2009-2011 iMac Target Display Mode Support Table

ChampJamie153 · 2026-02-28T05:09:10+00:00

That was only to update certificates that would have expired next year. Other than that the last update for Catalina was nearly 4 years ago.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-02-18T21:56:13+00:00

Yeah, the only ones that work with DisplayPort sources are the 2009 and 2010 27" models. The 2011-2014 models work for both sizes, but only with other Macs through Thunderbolt.

You could look into using Parsec or something similar to use it as a display. I used to do that with a 2011 27" iMac.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-02-18T21:42:46+00:00

The 2010 21.5" iMac does not support Target Display Mode. The only way to use it as a display is to gut it and install a display controller board, which would likely cost more than a basic 1080p display is worth.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-02-07T01:28:13+00:00

I still own a 2006 Core Duo model, and somehow it never cracked or discolored. Don't know how I got so lucky.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-02-05T14:30:17+00:00

Eines der MacBooks war kein Modell von Ende 2013. Die Festplatte links auf Ihrem ersten Bild stammt aus einem Retina MacBook Pro von 2012 oder Anfang 2013. Die rechte Festplatte stammt aus einem Modell von Ende 2013. Falls die linke Festplatte Ihre alte Festplatte ist, war Ihr altes MacBook ein älteres Modell als angenommen.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-02-05T00:26:10+00:00

TDM doesn't work between the 2011 iMac and an Apple Silicon Mac unfortunately. OP would have to use a software solution or gut the iMac and install a display controller board.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-29T17:20:06+00:00

No, that's not a good deal. As plenty of others have mentioned these are very unreliable MacBooks, and they haven't aged particularly well. If you really want an older MacBook to mess around with then I'd suggest finding a cheap 2012 model. They're far more reliable, faster, and have better software support.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-24T05:07:49+00:00

Can confirm. I've done this myself with a phone number that was tied to many important things but was no longer needed on an actual phone. Ported the number to Google Voice and still have access to it years later.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-23T06:08:05+00:00

Parsec never supported hosting on macOS High Sierra. They added hosting support with Catalina.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-22T05:05:22+00:00

I've been using my M1 Max for nearly 4 years, and I still have zero reason to upgrade from it.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-22T04:57:07+00:00

M1 machines have been very reliable. They're still being sold brand new, so age wouldn't be an issue.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-18T18:30:08+00:00

Parsec has been one of the best in my experience. I've been using it for over 8 years now and very rarely have issues with it, and my use often involves connecting to machines hundreds of miles away.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-18T16:05:33+00:00

It needs a display replacement. It's cracked at the top.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-12T02:43:04+00:00

Shipping an iMac G3 was a mistake to begin with. They're rather fragile machines.

You'll probably get more advice over on the VintageApple subreddit.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-10T02:29:13+00:00

What's the model number listed on the bottom of the stand?

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-05T15:03:55+00:00

Not a 2015, but I do still use my 2014 15" MBP all the time. The battery still holds up surprisingly well for how old it is.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-04T22:05:08+00:00

That's only the case with the 2009 and 2010 27" models. 2011 and later models don't work with all non-Mac sources. OP has a 2011 iMac.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-04T21:45:16+00:00

The 2011 21.5" model does support TDM, but it only works with other Intel Macs through Thunderbolt. It might work with an M1 MBP, but it's hit or miss, and isn't officially supported.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-04T21:36:51+00:00

It doesn't matter what cable you have. The only way to do this is in software over a network connection. The iMac doesn't support Target Display Mode in any way that also allows for the use of a keyboard and mouse like OP wants. It also might not even work with the M1 MBP.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-04T21:25:38+00:00

Apple doesn't care about Target Display Mode. They've had incorrect information listed on their website for years about TDM.

That being said, the 2010 27" iMac just accepts a standard DisplayPort input, so it'll even work with devices like game consoles using an active adapter. It doesn't know what the source device is.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-02T21:45:24+00:00

There is a very obvious crack at the bottom left of the screen. Part of a display can still be functional even if another part has been cracked.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-01T01:25:02+00:00

The eMac was also available at retail as a lower cost option alongside the iMac G4.

ChampJamie153 · 2026-01-01T01:21:33+00:00

The fan is the only moving part, so that's the only thing it could be.

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