iMac and Xbox 360

chrislad

I've a 42in LCD downstairs for my Xbox but I'm getting grief because the Xbox doesn't fit it with the design scheme for the sitting room so I'm being told to get a TV for upstairs!

Thing is, I could do with a new Mac anyways. I'm using a Macbook which is pushing 2 years old. It's the finest, and I still plan to use it, but since I use it as a Media Server, and all my iTunes content is on an external HD, it's annoying that if I want to move the laptop, I lose my music etc as does the Apple TV. Ideally, I'd love a iMac for upstairs and have my laptop for work etc.

Now, my main query is how does the iMac perform as a monitor for the 360? I saw on the spec page that it requires an adapter? Has anyone used a 360 (or PS3, I suppose) with an iMac and adapter and how did it work? I can use either HDMI or Component at present but I can always get a VGA cable too.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

Sad Professor

This won't work, the iMac has no video input port. You'd need a tv tuner like the Eyetv 250. And afaik you'd only get standard def. There'd probably be some latency as well.

chrislad

Really?

The tech page says it does.

http://www.apple.com/imac/specs/

Mini-DVI output port with support for DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video connections via adapter3

Sad Professor

chrislad wrote: »

Mini-DVI output port with support for DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video connections via adapter3

That's output, like for sending a video signal from the imac to, let's say, another monitor; where as you want to send a signal to the imac so you'd need a video input port which the imac doesn't have.

Sad Professor

How about instead of an iMac you get a Mac mini with a cheap hdtv (or external display) which you can also use with the 360. The mini would make a nice media centre as well.

chrislad

Ah right. I misread that.

Thanks for your help. I was considering the Mac Mini option as well, but is the memory etc upgradable on the Mac Minis?

johnk123

+1 for the mac mini, plus display. That can then become your new media server for your apple TV.

People have upgraded mac mini yeah, just search youtube and there is loads of tutorials on how to install extra RAM. etc.

chrislad

Got a great deal on an iMac today. 2.40 GHz, 320gig HD, 20" model. There was a former display model for 999.97 in PC World. I argued that it was this price on the Apple web site, despite notices saying it was 1400e. They eventually gave me 100euro off, which I thought was grand as they were giving a new keyboard/mouse. Paid half up and half finance and I said I'd be back to pick it up. Came back and they had sold it to someone else (for 999!).

They were nice about it in all fairness, and on Tuesday, I'll have a brand new, sealed in box iMac for 900 yo yos

johnk123

And did you solve the problem with your 360??

chrislad

I had a quick Google and there seems to be some products available and I'll look into them, but forecast doesn't seem good. Worst case scenario, I'll just use the crappy old 15in LCD that's banging around.

johnk123

BTW, is it an aluminum imac you bought???

chrislad

Yup.