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| Connecting IIci to external flatscreen? |
Posted by: jesseb on 2026-09-10 14:45:50
Hi! New member here, hoping for some advice about IIci's with external monitors. I'm looking at a Mac IIci M5780, to use as a desktop word processor without any internet and distractions. I'm going to spec it with original keyboard/mouse. But I want to use an existing external monitor for ergonomics. Does anyone have experience with this specific IIci (it's the first gen with external monitor support)? Can I just convert from the monitor port to HDMI and go straight into a modern dell flatscreen (e.g.)? Or is it more complicated than that? Very much appreciate any insight. |
Posted by: croissantking on 2026-09-10 15:04:58
Welcome to the forums!
The IIci is a funny old beast regarding monitor support when using the built-in video. You'll need a Mac to VGA adapter (preferably one with at least 8 DIP switches) and a monitor that supports either sync-on-green or composite sync. Not all do, so your mileage may vary. For example I have an Apple Multiscan 15AV from around 1996/7 that won't work with it, but I also have a Dell 2007FP that's about ten years newer and it does work.
You can of course install a Nubus graphics card that supports separate sync (nearly all do) to improve compatibility.
As regards HDMI, no, you can't just use a passive adapter. You need a scaler – I've heard Extron ones are very good. |
Posted by: jesseb on 2026-09-10 15:12:10
Wow, thanks for all this. Now I'm wondering if there's a better option than the IIci for my purposes? My goal is to have a machine that is simple and responsive, with that vintage crisp interface, the keyboard, no distractions, for writing. Nothing else. Like a typewriter with a screen. Ideally with an external flatscreen, but maybe that's gratuitously complicated in this case. And I'm not that picky about which generation or exact version of OS I'm using. So maybe the IIci isn't the right horse for me?
Or, if I do go with the IIci, maybe it's an original CRT monitor that is 100% compatible, and I put it on a stand for ergonomics.
Thanks again. |
Posted by: Forrest on 2026-09-10 16:02:53
I would recommend an LCIII/LCIII+ or a Q605/LC475. These Macs have a somewhat faster CPU 25/(33 MHz 68030 or 25 MHz 68LC040), are simpler design with just a single slot and a more modern video chip that outputs to VGA/SVGA with just a connector adapter and should work fine with a modern flat screen monitor. They also take up 1/3 the space of a IIci. |
Posted by: jesseb on 2026-09-10 16:09:40
Smart. And obviously these are pre-USB, right, so I would get a keyboard/mouse from that period, and then use my modern HDMI flatscreen. |
Posted by: Forrest on 2026-09-10 16:24:45
Many modern flatscreen monitors support both VGA (analog video) and HDMI (digital video).
You’ll need ADB keyboards and mice, or you could use a Wombat with a USB keyboard/mouse https://shop.bigmessowires.com/products/usb-wombat |
Posted by: croissantking on 2026-09-10 17:08:01
Smart. And obviously these are pre-USB, right, so I would get a keyboard/mouse from that period, and then use my modern HDMI flatscreen. I agree with @Forrest about LC475. Yes, they're about...5 years pre-USB. I still recommend using a flatscreen (or could be CRT) that has a VGA input rather than trying to convert to HDMI. |
Posted by: bigmessowires on 2026-09-10 17:42:25
If you'll excuse me for shilling my own inventions, I designed the Mac Sync-inator for the exact situation of connecting my Mac IIci to a modern-ish LCD monitor with VGA input. I was so frustrated by the sync signal mysteries and the hit-or-miss compatibility with various monitors, and the difficulty of using VGA adapters with big banks of confusing DIP switches that never seemed to do what I wanted, that I designed something better - but of course I am biased, heehee! https://www.bigmessowires.com/mac-sync-inator/ |
Posted by: germanaviator on 2026-09-16 08:28:21
@bigmessowires, I was looking at the Sync-inator already. My IIci has a 24-bit Nubus video card. Does the inator come with the correct screws to secure it to the external card? |
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