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iPad iPad as monitor for Mac mini - portrait mode?

P

pax-eterna

macrumors regular
Original poster
I have posted another thread about using the iPad, however this is a different aspect, under that broad category.

How does one use the iPad connected via USB-C as the monitor for a headless Mac mini (4) in portrait mode?

Now, I have read that the latest 26.x MacOS and latest iOS ( 26.5) have Sidecar support using portrait mode, but even with apps like BetterDisplay and others it simply does not seem to work. I am new to MacOS after long term Microsoft and then Linux usage.

So how DOES one use the iPad via USB-C as a monitor in portrait mode?
 
Personally, I don't think you gain alot out of using the iPad as a monitor... because you lose the ability to use iPadOS in tandem with macOS. But you can use a USB-C capture card adapter and use Orion app if you want to use the iPad as a monitor.

But I think you better off buying a portable monitor instead that way you can use both the iPad and Mac with Universal Control.
 
Ludatyk said:
Personally, I don't think you gain alot out of using the iPad as a monitor... because you lose the ability to use iPadOS in tandem with macOS. But you can use a USB-C capture card adapter and use Orion app if you want to use the iPad as a monitor.

But I think you better off buying a portable monitor instead that way you can use both the iPad and Mac with Universal Control.
Click to expand...
yes that I know, however, as I have written elsewhere the issues with 3rd party monitors, in the up to 13" size, all seem to be fixated on having this widescreen physical format, which makes them way to tall the running in portrait. Believe me it IS a path I have explored and tried!

the iPad 12/9" is a perfect ratio aspect in portrait -especially for on stage work
 
I would have thought, with all their IT expertise and expecience Apple would know how to achieve an automatic connection with their other devices outside MacOS....My only conclusion is they CHOOSE not to, for some financial and profit based reason. They are VERY clever when it comes to sofware and its integration with hardware. This, surely for those folks, is a "no-brainer"!
 
I have also tried the USB-C to HDMI dongle approach (Targus DOCK423A) however when I connect the HDMI cable to the Mac, zero response on the iPad so I missing something there as well....I've looked into Orion et al, but they all seem to be subscription based and I cannot find one that is a simple buy once app. Maybe I need an app on iPad as well??
 
pax-eterna said:
I have also tried the USB-C to HDMI dongle approach (Targus DOCK423A) however when I connect the HDMI cable to the Mac, zero response on the iPad so I missing something there as well....I've looked into Orion et al, but they all seem to be subscription based and I cannot find one that is a simple buy once app. Maybe I need an app on iPad as well??
Click to expand...
USB-C to HDMI is output, not input.
 
pax-eterna said:
yes that I know, however, as I have written elsewhere the issues with 3rd party monitors, in the up to 13" size, all seem to be fixated on having this widescreen physical format, which makes them way to tall the running in portrait. Believe me it IS a path I have explored and tried!

the iPad 12/9" is a perfect ratio aspect in portrait -especially for on stage work
Click to expand...
To be fair… portrait mode on a 13” iPad is kind of tall. It’s a rare I’m in portrait mode on mine (even Apple decided it was time to move the landscape camera to portrait)… maybe it would be different on the 11 inch model.

I have also tried the USB-C to HDMI dongle approach (Targus DOCK423A) however when I connect the HDMI cable to the Mac, zero response on the iPad so I missing something there as well....I've looked into Orion et al, but they all seem to be subscription based and I cannot find one that is a simple buy once app. Maybe I need an app on iPad as well??
Click to expand...
Have you tried checking their recommendation for a capture card USB-C adapter? But yeah… the app needs to run. And if I’m not mistaken Orion app is free… the in-app purchase is for adjusting the brightness, upscaling the image and using their retro emulation system.
 
Ludatyk said:
To be fair… portrait mode on a 13” iPad is kind of tall. It’s a rare I’m in portrait mode on mine (even Apple decided it was time to move the landscape camera to portrait)… maybe it would be different on the 11 inch model.


Have you tried checking their recommendation for a capture card USB-C adapter? But yeah… the app needs to run. And if I’m not mistaken Orion app is free… the in-app purchase is for adjusting the brightness, upscaling the image and using their retro emulation system.
Click to expand...
Portrait mode on 12.9 Pro, imo, is perfect for chart reading. the 4:3 is pretty much spot on.

Another poster suggested that Targus was for OUT only from the iPad, as I wrote there, it was not Amy understanding on the webpage...but I will check again. Any suggestions for one that would work, good quality (as it's for stage and MUST be reliable) and won't break the bank?

Might need to re-check that Orion thing...all I could find was a trial for 7 days (I think it was) and then the monthly subscription (or yearly payment) after that
 
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