Thx for your videos mate! I finally found out how to connect my intel mini Mac to an old IMac I bought off EBay using an Ethernet cable! I had used the Luna display previously to connect to an iPad but now I have a bigger screen! Cheers
Following your tutorial I have used Ethernet to connect my Mac mini to my old iMac very successfully. This was achieved by using an Ethernet splitter at each end (router in hallway and Ethernet socket in upper room) i.e 2 cables from the router to the splitter and the connected to the socket, and then 2 cables from a splitter at the room socket. Delighted to report that it works extremely well, however both of the splitters are powered via USB so additional USB sockets are required. thank you for your inspirational tutorial.
Great video, thanks. I have a Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017 iMac running Ventura and also have an M1 MacBook Air. If I purchase this Luna Display I presume I can connect via USB-C and use my iMac as the main display whilst the MacBook Air is closed and use the iMac keyboard and mouse? Will look at getting a Mac mini M4 when released.
Yes. That will work, but the iMac Keyboard and mouse may be restricted in some their features, e.g. you will lose the swipe features of the Magic Mouse. If you can set your iMac to auto start without a Password, then connect your mouse and keyboard to the MBAir that'll be nicer to work with. The issue in this set-up is finding a way to start the iMac and make sure that the Luna Display Secondary app starts (on the iMac), but there are ways to do it.
Thanks for the review. I have set up between MacMini M1 and late 2014 iMac with Retina display using Thunderbolt 3 to Tbolt 2. Only issue I am having is getting the mouse to work properly. Currently using a 3 button PC mouse with USB dongle. Guess I'll try a USB wired mouse. Any suggestion on mouse?
Hi Phil, thanks for your informative video. I just got Luna display to use my old iMac 2015 as a display for my 13" Macbook Air 2019. Both have Retina displays. I've connected them using an ethernet cable (using a USB-ethernet converter on my Macbook Air). The problem is that the connection seems slow and laggy. Is there an adjustment on the resolution on either of the Macs I have to make? Anyway I can make the connection faster? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
I think you may have done everything possible to make it faster. Using a cabled connection is the right choice. Make sure that the Ethernet connection is the choice in Luna Display settings too.
When your computers are connected, can you run files that live on your old connected iMac 2015 on software that is running on your new macbook? You said in another video the old computer functions both as display and external harddrive.
With a newer iMac using an older one as the second monitor, I assume two keyboards would be required, since both iMacs would be operating as standalones?
I have a MacBook Pro from 2015, and recently purchased a Mac mini. I would like to ask if I can use a Mac mini as the host for my MacBook, but operate it with my MacBook. Thank you
You 'can' use the keyboard and trackpad from your MacBook, but you still need to logIn and perform other operations on the Mac Mini which requires a dedicated keyboard and likely a mouse too, so although it's possible, the best option is to use a separate Keyboard and Mouse for both and try it to see what works for you.
@@chinesegoodstuff4371 Apple does not support making an iMac one of your extended screens for a Mac. Screen sharing is a different, but very useful feature which I use in some of my other videos..
@@HelpfulPhil Friend, I have been able to use my 15-year-old Macbookpro keyboard and mouse to operate my new macmini m4. Although it has a little delay, I think it is very good when I use it at home.
Hello, and thanks for your explanations. I would to know, if on a new MacMiniM4 with Luna Display, i can use 2 old iMacs as monitors, one is a 27" end 2012 Catalina, other one is a 20" 2008 High Sierra. Then if yes ! What cables, I guess one in ethernet, the second USB-C / USB-A , Thunderbolt ? . Thanks you :)
@@HelpfulPhil Ok thanks you, anyway i can attach a monitor extern as a second or as a principal. I order already my miniM4 and Luna .. Will try on next weekend :)
I have a new MacBook air, an old iMac and a monitor. I would like to use my MacBook air as the main, and have the other 2 as monitors. What's the best way to do this? Thank you in advance. 🙏🏽
Depends upon which M-series chip you have. Refer to Apple support for your model. IF you can connect 2 monitors, then Luna Display will count as one of those.
Can the Luna Display module be plugged into a USB-C port on a hub that is connected to the Apple Silicon Mac, or must it also be plugged directly into a USB-C port on the Apple Silicon Mac? I was hoping to use a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect to an2015 iMac 27” Retina display and put the Luna Display in a hub. This way I would only need to use one USB-C port on my 4-port iMac 24 M3 computer.
No. The Luna Display dongle needs to be plugged into a Thunderbolt/Display Port compatible USB-C port. Unless you have a Thunderbolt hub, even then it is not guaranteed.
If I put the luna display dongle into m3 Mac mini, and using 2017 MBP for primary display， can I use the MBP built in keyboard and trackpad FOR MAC MINI ?
Yes. In fact this is the recommended way of working as it will retain all of the functionality of the input devices. Your iMac's Keyboard and mouse can be used but you will find that some of their 'Special' features don't work, unless they are paired to your Mac Mini.
I connected my 2016 MacBook Pro (USB-C) via ethernet cable directly to my 2014 iMac (which does not have USB-C but has ethernet) and even with a direct wired connection I found the connection somewhat laggy. When I move the mouse it's not super smooth and video definitely is a no-no. Would Thunderbolt 2 cables with a Thunderbolt 3 adapter be better or not necessarily? Is there a way to have streaming video from the source computer playback smoothly on the second screen?
I think that the Thunderbolt cable would not necessarily offer a better performance than your ethernet cable. Make sure there are no other 'heavy duty' applications running when you're playing videos, especially additional video processing programs. I watch TH-cam videos quite happily on the Luna Display iMac.
I have 5K imac 2017. and ventura OS 13.6.1 , if use USB - C to USB - C from my Macbook Air M2, to iMac as secondary monitor, is it possible? should I buy Luna Display too? I worry if buy luna display then use wifi connection, I am afraid that will unstable.
You need Luna Display for Your iMac to work as a secondary monitor. Once you have Luna Display, connect the Mac's using a good quality USB-C/Thunderbolt cable and you will be good to go.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you for your reply. On Astropad website, the case of connecting Mac to Mac they recommend the connection by Usb C. If the cable is of good quality (Gen 3.2). I'm curious which one between ethernet or USB C system would be more powerful
@@vinhnguyenart I've tried both and never found any discernible difference between either. Using ethernet simply uses a port which is useful for other data to transfer as well, whereas using a USB-C port takes away the opportunity to connect something else.
@@rakesh-tj2qg Hi, it will match the resolution of your MBP. My commnet was just that a lot of people would be using a bigger screen - like the iMac 27". your use c ase is perfectly fine.
Thx for your videos mate! I finally found out how to connect my intel mini Mac to an old IMac I bought off EBay using an Ethernet cable!
I had used the Luna display previously to connect to an iPad but now I have a bigger screen! Cheers
Following your tutorial I have used Ethernet to connect my Mac mini to my old iMac very successfully. This was achieved by using an Ethernet splitter at each end (router in hallway and Ethernet socket in upper room) i.e 2 cables from the router to the splitter and the connected to the socket, and then 2 cables from a splitter at the room socket. Delighted to report that it works extremely well, however both of the splitters are powered via USB so additional USB sockets are required. thank you for your inspirational tutorial.
Great video, thanks. I have a Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017 iMac running Ventura and also have an M1 MacBook Air. If I purchase this Luna Display I presume I can connect via USB-C and use my iMac as the main display whilst the MacBook Air is closed and use the iMac keyboard and mouse? Will look at getting a Mac mini M4 when released.
Yes. That will work, but the iMac Keyboard and mouse may be restricted in some their features, e.g. you will lose the swipe features of the Magic Mouse. If you can set your iMac to auto start without a Password, then connect your mouse and keyboard to the MBAir that'll be nicer to work with. The issue in this set-up is finding a way to start the iMac and make sure that the Luna Display Secondary app starts (on the iMac), but there are ways to do it.
Thanks for the review. I have set up between MacMini M1 and late 2014 iMac with Retina display using Thunderbolt 3 to Tbolt 2. Only issue I am having is getting the mouse to work properly. Currently using a 3 button PC mouse with USB dongle. Guess I'll try a USB wired mouse. Any suggestion on mouse?
I don't generally offer hardware suggestions, just make sure that your mouse is driving the MacMini, not the iMac in this situation.
Hi Phil, thanks for your informative video. I just got Luna display to use my old iMac 2015 as a display for my 13" Macbook Air 2019. Both have Retina displays. I've connected them using an ethernet cable (using a USB-ethernet converter on my Macbook Air). The problem is that the connection seems slow and laggy. Is there an adjustment on the resolution on either of the Macs I have to make? Anyway I can make the connection faster? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
I think you may have done everything possible to make it faster. Using a cabled connection is the right choice. Make sure that the Ethernet connection is the choice in Luna Display settings too.
Many thanks a very useful and informative video.
When your computers are connected, can you run files that live on your old connected iMac 2015 on software that is running on your new macbook? You said in another video the old computer functions both as display and external harddrive.
Yes. Search for the video I have showing how to access the files from the old iMac.
Yes. Search for the video I have showing how to access the files from the old iMac.
With a newer iMac using an older one as the second monitor, I assume two keyboards would be required, since both iMacs would be operating as standalones?
Basically you’re correct. You’ll use the keyboard and mouse connected to the newer iMac mostly so make sure they’re your favourite/best devices.
I have a MacBook Pro from 2015, and recently purchased a Mac mini. I would like to ask if I can use a Mac mini as the host for my MacBook, but operate it with my MacBook. Thank you
You 'can' use the keyboard and trackpad from your MacBook, but you still need to logIn and perform other operations on the Mac Mini which requires a dedicated keyboard and likely a mouse too, so although it's possible, the best option is to use a separate Keyboard and Mouse for both and try it to see what works for you.
@@HelpfulPhil Apple has a screen sharing feature, isn't it the simplest operation. Thank you for your reply
@@chinesegoodstuff4371 Apple does not support making an iMac one of your extended screens for a Mac. Screen sharing is a different, but very useful feature which I use in some of my other videos..
@@HelpfulPhil Friend, I have been able to use my 15-year-old Macbookpro keyboard and mouse to operate my new macmini m4. Although it has a little delay, I think it is very good when I use it at home.
Hello, and thanks for your explanations. I would to know, if on a new MacMiniM4 with Luna Display, i can use 2 old iMacs as monitors, one is a 27" end 2012 Catalina, other one is a 20" 2008 High Sierra. Then if yes ! What cables, I guess one in ethernet, the second USB-C / USB-A , Thunderbolt ? . Thanks you :)
You can only use one iMac as a monitor with Luna Display.
@@HelpfulPhil Ok thanks you, anyway i can attach a monitor extern as a second or as a principal. I order already my miniM4 and Luna .. Will try on next weekend :)
@@claudebordage Yes. Enjoy Luna Display and extending your iMac's life.
I have a new MacBook air, an old iMac and a monitor. I would like to use my MacBook air as the main, and have the other 2 as monitors. What's the best way to do this?
Thank you in advance. 🙏🏽
Depends upon which M-series chip you have. Refer to Apple support for your model. IF you can connect 2 monitors, then Luna Display will count as one of those.
@@HelpfulPhil thank you. I'm using a m3 one.
Can the Luna Display module be plugged into a USB-C port on a hub that is connected to the Apple Silicon Mac, or must it also be plugged directly into a USB-C port on the Apple Silicon Mac? I was hoping to use a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect to an2015 iMac 27” Retina display and put the Luna Display in a hub. This way I would only need to use one USB-C port on my 4-port iMac 24 M3 computer.
No. The Luna Display dongle needs to be plugged into a Thunderbolt/Display Port compatible USB-C port. Unless you have a Thunderbolt hub, even then it is not guaranteed.
If I put the luna display dongle into m3 Mac mini, and using 2017 MBP for primary display， can I use the MBP built in keyboard and trackpad FOR MAC MINI ?
Yes. In fact this is the recommended way of working as it will retain all of the functionality of the input devices.
Your iMac's Keyboard and mouse can be used but you will find that some of their 'Special' features don't work, unless they are paired to your Mac Mini.
What's the fastest connection in terms of eliminating lag? USB C 3.2, Ethernet or Thunderbolt?
All are much the same. Suffice to say they're all faster than WiFi.
Me again 😀 Would you consider the ethernet connection to be the best as in the fastest. Oh I have purchased Luna with your link.
Yes Ethernet is the best way to go for both speed and networking functionality.
I connected my 2016 MacBook Pro (USB-C) via ethernet cable directly to my 2014 iMac (which does not have USB-C but has ethernet) and even with a direct wired connection I found the connection somewhat laggy. When I move the mouse it's not super smooth and video definitely is a no-no. Would Thunderbolt 2 cables with a Thunderbolt 3 adapter be better or not necessarily? Is there a way to have streaming video from the source computer playback smoothly on the second screen?
I think that the Thunderbolt cable would not necessarily offer a better performance than your ethernet cable. Make sure there are no other 'heavy duty' applications running when you're playing videos, especially additional video processing programs. I watch TH-cam videos quite happily on the Luna Display iMac.
Since luna display does not support docs, what if you baught two luna displays? Can you then connect a windows pc to 2 ipads?
What do you mean it doesn’t support docs? ...anyway you can only use one Luna Display on a computer.
I have 5K imac 2017. and ventura OS 13.6.1 , if use USB - C to USB - C from my Macbook Air M2, to iMac as secondary monitor, is it possible? should I buy Luna Display too? I worry if buy luna display then use wifi connection, I am afraid that will unstable.
You need Luna Display for Your iMac to work as a secondary monitor. Once you have Luna Display, connect the Mac's using a good quality USB-C/Thunderbolt cable and you will be good to go.
@@HelpfulPhil Ok, thank you for your response.
Thx
Is using an ethernet cable a way to have 0 latency?
you'll never have '0' latency, but Ethernet has the least lag, most convenient, low cost and efficient way to connect.
@@HelpfulPhil Thank you for your reply. On Astropad website, the case of connecting Mac to Mac they recommend the connection by Usb C. If the cable is of good quality (Gen 3.2). I'm curious which one between ethernet or USB C system would be more powerful
@@vinhnguyenart I've tried both and never found any discernible difference between either.
Using ethernet simply uses a port which is useful for other data to transfer as well, whereas using a USB-C port takes away the opportunity to connect something else.
Can one connect MacBookAir to MacMini using Luna Display?
Yes, but it’s surely not the best screen.?
@@philbinks will not the resolution be same as that of MacBook Air? I mean why are you saying it will not be the best screen?
@@rakesh-tj2qg Hi, it will match the resolution of your MBP. My commnet was just that a lot of people would be using a bigger screen - like the iMac 27". your use c ase is perfectly fine.
Thanks