For many, the priority question is whether it is possible to connect an additional monitor to iMac computers. In fact, it is possible to connect additional displays for video playback and other purposes. Also possible:

• configure your computer so that either the same image is used on two monitors, or a different one;
• distribute programs across different monitors to save space;
• use the monitor as an enclosed display.

Preparatory work for connecting an additional monitor to the iMac

• First of all, you should make sure whether there is a need for an adapter and what ports are available on your device.
• In addition, you should check how many monitors can be used. To complete this procedure, you will need to go to the “About This Mac” section, then go to the “Support” section and click on the “Specifications” button. This will open a web page containing all the information regarding monitor support.

Photo: iMac Support section

How to use Desktop Extend Mode on iMac?

It is worth noting that thanks to this function you have the opportunity to use two workspaces at the same time. In order to wisely use the resulting space, you will need to use the Mission Control program.

If a specialized Dock panel is located at the bottom of the screen, it can be displayed on any connected monitor. To do this, you just need to hover your mouse cursor over it.

How to enable desktop extension mode?

1. The first thing you'll need to do is connect a secondary display to your Mac device.
2. Then in system settings you need to select monitors.
3. Next, click on the “Location” link.
4. You need to look to see if there is a checkmark on the video repeat of the monitors. If it is standing, then it needs to be removed.

How do I change the monitor layout as well as the primary display on iMac?

In order for you to be able to move applications and use windows on different monitors, you will need to arrange the displays in the order in which they are located on your desk. It's worth noting that all icons appear on the main monitor.

It would seem that what could be simpler than connecting a MacBook to an external monitor? We take a laptop, a monitor, connect them with a suitable cable and enjoy the picture on the big screen. In theory, this is true, but in practice, many users are faced with numerous pitfalls. In this material, we will try to consider the main problems that may arise for a user who decides to increase the display space of his MacBook using an external monitor.

Let's consider the most common situation in which we have a MacBook and any external monitor or even a TV. They must be connected to each other using a suitable cable. Owners Cinema Display And Thunderbolt Display Feel free to skip this part.

How and how to connect an external monitor to a MacBook

All modern Apple computers are equipped with a port Thunderbolt, which is backwards compatible with the Mini port DisplayPort. In turn, Mini DisplayPort is used on older MacBook models. Even earlier, in the days of plastic MacBooks, a connector was in use Mini-DVI. Also now Apple has the most common connector in some computers HDMI. They are equipped with it, for example.

Accordingly, the first thing you need to do is make sure what connectors your monitor to which you plan to connect is equipped with. Additionally, it is important to know exactly which port your MacBook has. In any case, the list of possible cables and adapters ultimately comes down to the following set:

This list of adapters and cables will be sufficient to connect most MacBooks to all modern monitors. Moreover, all presented accessories can be purchased directly on the Apple website. Cheaper alternatives are available at any electronics store or on eBay. There are exactly two important notes. Firstly, when purchasing, it is important to make sure that the adapter you are looking at is for Mini DisplayPort, and not regular DisplayPort. Also, if you plan to transmit audio to the monitor, then the cable or adapter must support this feature. Audio transmission via HDMI in MacBooks appeared in 2011 models.

Owners of the latest generations of Apple Cinema Display and Thunderbolt Display are deprived of the pleasure of purchasing any cables separately. Cinema Display, with different variations of the name, has been produced since 1999 and is most often found with a DVI-D connector, and then Mini Display Port. If you are the happy owner of an old Apple monitor and a new MacBook, then you will still need one or another adapter. In other cases there should be no problems. Modern Apple monitors have a built-in cable with a Mini DisplayPort connector (in Cinema Display) or Thunderbolt connector (in Thunderbolt Display) and immediately have built-in cables with corresponding connectors, as well as a MagSafe power cable that allows you to charge your MacBook.

Selecting the mode of operation with an external monitor

So, the MacBook is successfully connected to the monitor. Now let's try to decide on the operating mode, of which in the case of Apple laptops there are exactly three.

First and the simplest operating mode is video repeat of monitors. In this mode, the image on the MacBook display and monitor is completely duplicated. In this mode it is convenient to work with a projector or in other situations when you need to display your work on a large screen. Of course, this mode imposes a limitation on the maximum resolution of the external monitor; it cannot exceed the resolution of the MacBook display.

Second and, perhaps, the most popular operating mode is the extended desktop. In this case, one monitor is literally a continuation of the other, and the user has the opportunity to use the area of ​​​​two displays at once: the built-in MacBook and an external monitor. To activate this mode, just connect the monitor to a running MacBook or connect an external monitor and open the laptop lid.

In the system settings, you can change the order of the monitors, as well as select the main one. The main monitor will display a menu bar at the top of the screen. Additionally, if your monitor is tall enough, it's entirely possible to use your MacBook's trackpad and keyboard as input devices. The same thing, by the way, is true for the first option.

Finally, third The mode involves using a MacBook as a system unit and with the lid closed. To implement this option, you must purchase and connect an external keyboard and mouse or trackpad to your computer, since you will not have access to the laptop’s input devices.

To activate this mode, you must close the MacBook lid and put it into sleep mode. Then the charger and monitor are connected. To wake the laptop from sleep mode, you will need to press a key on the mouse or keyboard. The MacBook will use the external monitor as its sole and primary image output source.

In this case, it may not be possible to wake up the MacBook. The fact is that in OS X, by default, the ability to wake the computer from sleep using devices connected via Bluetooth is disabled. If you have a keyboard and/or mouse connected in this way, then you need to go to Settings - Bluetooth - Advanced and activate the corresponding option.

We solve possible problems

Now, having connected the monitor and choosing the most convenient operating mode, you can safely use your MacBook with an external monitor. If you periodically work separately on a laptop and separately on a MacBook with an external monitor, then you will probably find it useful to use an application that controls the size and position of windows depending on the display used.

Connecting more than one monitor to a MacBook is no longer such a simple process. For these purposes, it is most convenient to use Thunderbolt Display, and then connect other Thunderbolt-enabled displays in series to the Apple monitor. Otherwise, often only one or in rare cases two connectors for image output will limit the flight of imagination. As a last resort, you can use a USB to HDMI adapter.

Last week we looked at . Regions offers a virtual method for adding multiple desktops without physically using multiple monitors.

While? Just as Scopes improve the experience and productivity for Mac users, sometimes adding an extra physical monitor is the only way to get things done. I've been using a second monitor for almost two years and I couldn't imagine a better option for my work.

Connecting a second or third monitor to your Mac is something you can do yourself with a little time to set up.

It's important to note that some Macs are limited to connecting only one external monitor (MacBook Air, for example), while others can support two or more. The easiest way to find out how many monitors you can connect to your Mac is to visit Apple's specifications page for your Mac model. Visit this page, search for and select Mac, and then look under the "Monitor Support" heading for the number of external monitors supported.

Choosing a monitor for your Mac.

When you're shopping for a monitor, pay attention to the type of connector that comes with the monitor. Most monitors include either a VGA or DVI connector. If at all possible, it's best to avoid using VGA as it has less than ideal image quality. Also, if you like a monitor that has an HDMI port, don't avoid it (even if your Mac doesn't have an HDMI port itself).

Since Apple has long since abandoned both connection types, you'll need to purchase an appropriate Mini DisplayPort adapter (i.e. Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA, Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI, or Mini DisplayPort-to-DVI). The adapter converts the signal coming from the monitor, making it compatible with your Mac. Don't worry if you own a newer Mac with a Thunderbolt port - it's even better.

The adapter is not very expensive. For those who prefer to receive accessories directly from the developer, you can find them in the Apple Store. Some users report that official adapters are more reliable, but I've had good luck with third-party adapters.

Or, if you're a fan of Apple's Thunderbolt Display, it has a special cable for connecting directly to your Mac, although the computer must be Thunderbolt-compatible (and you'll have to fork out $999 to purchase one).

Display layout.

Once you've purchased all the necessary parts, connect your monitor, turn it on, and connect it to your Mac's Thunderbolt port or Mini DisplayPort. At this point, make sure you are logged into your computer and both screens are turned on.

Once connected, your Mac will automatically start showing the same image on the new monitor as on the main one. If you are not currently showing a presentation, such a display is not all that can be done, you need to go to "System Preferences> Displays> Layout".

In the setup window, you will see that both displays are superimposed to show the same image. To disable image copying, uncheck the box just below the preview window that says “Sync monitors.”

Both displays will go dark for a brief moment. When they turn on, you will see two different desktops, but the Menu and Dock will only be visible on one. OS X will automatically detect the ideal resolution for both screens, but if you want to change this setting, you can do so by selecting the Monitor tab in the Monitor settings panel.

In the "Arrangement" window, you can move and adjust the position of the monitors so that they appear as they are actually located on the table. Keep in mind, this will also determine which side of the screen you move your mouse to to switch between displays. As long as the displays are touching in the arrangement window, you can place the second monitor relative to the main one as you wish: top, bottom, right, left - it doesn’t matter.

As mentioned above, the menu bar and Dock are only present on one display (technically the menu bar is present on the secondary display too, but it's almost completely transparent), making it the main screen. From the same settings panel, you can drag the white bar representing the menu bar onto the screen you want to set as your primary screen. Again, the displays will go dark but will come back on to show the new settings.

iMac as a second display.

Do you have an unused iMac lying around the house? Did you know you can use it as a second monitor for your MacBook? All you need is a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt-compatible MacBook, iMac and the appropriate cable to connect them. The cable will need to be plugged into the Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt port on your MacBook and then back into the corresponding port on the iMac. Apple has published a list of Macs and their corresponding cable requirements.

Once connected, log into both devices and then press the Command and F2 keys simultaneously to activate what's called "External Display Mode" on the iMac.

Your MacBook will see your iMac as another monitor, and you can use it however you want.

Mac mini bills itself as the world's smallest and greenest computer. At the same time, Apple engineers provided the device with decent functionality. Despite its small dimensions, the computer is in many ways superior to its stationary predecessors.

When purchasing an Apple computer, it is worth understanding its capabilities in order to get the most out of it. For example, if you wish, you can connect two or even three monitors to the device at once.

Mac mini technical features

High computer performance is provided by Mac OS X Leopard OS, NVIDIA graphics processor and Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Despite its power, the device is small in size: 5.8 cm in height and 16.51 cm on the side. And of course, the “Apple” signature design, which makes the Mac mini elegant and compact.

The hard drive stores from 160 GB to 500 GB of information, photos, videos, etc. If there is not enough space, you can additionally use an external hard drive.

What devices is the Mac Mini compatible with:

• digital cameras;
• iPhone;
• scanners;
• printers;
• iPod;
• hard disk;
• TV;
• monitors;
• various peripheral devices.

Thanks to Bluetooth and 802.11n wireless technologies, keyboards and mice are perfectly connected to the Mac Mini computer, and Wi-Fi settings are made. Accordingly, all devices that have similar technologies can connect to the Mac.

Connecting a Monitor to a Mac Mini

There are different ways to set up your Mac and monitor, for example, the connected display can be in addition to the built-in or main display. For example, to view content on a computer screen in detail, you can use a higher resolution TV screen.

Set up a secondary display on Mac:

• Before you start installation, you need to connect an additional screen;
• in the menu tab select “System settings”;
• go to the “Monitors” section, then select “Location”.

On the Location tab, screens will appear as blue rectangles. On your computer, you can set the position of the monitors relative to each other. To change the location, you simply drag the selected rectangle in the selected direction. You can connect two or three monitors, depending on your purposes. One way or another, most Apple devices are compatible with each other and are perfectly customizable.

A month ago, it contains compared to its predecessor, but today I would like to draw attention to one of them. At the operating system presentation at WWDC in June of this year, Craig Federighi announced improved support for multiple screens in Mavericks, and a couple of days ago I was able to put his words to the test.

Using a regular HDMI cable (not ) I connected my MacBook to an external 27-inch monitor. At first, no major improvements were noticed: the image appeared very quickly, and then the monitor duplicated the image from the laptop. There is nothing surprising in this; a similar “trick” can be pulled off by Windows computers.

However, an active AirPlay icon immediately appeared on the top bar of Mavericks. Clicking it revealed the option to turn off the monitor's video repeat and ended up with almost two computers instead of one.

The laptop display and the external monitor turned out to be independent of each other, but at the same time they did not lose connection. The Dock can be used on only one of the screens by moving the cursor to the bottom edge of the monitor. At the same time, you can run different applications on two monitors - for example, watch a full-screen movie on a laptop and simultaneously open an email client on an external display. Very comfortably.

But the most interesting thing is that monitors can “communicate” with each other. To move the window of a running application from the laptop to the monitor, you just need to pull it in the direction where the external display is located. As the program begins to disappear from the laptop screen, it will appear on another monitor. It is noteworthy that the application will be automatically optimized for the new resolution.

The new feature works especially impressively with the Mac Pro. supports up to six simultaneously connected displays, which will turn you almost into Tony Stark. The user can “stretch” the same Safari over the entire workspace (I don’t know why this is needed, though), and also control each monitor as if it were a whole separate computer.

So the next time you connect your Mac to an external monitor, don't close the laptop's lid. Make the most of your workspace.