AirPlay to Mac also allows users to extend or mirror an Apple device's display to a Mac, and we've confirmed this works on a Mac-to-Mac basis. This makes it possible for supported Macs to use another Mac as an external display, and with AirPlay to Mac working both wirelessly or with a wired connection, Apple has come close to reviving Target Display Mode, which allowed 2009 to 2014 iMac models to serve as another Mac's external display.
The Mac mini, however, has a much more economical entry price of $699 with a wider port selection. Like other M1-based Macs, it only has two USB-C USB4/Thunderbolt ports, but it also has two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, a HDMI 2.0 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a headphone jack.
Imac As Display For Mac Mini
This isn't a perfect solution, however, since the new iMac is available in seven bright colors and comes with color-matched accessories. The Mac mini is silver and the monitors mentioned are all black, so if you're looking for a cheaper utility computer without all of the colorful flashy designs, this is an option for you.
When Apple moved its iMac from 21.5 inches to 24-inches, it increased the resolution from 4K to 4.5K. This was to maintain a high pixel density at that screen size to meet Apple's definition of "Retina." The monitors you'll pair with the Mac mini will all be limited to 4K at 24-inches, but that shouldn't make much of a difference content-wise unless you're sitting inches from the display.
Add in the price of a mouse and keyboard to your Mac mini setup and you'll still come in less than the cost of a similarly specced iMac. It is also worth noting that you'll have a choice of Apple or third-party keyboard when buying a Mac mini versus being stuck with Apple's Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse (that still charges on the bottom), or Magic Trackpad.
As one of the cheapest monitor options available in this size and resolution, you'll be left with plenty of wiggle room for more expensive accessories or a Mac mini with more storage. Get the $899 Mac mini with 512GB of storage and this monitor and you'll still come in $100 under the cheapest iMac.
If you get the renewed monitor with a base-model Mac mini you'll come in $70 under the base iMac model. This setup is more expensive, but it is the closest to replicating the 24-inch iMac in price and function. The biggest difference will be the 4K display in the LG monitor versus the more dense 4.5K display in the iMac.
This monitor can be turned on its axis 90-degrees for a new vertical view. Since the Mac mini supports an HDMI-connected monitor, this would make a great companion monitor that sits next to a Thunderbolt display.
This $699 monitor paired with the $699 runs slightly more expensive than the base model iMac, but cheaper than the higher-end iMac. This means you can upgrade the Mac mini to the better M1 chip with 512GB of storage and only come out $100 more expensive than the middle iMac. Of course you'll still need a mouse and keyboard separately.
This purchase would cost about the same as the iMac depending on the configurations chosen, as mentioned, but you'll still end up with a more versatile desktop setup as the Mac mini has more ports, USB Type-A, and the ability to connect to a second monitor over Thunderbolt or HDMI.
If a 24-inch display isn't too appealing, then the size of the iMac probably wasn't either. There are plenty of 27-inch 4K monitors on the market. One budget option is the Philips 278E1A with 3840 by 2160 resolution and 109% sRGB.
Increasing the screen size to 27-inches with the same 4K resolution won't affect picture quality much, but it does reduce pixel density. Apple wouldn't classify this display as "Retina," but it will still appear sharp at normal distances.
This budget 27-inch monitor is another great choice when price and utility are your primary concerns. As with the cheaper LG monitor, the Philips monitor leaves plenty of room for more expensive Mac mini configurations and better accessories. Consider a mechanical keyboard, a more ergonomic mouse, or more RAM to couple with this 27-inch monitor.
The HumanCentric Mac mini Mount lets you attach the Mac mini to your wall, desk, or even the monitor itself. It comes with VESA screws, so you can hide the tiny desktop behind the monitor and only have to manage the power cord running off the desk.
You can get a Mac mini today at any official Apple retailer versus waiting until the iMac becomes available after its May 21 launch. It's a small Mac that can be placed in a bag and carried to the office or on a trip and will easily connect to a projector or hotel TV without needing a dongle.
The Mac mini starts at $699 but can be upgraded with an additional graphics core and 512GB of storage for $899. Buy the middle-tier Mac mini with any of the monitors mentioned here, and you're still coming in under the price of an iMac with the same configuration.
For some, the utilitarian nature of the Mac mini will be more appealing than a flashy, colorful iMac with few ports. For a limited time, readers can also take advantage of exclusive M1 Mac mini deals knocking up to $110 off every configuration at Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama using promo code APINSIDER during checkout with this activation link.
No it is not. Monitor in 24 inch size is way too small and it is ill idea of someone who does not understand principles of human vision. It is the same as marketing foolishness from years ago about 32 millions of colors while human eye can recognize about 300,000. Selling on technical specs does not pay off.If you really want to squeeze more information on screen that is expressed with 4K resolutions then you need minimum 27 inch monitor or better: 32 inch monitor. Tiny fonts do not work when you have to start using eyeglasses to see them. 24 inch monitor is for 1080/HD resolutions and it is old standard at this point, but popular with many applications including some office work.
In 2018 I told you about a $130 chicklet-sized USB-C dongle called Luna Display from Astropad that you could plug into your Mac and drive your iPad as a secondary display using some software on both devices. Back then it was pretty darn cool, but it got somewhat Sherlocked when Apple came out with Sidecar.
I still liked the Luna Display solution better than Sidecar because you get the entire screen instead of that weird truncated display with buttons of Sidecar, but Sidecar being free made it pretty compelling.
However, the Luna website does not seem to consider this possibility (it does describe using an iPad as a primary display for a Mac Mini, and an iMac as a secondary display, but not an iMac as a primary display).
You should be able to be set up the Mac Studio the same way the Mac mini can be set up in headless mode with Luna. The initial setup process for headless mode would require an external monitor, a mouse and a keyboard connected to the primary Mac since you will need to install the primary Luna app on the Mac Studio.
There are folks who are getting target display mode with modern source machines (including PC's). It all seems rather iffy, but perhaps worth a try, the worst that can happen is you buy a cable or two that doesn't work out.
Looks like iMacs after 2009 use thunderbolt and 2009 uses mini-displayport. If you have a modern macbook with USBC connectors you'll need an adapter in addition to the cable. It's all so confusing and hit-or-miss. Try at your own risk, I guess!
The "iPad" is Apple's mainstream iPad, just updated in October 2022 with a complete redesign, 10.9-inch display, Touch ID power button, A14 Bionic chip, USB-C port, and more. Order now ahead of October 26 launch with prices starting at $449. The previous-generation iPad remains available starting at $329.
The updated 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models debuted in January 2023 with new M2 Pro and M2 Max chip options, faster Wi-Fi 6E, HDMI with support for up to 8K displays, and up to 96 GB of memory on M2 Max models.
HomePod mini is a smaller, more affordable version of the original HomePod that has similar features but in a cheaper package. New blue, orange, and yellow color options were released in November 2021.
HiRise Pro is a beautiful, height-adjustable modern stand that boosts your iMac, iMac Pro, or external display, for reduced neck strain while working. To reduce desk clutter, the all metal stand doubles as a gear garage for hiding your wallet, AirPods, hubs and hard drives. Functional and beautiful, it is the only stand worthy of supporting current iMacs, the new iMac Pro and high-end 4K / 5K displays.
HiRise Pro elevates your display to multiple heights (up to almost 4 inches), giving you a better ergonomically designed setup for reduced neck and back strain. You can also use this stand to lift your iMac to the same height as a secondary display. Once set up, HiRise Pro integrates with iMac and other displays to look like one radical new computer. If you're investing in an LG UltraFine 5K Display, or a new iMac Pro, why settle for a one height fits all stand, or a stack of books?
It may seem odd at first, yet the Mac mini is mostly used to power up another device making it more of a flexible purchase. For example, if you already have a screen, keyboard and mouse, you can pair these with the Mac mini instead of purchasing new ones (although you can opt for the Mac mini to arrive with them).
If you want to connect to a TV screen you may need to purchase a mini-displayport-to-VGA adapter which will allow you to connect your Mac mini to a standard analog monitor, projector, or LCD that uses a VGA connector or cable.
The Mac mini is a great way to turn any screen into a digital sign. This allows you to pre-schedule and setup content to show on your digital screen such as social media feeds, presentations, travel updates, news feeds and more. Read the full guide on setting up digital signage with the Mac mini here.
It's a great choice if you're a content creator because it has a dedicated sRGB picture mode that results in excellent color accuracy before calibration, and it also displays a wide range of colors both in SDR and HDR. Unfortunately, it isn't as bright as the Apple monitor, and its reflection handling is just decent, so it isn't ideal for well-lit rooms. If that's important to you, the Gigabyte M34WQ is much cheaper and gets brighter, but it doesn't have Thunderbolt 4 support and has a smaller screen. 2ff7e9595c
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