Recently, I posted about how to utilize your iPad as a portable display for your Mac mini. Unexpectedly, the most frequent inquiry I received was, “Can an older iMac or MacBook be used the same way?” Remarkably, the answer is a definite yes! In this article, I’ll guide you on how to accomplish this effortlessly!
I suggest checking out the video below regarding using an iPad as a mobile display. While it doesn’t cover the specifics of using a MacBook or iMac as a display, the principle remains the same.
Reviving Your Old iMac or MacBook
If you have an old iMac or MacBook lying around and you want to put it back to work, this is an excellent method to extend the life of those devices, but you will need a couple of essentials.
Requirements:
- HDMI to USB-C capture card (I’ve tested multiple options, and this particular one works flawlessly)
- Old iMac or MacBook running macOS 14 Sonoma or later
- This includes iMacs from 2019, iMac Pros from 2017, and MacBook Pros and Airs from 2018
- There are unofficial methods to install Sonoma on even older devices using OpenCore Legacy
- HDMI Monitor app (Free to download and use)
- Standard HDMI cable (Anker offers a quality reliable option, or you can use one you already own)
Once you’ve gathered these items, you’re all set to use your iMac as a display!
Setup Instructions
The setup is quite straightforward.
- Connect your Mac mini to the power outlet
- Power up your old iMac or MacBook
- Ensure both devices are turned on
- Download the HDMI Monitor app on your old iMac or MacBook
- Follow the instructions provided by the HDMI Monitor app
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your Mac mini and the other to the HDMI capture card
- Connect the capture card to the old device running the HDMI monitor app
- And there you have it; you’ve just turned your iMac into a display for your Mac Mini!
Additional Benefits
The best part is that this initiative doesn’t just serve as a display for your Mac mini. You can use your old iMac as a monitor for any device with an HDMI output. Whether it’s your Xbox, PS5, Switch, Steam Deck, Apple TV, or any other device you can think of, this gives a second life to old Apple hardware. You could even utilize this setup with your new MacBook Pro to take your Xbox along on vacation and game on the go!
Concluding Thoughts
Transforming an old iMac or MacBook into a display is a brilliant way to reinvigorate aging Apple hardware. With just a $20 HDMI capture card and an easy setup, you can convert these devices into functional, secondary displays for your Mac mini, gaming consoles, or even other laptops. This approach not only enhances the lifespan of your older devices but also offers a sustainable, budget-friendly option instead of buying a new monitor.
Whether you’re aiming to maximize the capabilities of your Apple ecosystem or simply repurpose existing technology, this method provides exceptional value and versatility. Give it a try—you may be amazed by the performance of your old gadgets!
: . More.
