[TiltAgain]

I know this is a long shot because I could not find anything in a web search, but I shall ask it here anyway - exhaust all avenues so to speak.

So, since the iMac is dying (and Apple says they will not look at any machine before 2015 and they suggested I buy a new Mac), I was wondering if I could use this as a display for a new Mac mini M1 I am looking at buying.

Advantages:
1. I get a proper and excellent IPS display at a high enough resolution
2. I save a ****load of money by not buying a new monitor (4K or otherwise) because I read that none of them equals the display quality of the iMac.

Disadvantages:
1. I see none
2. See 1.

Cheers

 

[pm-r]

Personally, I wouldn't bother even if you could as that monitor is old and tired and considering it's what you look at while you use the computer you could get something a hell of a lot better without spending an awful lot of money, and there has been a lot of advances and improvements in modern monitor design and manufacture.

Don't put unnecessary strain on your poor old eyeballs!!!

- Patrick
=======

 

[TiltAgain]

Personally, I wouldn't bother even if you could as that monitor is old and tired and considering it's what you look at while you use the computer you could get something a hell of a lot better without spending an awful lot of money, and there has been a lot of advances and improvements in modern monitor design and manufacture.

Don't put unnecessary strain on your poor old eyeballs!!!

- Patrick
=======

Actually for something that equals the iMac display it is not at all cheap. Anything that's affordable is merely decent, and does not come near this old iMac's display.

I am talking about prices in India and not in North America

Cheers

 

[smashedbanana]

It's been a while, but I believe it is possible. So long as mac you are connecting to has a thunderbolt connector and mac does not have OS above 10.13.

Personally, I would agree that it's not the best idea. I would sell the imac as-is to someone to do the repair and buy a new display. 4K Is nice if you have a need or source for it, but a really nice IPS FHD monitor can be as usefull and not $$$.

 

[pm-r]

Actually for something that equals the iMac display it is not at all cheap. Anything that's affordable is merely decent, and does not come near this old iMac's display.

Well, it seems that the 2013 iMac cannot be used as a Target display, but it also seems that somehow being able to find other methods to do the same thing, so you might want to have a look at some of these hits:

2013 27" iMac as external monitor for M1 Mac Mini - Google Search

And check out these:
MY M1 MAC MINI AND MY 2013 IMAC

PS: how much would it cost to have someone install a replacement hard drive, maybe preferably a solid state drive SSD in your existing iMac. I would think it would cost less than a new monitor or any such work around plus the fact that you still have to buy the mini.

Just my two bits thoughts and ramblings...

- Patrick
=======

 

[Moscool]

I have a 2009 27 inch iMac and only now is it starting to show its age. What I did was to buy an external SSD (which in this case connects to an ancient Firewire port). I copied the OS and apps to the SSD and made it the boot drive. Very cheap these days and very fast as the old HD no longer has to start up. I also maxed the memory (don't know if you can do that on a 2013). With your machine you should then be able to upgrade to OS11/Big Sur which is plenty for a 'modern' feeling.

On the other hand if you have a real Need for Speed, then only an M1 will do...

 

[MacDoc]

Nothing wrong at all with the 2k 27" iMac screens.

The following older iMac models can be used as an external display when plugged into another older Mac model.
iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014
To use any of these iMac models as an external display:

• The iMac used as a display must have macOS High Sierra or earlier installed.
• The other Mac that you're connecting it to must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier installed.
• The cable connecting the two Mac computers must be a Thunderbolt
  or Thunderbolt 2
  cable.

Use your iMac as a display with target display mode

Target display mode is a feature available with certain older Mac models.

support.apple.com

But not with M1 according to Apple however that M1 MacMini proves them wrong.

 

[TiltAgain]

Nothing wrong at all with the 2k 27" iMac screens.
SNIP

But not with M1 according to Apple however that M1 MacMini proves them wrong.

Huh? Please elaborate on the bolded bit - I would like to know more, read more about this, etc.

Thank you and cheers

 

[Randy B. Singer]

... So, since the iMac is dying (and Apple says they will not look at any machine before 2015 and they suggested I buy a new Mac), I was wondering if I could use this as a display for a new Mac mini M1 I am looking at buying...

As you have learned, most iMacs aren't designed to be used as an external monitor.

However, this product will allow you to do so:

Luna Display ($120)
https://astropad.com/product/lunadisplay/
allows you to use iMacs that otherwise can't be used as an external display as one (unfortunately, it's priced close to what you would pay for a brand-new external display).

 

[TiltAgain]

As you have learned, most iMacs aren't designed to be used as an external monitor.

However, this product will allow you to do so:

Luna Display ($120)
Luna Display — by Astropad
allows you to use iMacs that otherwise can't be used as an external display as one (unfortunately, it's priced close to what you would pay for a brand-new external display).

Thank you for the helpful response Randy - much obliged

Well, I nixed the Mac Mini idea and replaced the SSD on my iMac. It is no longer dying - on the contrary it is performing admirably now again. Plus I got a NAS, so that takes care of my data volume. I am a happy camper now

Cheers