Way back in 2009, Apple added a very handy feature to iMacs, allowing them to be used as a monitor for another Mac – typically a MacBook. Known as Target Display Mode, the company unfortunately dropped the feature from the model launched in late 2014 and it has never returned.
If you want to do the same with later iMacs, there is an app for that, as we outlined last year. But Quinn Nelson at Snazzy Labs opted instead for the ultimate conversion …
We should start by echoing the same caution as Macworld: this is not a task for the faint-hearted. You’ll need to buy a new display driver, audio board, power supply unit, fan controller, transformer, and some glue. Additionally, you’ll need decent electronics project skills, including disassembling, soldering, crimping, splicing, and testing.
But if you’re willing to spend some money and put in the work, you can get a very beautiful Apple display for way less than it would cost you to buy the Apple Studio Display. While it of course doesn’t match the resolution, Quinn says that it is way better quality than any other monitor you would get for the same price.
You’ll find all the resources you’ll need here, with illustrated instructions to follow – which Quinn wryly observes will be online by the time your display driver arrives from China.
Check out the video below to see exactly how it’s done.
Highlighted accessories
Image: Quinn Nelson
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