I just lately shared a put up speaking all about how you should use your iPad as a conveyable show to your Mac mini. Surprisingly the primary query i received was “can you employ an previous iMac or Macbook to do the identical factor?” Amazingly, the reply is completely sure! So on this put up I’m going to indicate you find out how to simply get this performed!
I like to recommend watching the iPad as a cell show video beneath. Though we dont showcase find out how to use a MacBook or iMac as a show, the idea is strictly the identical.
Easy methods to make your Previous iMac or MacBook helpful once more
When you’ve got an previous iMac or an previous MacBook laying round and also you need to put it to make use of once more then this can be a nice method to lengthen the lifetime of these computer systems however you will want just a few issues.
What you want:
- HDMI to USBC seize card (There are just a few to select from however that is the one i’ve examined that works 100% of the time)
- Previous iMac or MacBook that’s operating MacOS 14 Sonoma or newer
- This contains iMacs from 2019, iMac Professionals from 2017, MacBook Professionals and Airs from 2018
- There are some unofficial methods to put in Sonoma on even older gadgets with OpenCore Legacy
- HDMI Monitor app (Its free to obtain and use)
- Common HDMI cable (Anker makes an ideal dependable one, or simply use what you have already got)
Upon getting this stuff you’re prepared to make use of your iMac as a show!
Setup
The setup course of can also be quite simple.
- Join your Mac mini to energy
- Join your previous iMac or MacBook to energy
- Be certain that each are turned on
- Obtain the HDMI Monitor app on previous iMac or Macbook
- Observe the HDMI Monitor app directions
- Join one finish of HDMI cable to Mac mini and different finish to the HDMI Seize card
- Join Seize card to previous pc operating the HDMI monitor app
- and voila, you now have a brand new show to your Mac Mini!
Different perks
The superior factor about that is that it doesn’t cease at simply being a Mac mini show. You should use your previous iMac as a show for something that has an HDMI out. So you should use this along with your Xbox, PS5, Change, Steamdeck, Apple TV, and the rest you possibly can consider. This new use case actually brings a second life to the older Apple {hardware}. You might even use this methodology along with your new Macbook Professional and produce your Xbox on a trip and be capable of sport on the go!
Ultimate ideas
Repurposing an previous iMac or MacBook right into a show is an genius method to breathe new life into growing older Apple {hardware}. With only a $20 HDMI seize card and a simple setup, you possibly can flip these gadgets into versatile, secondary shows to your Mac Mini, gaming consoles, and even different laptops. Not solely does this lengthen the usefulness of your older machines, but it surely additionally supplies a sustainable, budget-friendly various to buying a brand new monitor.
So whether or not you’re seeking to maximize the potential of your Apple ecosystem or just repurpose tech you already personal, this methodology gives unimaginable worth and adaptability. Give it a strive—you is perhaps shocked by how a lot mileage you may get out of your previous gadgets!
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