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LisaJ · Dec 15, 2006, 10:39 AM

I have an iMac G5 with with a busted logic board. To buy a new logic board is almost as expensive as a new machine, so I was wondering if it was possible to plug the iMac into a Powermac and use it as a nice 20" flatscreen monitor.

(I have an adapter to allow me to plug in another monitor to it). I don't know if this is any use to me!

P · Dec 15, 2006, 12:27 PM

This has been asked many times, but AFAIK, it just doesn't work. I suppose you might hack up a connection that will work if you're good with a soldering iron and have enough time on your hands to figure out the connections, but I never heard of anyone doing it.

C.A.T.S. CEO · Dec 16, 2006, 01:55 AM

I PMed a mod about this about making a sticky.

peeb · Dec 18, 2006, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by C.A.T.S. CEO

I PMed a mod about this about making a sticky.

It's a major flaw in the iMac philosophy. When your computer busts, you have to shell out for a new monitor. They're pretty, but that sucks. How about a consumer tower?

P · Dec 18, 2006, 02:37 PM

There are lots and lots of threads about that around. If you want to debate it, use the search function and go find one. Don't bring it up here again.

ghporter · Dec 18, 2006, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by peeb

It's a major flaw in the iMac philosophy. When your computer busts, you have to shell out for a new monitor. They're pretty, but that sucks. How about a consumer tower?

Um.....NO. It's a FEATURE of the iMac that you only need the one major device (plus a keyboard and mouse) rather than a ton of other crap on your desk. The computer is NOT built to "bust" and so why should the designers provide a way for you to manage something it's not supposed to do?

macintologist · Dec 19, 2006, 03:35 PM

However our newbie poster does have a point. It would be nice if the next iMac form factor included some sort of DVI IN port.

P · Dec 21, 2006, 10:28 AM

That port would be used by about 0.1% of its users. There are many higher priorities for new ports, eSATA is probably the highest.

chevy5150 · Dec 21, 2006, 11:15 PM

Hmm... Guess that makes me part of that 0.1% then. Would be nice to have the 20" Imac and still be able to switch it over for use as a monitor for my PC. Save some space on the desk instead of having 2 monitors.

gooser · Dec 21, 2006, 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by P

That port would be used by about 0.1% of its users. There are many higher priorities for new ports, eSATA is probably the highest.

maybe 0.1% of its users, but probably 10.0% of these forum's viewers. or so it seems.

dn15 · Dec 22, 2006, 04:09 AM

Have you yet investigated whether it is eligible for the repair extension? If it is you may be able to get it fixed free. Tons of iMac G5s have failed logic boards (specifically the capacitors) and power supplies, which Apple is covering even out of warranty.

Eriamjh · 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by C.A.T.S. CEO

I PMed a mod about this about making a sticky.

A sticky regarding this in the iMac forum is a great idea. Until then, the advice should be to sell the broken iMac for parts.