Replace TV with computer

[Libbitt]

1999 Safari 23

I have a 6 yr old Apple iMac desktop that I’d like to hang in place of the TV. Has anyone else done this? I’d like to use the same mount.

[overlander63]

Does the iMac already have a vesa mount? They are extremely difficult to retrofit.

[PB_NB]

I have a 27" that could be used to replace the tiny LG that came with our trailer. Apple does offer a mount for the iMac Pro, but I think it is the same for the iMac. I just looked on the back of my iMac Pro and it looks the same as my iMac 27" ~2014. Amazon has some mounts as well. I am not too sure about getting the stand to come off without taking the iMac apart. I read that pre 2012 models had a stand that can be removed but newer ones would probably require a disassemble.

It is a great idea and would be a nice upgrade as well. Plus you get bluetooth so you can hook up to some nicer speakers.

It would look nice against the aluminum inner skin too! Sounds like an iMac needs to be on the options list from AS

[Libbitt]

Seems like an ideal use for an old 27” iMac, although I’ll probably need to replace the mount. I think the weight is similar. I’ll consult with my guru.

[Libbitt]

I don’t know. I have some research to do.

[PB_NB]

Looks like 2011 was the last iMac that could be modified to accept an aftermarket vesa mount. Some of the mounts have a warning that the 27" iMac is too heavy for the mount as well.

I think the only way to do this is to modify the stand to connect to the wall mount.

In my case, we have the little 22" LG TV supplied by AS so I think the iMac will be heavier. I will need to check the capacity of the mount to see if that will work. A heavier wall mount can be installed as well to support the iMac.

I have a few older iMacs so I am not too concerned about popping a few holes in the stand in a clean and orderly manner of course.

This would make a great upgrade without having to spend much money.

[daleyocum]

If you do need to upgrade the mount to a heavier duty version, this one worked well for me. It also swings out on an arm if that would be helpful in your situation. It was good for me with a 2018 FC25 to give a better viewing angle for the dinette.

This thing is super heavy duty, it probably weighs 10lbs just by itself.

[BoscoMN]

One thing you may want to retain is the ability to get local TV stations (I use it to stay aware of local events that might affect us like a storm). There are many Over The Air tuners with many features and the prices that go from $75 - $300. Here is one that also includes 4 tuners and a built in DVR:

https://www.amazon.com/SiliconDust-H..._t4_B07XLTYBQ6

Keep in mind that this one connects up to you local ethernet network to transmit the TV channels to your connected devices. Others will use USB. Be aware of any subscriptions that may be required.

[Rounder44]

It's very simple!

Google:

Apple Vesa Mount adapter for imac. This attached to your iMac then chose your wall mount....

Question is how will it hold up in a traveling Airstream bouncing around...

[Doc Foster]

I have an old 27" Imac that is quite a bit heavier than most modern TV's, for instance a 32" HD Smart TV will weigh 10-12 pounds, but I believe the old Imac weight in at over 21 pounds. That might not seem like a big difference until you go bouncing down the road.

[cazual6]

Not to be a downer, but six-year-old?

Why not get something new instead.

[Cin]

That's what we're using as well.

[DKB_SATX]

If you are looking for a use for your iMac, I guess I can see it. Absent that, going for full-featured options I'd rather have a decent TV and a Mac Mini, giving all the advantages of both the TV (OTA reception, cable where a campsite has it, etc) and the Mac. It also gives you more options for keeping the Mac up-to-date, since you could take just the Mini home to update it on your home internet service (assuming you don't store your Airstream at home.)

[Mollysdad]

I have an I-mac and it does not have a VESA mount or any mount. It has the stand built in.
Apple does sell adaptors as others mentioned, and they also sell new I-macs with a VESA mount installed.
I think I'd want to secure it for travel, it's heavier than a TV.
Mine is a 27"
Here's an idea, this guy mounted his in a sailboat.
https://www.everyonestravelclub.com/...-on-a-sailboat

[Rounder44]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I have an I-mac and it does not have a VESA mount or any mount. It has the stand built in.
However, I recall Less Junk More Journey mounted a I-mac monitor in their Airstream.

The VESA mount is a $35 item. You simply remove the stand and replace with the VESA mount.

It's not included.

It looks very rugged but I'm still unconvinced the shaking of a coach will do a computer much good

[new2trailer]

I would be worried about the hard drive. If your iMac has a solid state hard drive, you should be golden. If it has the old style turntable hard drive the bouncing would be hard on it leading to premature failure.

It is a good idea though.

Mike

[PB_NB]

I like the idea of repurposing the tech. The quality of the DVD and LG TV that came in my 2019 Sport is pretty crappy compared to the 2013 iMac that I have sitting around. It's like night and day.

FYI, I got a Boss Dvd player and 22" LG TV in the Sport and watched a dvd while away, and between the 2 components, they couldn't figure out what the aspect ratio was and I couldn't change it so I watched a squished movie!. It has been long time since I did that.

Problem is that Vesa mounts available are not compatible with the iMacs built after 2011. But now you can order a Vesa mount on a new iMac. Seems like almost a decade of iMacs wont work.

I am curious about the stand and removal of it. Apparently, it just unclips based on what I have seen on Youtube.

I will give it a try and report back on mine which is a Late 2013 Model 27".