Folks,

I just stumbled on this great video that shows how a cheap ($50) app allows you to use just about any old Mac as a zero lag second display for a new Mac. It’s too good not to share here as this is exactly what I was contemplating as I plan to (finally) upgrade my old 2019 Intel iMac to the new one when it launches.

App turns redundant iMac into 5k monitor.

Cheers,

Mark.

Folks,

I just stumbled on this great video that shows how a cheap ($50) app allows you to use just about any old Mac as a zero lag second display for a new Mac. It’s too good not to share here as this is exactly what I was contemplating as I plan to (finally) upgrade my old 2019 Intel iMac to the new one when it launches.

App turns redundant iMac into 5k monitorslope
Cheers,

Mark.

Thanks for sharing this! I’ve been considering ways to repurpose my old Mac as a second display, and it’s great to see a cost-effective solution like this.

Could you share more details about the app you mentioned? Specifically, how easy is it to set up, and does it work well with different resolutions?

I know someone who would be interested in this... so any real world experience / feedback appreciated...

Thank you for the very good and real world review. I will pass on this info.

Thanks for sharing this! I’ve been considering ways to repurpose my old Mac as a second display, and it’s great to see a cost-effective solution like this.

Could you share more details about the app you mentioned? Specifically, how easy is it to set up, and does it work well with different resolutions?

Hi, this is the app the video refers to: https://www.retinarelay.com/ - I haven’t used it myself yet as I am planning to replace my iMac in the next few weeks, but will come back here once I’ve tried it. The video is worth watching as it gets into things like resolution and refresh rates.

It's worth it! I stumbled upon that video a few weeks ago. (I regularly watch Andy's photography software review videos). I thought I would try the seven day free option. My iMac is a 27" 2015 17,1 that I've swapped out the Fusion drive for an SSD a few years ago and have managed to update to Sequoia through OCLP. But, I know it's long in the tooth. The Thunderbolt ports only work once after a SMC reset, so I think there is something wrong with the logic board. It's been my daily driver, but I'm migrating over to my MacBook Pro M4 Pro. (Including LrC).
Ideally a Thunderbolt cable is used between the new mac and the iMac, but as mentioned, my iMac's Thunderbolt ports are cooked. A USB SuperSpeed+ cable works fine for me. The software automatically maintains as good a refresh rate as it can, and I don't notice any lag. Lots of headroom using the USB cable. The nice thing, compared to the Luna from Astropad, is that it is possible to work on the iMac while RetinaRelay is running, which is not possible with Luna. Also, RetinaRelay is less expensive than Luna. LrC works great on the iMac's 5k display. Once support for my iMac runs out, I will still be able to use it as a display.
Worth trying out the seven day free trial; fully functioning version with no functionality restricted.
Best part.... Buy it once! Free updates!

Thanks, awesome to know that it works well in practice.