How to Turn an Old iMac into a 2nd Monitor - Cheaply!
📚 Main Topics
Introduction to Using an Old iMac as a Monitor
- Exploring options to repurpose a 2006 iMac as a second monitor for a new MacBook.
Method 1: Using Duet Display
- InstallationDownload and install the Duet Display app on both the old iMac and the new MacBook.
- Network ConnectionEnsure both devices are connected to the same network.
- SetupExtend the desktop from the MacBook to the iMac.
- Quality ImprovementFor better performance, connect the devices using a Thunderbolt cable instead of Wi-Fi.
Requirements for Duet Display
- The old iMac must run at least macOS 10.13 (High Sierra).
- Necessary hardware includes a Thunderbolt port and a compatible Thunderbolt cable.
Method 2: Using Luna Display
- InstallationDownload the Luna Display app on the new Mac and the Luna secondary app on the old iMac.
- HardwareUse a dongle for connection.
- SetupLaunch the apps on both machines to establish a connection.
- Performance TipFor optimal performance, connect both computers via Ethernet.
Compatibility of Luna Display
- Works with older Mac versions down to macOS 10.11 (El Capitan).
- Allows the use of an iPad as a second display as well.
✨ Takeaways
- Repurposing an old iMac as a second monitor can enhance productivity without the need for purchasing new hardware.
- Both Duet Display and Luna Display offer viable solutions, with different compatibility and performance features.
- Wired connections (Thunderbolt or Ethernet) provide better reliability and quality compared to wireless connections.
🧠 Lessons
- Before starting, check the macOS version on the old iMac to ensure compatibility with the chosen app.
- Investing in the right cables and adapters can significantly improve the performance of using an old Mac as a monitor.
- Exploring software options can provide flexibility in how you set up your workspace, allowing for creative use of existing technology.
Transcript excerpt
0:00 so I was looking for a new monitor for me mac and then I realized I had an order I might just sitting in my garage so I started to to investigate how to use this one out 2006 iMac as a second monitor turns out there's a few ways we can do this first way and this is by using an app called do it display no do it display you can also use your your iPad as an additional monitor but we're looking at using that old Mac that
0:30 you've got tucked away so here's a setup I've got an old Mac and this one's like a 2006 model so it's quite old and I've got a new 16-inch MacBook first thing the first thing I'm going to do is visit do it display and because the the pro version offers a lot more features and it's only like a dollar a month more I'm gonna go for that I need to download and install do it on both machines and when you've
1:00 downloaded and installed them just make sure they're connected to the same network I'm going to open up do it on both machines and then on the older machine I'm going to extend the desktop from my MacBook and there we go this Old Mac it's no longer a Mac it's an extra display for me MacBook I can now drag stuff over from one Mac to the other and that's great but I've never really liked connecting over the network I prefer a
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