_piper45 · 10 Jun 2008 at 09:15

I really wish the iMac did have some sort of input. I would love to just have one screen in my bedroom that i could have as my tv, console screen and computer. Alas i have to have two

LordSplodge · 10 Jun 2008 at 09:26

hyper_piper45 said:
I really wish the iMac did have some sort of input. I would love to just have one screen in my bedroom that i could have as my tv, console screen and computer. Alas i have to have two

Eye TV. Job done...