Running a two monitors from an iMac

The_Abyss

The_Abyss

The_Abyss

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I'm still very new to using an iMac so please forgive what may be a set of basic questions.

I've recently purchased a 2011 27" iMac, moving from a 2 x 24" PC system. I really miss two screens but love the Apple screen. So I'd like to get a second monitor and go back to dual screens. I've searched around and have found a number of conflicting answers so wanted to ask tap up the experience here:

- can I use another iMac as a second screen, as the prices for those seem comparable with a Thunderbolt display?

- if I use Thunderbolt or Mac, can the sound still output to both screens?

- what are the dual display options like under OSX? Can I, like Windows, set different backgrounds, drag across both displays?

- if I end up getting a 2010 or 2013, or basically different screen / iMac to me 2011 model, are the screens pretty much the same, or am I going to find inconsistencies in brightness and colours?

Thanks in advance!
 
I have a 2013 iMac which I run a couple of other monitors from. I bought a Dell 23" (I can't recall the model at the moment) that run in 'portrait' mode via a Displayport cable (a Thunderbolt port will accept a mini-displayport cable as standard.)
I also sometimes use my Sony 24" LCD Tv via Thunderbolt to HDMI. This setup works very well and reacts well to the inconsistent setup (I don't often run the Sony as part of the desktop).

I'll add my replies in yellow - I think they're all accurate(!)
The_Abyss said:
- can I use another iMac as a second screen, as the prices for those seem comparable with a Thunderbolt display?
Target Display Mode is what you're looking at here. It works but not perfect - maybe research that a bit further. Personally I think it's a bit overkill and a waste of an iMac!
*edit* here: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14264?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

- if I use Thunderbolt or Mac, can the sound still output to both screens?
As above link says, it seems so.

- what are the dual display options like under OSX? Can I, like Windows, set different backgrounds, drag across both displays?
Yep, although I think it's a bit different than a PC. I run different backgrounds on all my screens and each has multiple indepdant 'spaces' (each with own backgrounds). You can also specify that applications open on specific displays and spaces, which is nice.

- if I end up getting a 2010 or 2013, or basically different screen / iMac to me 2011 model, are the screens pretty much the same, or am I going to find inconsistencies in brightness and colours?
Any screen can have variances in production run, and the older iMacs (pre current thin model) has notorious problems with dust behind the screen ( I had this on my last mac, terrible design issue). If you require absolute accuracy get a hardware calibration device.


Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

My Dell is good and useful in its portrait mode, great for long documents. However the 'anti gate' coating makes the screens looking completely different to each other. I was unable to find a 'glossy' monitor that has swivel capabilities. Only you will be able to judge if this is annoying. As the Dell cost £100, I'm happy with the compromise as the iMac is the main display for me and the Dell is just a nice space addition.
The current Thunderbolt display is getting very long in the tooth now, and very expensive. Personally I'd wait for an update, and/or just buy a third party screen now and enjoy the extra space and use/save the spare cash!


Good luck!
 
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Very useful, thank you. I didn't realise the current Thunderbolt display was so dated considering the price premium it commands. I'm a bit OCD when it comes to having everything the same and just so on the desk, so I think I'll look for another 2011 iMac and try hooking that up. The price seems to be about the same as a Thunderbolt display.

Thank you again.
 
There are certainly no shortage of used Thunderbolt displays, that may well be an option. Certainly a lot less to go wrong that a full, second iMac.

No problems though, glad I could be of some assistance.
 
I've just upgraded from a late 2009 27" to brand new one. It will be going on the members market next week probably. Currently at the apple store having its hard drive replaced.

These seem to go for about £400 to £500 on ebay which may well be cheaper than a thunderbolt display which seem to sell for £700 to £800.

Couple of things you need to bear in mind however, they can run quite hot during the summer, which a display will not, and obviously you will have some fan noise, which the display won't do.

Send me a trust if you have any more questions about the differences between the two :)
 
The article above make me think apple should create a way to properly connect a MBP and iMac over thunderbolt so that you get the performance from both (sharing a job over two machines essentially)
 
It should be noted that depending on the model of iMac (or age) will depend on the type of cable you need.

2009-2010 needs MiniDisplayPort-to-MiniDisplayPort
2011-onwards needs Thunderbolt-to-Thunderbolt

The cables look the same but are very different!

Article for reference: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3924#4
 
The_Abyss said:
Very useful, thank you. I didn't realise the current Thunderbolt display was so dated considering the price premium it commands. I'm a bit OCD when it comes to having everything the same and just so on the desk, so I think I'll look for another 2011 iMac and try hooking that up. The price seems to be about the same as a Thunderbolt display.

Thank you again.
Click to expand...

I can totally appreciate that you want it all to look the same (I used to have the same affliction), but perhaps you might want to take a look at a 4K display instead? Samsung for example are launching a 28 inch for less than £500 in May.
 
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