Two iMac computers. 2010 and 2011. Making 10 a second monitor?

Question

Looking into using the older computer as a second monitor for my 2011. The Mini-DisplayPort (MDP) connectors on the back side of my 21.5 inch monitors don't have the same image over them. The 10 has what appears as a bar a box and another bar. Sort of like |[]| whereas the 11 has a lightning bolt over it. It's my guess - and this is why I ask - guessing doesn't work well, the 11 is Thunderbolt while the 10 is MDP. Is this right? Or am I making dangerous assumptions?

As said, I want to connect the two together. Would I need MDP to MDP? Thunderbolt to MDP? Or will Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt work?

As said, I want to connect the two together.  Would I need MDP to MDP?  Thunderbolt to MDP? Or will Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt work?

Amanda · Accepted Answer

From what I've seen, the 27 inch monitors were the ones designed with this feature in them. Remember, this isn't a computer WITH a monitor, this is an entire computer/monitor package. The software written for the 27 inch system is different. From what I've been able to find out - the answer to your question is that it doesn't look like you can do what you want with the smaller monitor.

I MAY BE WRONG. If you choose to spend money I'd advise doing so as cheaply as possible and be ready to eat the cost of a lesson learned, albeit the hard way.

I MAY BE WRONG.  If you choose to spend money I'd advise doing so as cheaply as possible and be ready to eat the cost of a lesson learned, albeit the hard way.

suzonka · Answer

If it's a 2011 or 2012 iMac then only Thunderbolt sources work. If it's late 2009 or 2010 then Mini DisplayPort works but can be picky sometimes.

Robert J · Answer

The 2011 one is a Thunderbolt port, the 2010 MDP, as you say.

You need an MDP to MDP cable; however it may be that it will not work with your 2010 machine, the info explicitly states a 27" machine as the display one for the 2010 versions..

Full setup details here:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204592

Two iMac computers. 2010 and 2011. Making 10 a second monitor?

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