Can I use my iMac as an external monitor for my Windows laptop?

[Ns1]

inquiring minds want to know...

 

[Tyranicus]

It depends on the model. Some mini DisplayPort models have video in. I believe the current 27" does, and the current 21.5" does not.

 

[TheStu]

It depends on the model. Some mini DisplayPort models have video in. I believe the current 27" does, and the current 2.5" does not.

Current 21.5" does support it, but previous versions did not.

All 27"s should support it however.

 

[ViRGE]

Stu, don't the current 27" models only support Thunderbolt in? The mux on Thunderbolt out can switch between Thunderbolt and DisplayPort, but my understanding is that there's no such mux on the Thunderbolt in, and it can only accept Thunderbolt connections.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3775

 

[TheStu]

Stu, don't the current 27" models only support Thunderbolt in? The mux on Thunderbolt out can switch between Thunderbolt and DisplayPort, but my understanding is that there's no such mux on the Thunderbolt in, and it can only accept Thunderbolt connections.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3775

I don't own either, I was just going off the spec sheet. But looking at it again, it does mention the Thunderbolt cable (I kind of assumed that was just a way to sell stuff)

So basically, the OP needs to tell us which model iMac he has and that is what would really answer the question.

Also, I think that he would need to have displayport on his laptop in order to work with the older 27s.