I have scoured YouTube for this question and at the age of 71 I am not the most technology savvy, but I'm not a complete imbecile either. I have found conflicting I think and confusing information on YouTube about my question so before I sell out 600 bucks for the Mac mini M4, I would sure appreciate your input.
iPhone 12, iOS 18
The Technical Specifications for 2010 iMacs say that "27-inch models also support input from external DisplayPort sources." But no current Mac supports using any iMac – including a 27" 2010 iMac – as a Target Display.
iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support
Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
Plan on needing to buy at least one real monitor for your M4 Mac mini. Note that monitor prices have fallen a little. In Late 2009, when the first 27" iMacs came out, a 27" 2560x1440 pixel monitor from Dell sold for about $1000 on sale, or $1200 when not on sale. If prices moved in sync with inflation, a monitor that cost $1000 in 2010 might sell for $2800+ today.
Instead, you can find some decent 27" 2560x1440 (2.5K) or 3840x2160 (UHD 4K) monitors which have IPS panels and 100% or near-100% coverage of sRGB for $300 – $350.
There are even some third-party 27" 5K monitors with street prices under $1000.
Can’t be done unfortunately even if the Internet disagrees. Shell 600 and another 3 for a regular monitor.
I really appreciate your insight. Thank you.
M4 Mac mini with iMac 2010 for monitor
