It works well except this mouse things... I can still use the iPad but with less comfort thant expected. I d'ont know if this "issue" can't be solve with an other VNC Client such as iTeleport. Any idea?
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iPad + Mac Mini + Air Display = full computer?
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It works well except this mouse things... I can still use the iPad but with less comfort thant expected. I d'ont know if this "issue" can't be solve with an other VNC Client such as iTeleport. Any idea?
Well Teamviewer connects but looses connect very shortly after every time. It's no goodie my book.
Some insight to offer
Hi All, I think I can offer some insight to this thread as I have used most everything mentioned, with the exception of iTeleport - though it looks like Desktop Connect.
First, this is NOT a dumb idea. Using Airdisplay AND my bluetooth keyboard and mouse, I have my MacMini on my lap, in the comfort of a nice chair or couch (with the help of a lapdesk for the mouse). This means I can do things like screen captures and markups for training docs and ALL the special keys and stuff you cannot do with a VNC client - at least not easily. The distance for the BT keyboard and mouse is good as well. I work with the mini's display in mirror mode so I have the dock and menu bar at my disposal. You could consider this as a short range Mac Air substitute - thought components are separate.
As for VNC: I have used LogMeIn, Mocha, Desktop Connect, and tried various others. Of all, I prefer Desktop Connect for the iPad. It lets you setup your machines for access (as iTeleport does, by the looks of things) via a gmail account. What makes it a winner for me is their user interface (various clicks, scrolling, zoom tracking etc) and the machine library features (including the gmail thing). Using special Mac keys and functions can be a bit tough with any of these - it's possible, but try doing a Shift+Cmd+4 to do an area screen capture with a VNC client.
I think a lot depends on the intended use. I don't use it to watch videos or do multi media. I find responsiveness good (not excellent) for what I use it for.
Hope that helps someone
Hi All, I think I can offer some insight to this thread as I have used most everything mentioned, with the exception of iTeleport - though it looks like Desktop Connect.
First, this is NOT a dumb idea. Using Airdisplay AND my bluetooth keyboard and mouse, I have my MacMini on my lap, in the comfort of a nice chair or couch (with the help of a lapdesk for the mouse). This means I can do things like screen captures and markups for training docs and ALL the special keys and stuff you cannot do with a VNC client - at least not easily. The distance for the BT keyboard and mouse is good as well. I work with the mini's display in mirror mode so I have the dock and menu bar at my disposal. You could consider this as a short range Mac Air substitute - thought components are separate.
As for VNC: I have used LogMeIn, Mocha, Desktop Connect, and tried various others. Of all, I prefer Desktop Connect for the iPad. It lets you setup your machines for access (as iTeleport does, by the looks of things) via a gmail account. What makes it a winner for me is their user interface (various clicks, scrolling, zoom tracking etc) and the machine library features (including the gmail thing). Using special Mac keys and functions can be a bit tough with any of these - it's possible, but try doing a Shift+Cmd+4 to do an area screen capture with a VNC client.
I think a lot depends on the intended use. I don't use it to watch videos or do multi media. I find responsiveness good (not excellent) for what I use it for.
Hope that helps someone
I have found a way to use iPad as the only monitor for mac mini without needing a normal monitor (after first initial set up)
Download Air Display app on iPad
Install the software necessary to run Air Display on Mac
Connect to iPad (these steps are all explained in the app)
Set the iPad to mirror the main desktop
After this initial set up, I turn on my mac without a connection to a monitor, (I have pre-installed logmein on my mac and have the logmein ignition app on both my iPad and iPhone) with wifi access I use logmein from my iPhone to remotely access my Mac and get it to connect to my iPad which has the Air Display app already open and than it's all set to go and can be used as the only monitor. So just need to make sure you have wifi access and that the mac automatically connects to this wifi network after turning it on so it can be controlled with logmein to set up the iPad as the monitor (without needing a real monitor).
This works very well with Lion 10.7.2 and a good wifi connection, it's like having the iPad physically connected as a monitor! Much better than using logmein on its own from the iPad to control the mac as you can use your mouse and keyboard as normal.
Note, I had installed ignition on my iOS devices from before and buying Air Display for only £7 was worth it, however, the logmein app is quite expensive so might not be worthwhile for everyone?
Download Air Display app on iPad
Install the software necessary to run Air Display on Mac
Connect to iPad (these steps are all explained in the app)
Set the iPad to mirror the main desktop
After this initial set up, I turn on my mac without a connection to a monitor, (I have pre-installed logmein on my mac and have the logmein ignition app on both my iPad and iPhone) with wifi access I use logmein from my iPhone to remotely access my Mac and get it to connect to my iPad which has the Air Display app already open and than it's all set to go and can be used as the only monitor. So just need to make sure you have wifi access and that the mac automatically connects to this wifi network after turning it on so it can be controlled with logmein to set up the iPad as the monitor (without needing a real monitor).
This works very well with Lion 10.7.2 and a good wifi connection, it's like having the iPad physically connected as a monitor! Much better than using logmein on its own from the iPad to control the mac as you can use your mouse and keyboard as normal.
Note, I had installed ignition on my iOS devices from before and buying Air Display for only £7 was worth it, however, the logmein app is quite expensive so might not be worthwhile for everyone?
Are you also using a wireless keyboard and mouse? Do you experience any lag using the iPad as your primary monitor?
I want to do this!
Yes I was using a bluetooth apple keyboard and trackpad with my mac mini. I did find a bit of lag at times. Having said that AirDisplay app has been updated and apparently improved but I haven't tried it since the update as I've got a macbook air now and find it a lot less hassle. Mac mini with adhoc network setup and iPad works but its a bit fiddly to get it setup and working the first time and than you need a reliable way of creating the adhoc network each time you turn on your mac mini. So it can be done but it is a bit fiddly. If you're somewhere where your mac mini will automatically connect to a WiFi connection than it would be pretty easy to do it.
I prefer Splashtop Remote. Its free and will send audio from mini to the iPad.
I have a monitor on my mini, but I use it with the iPad just as often. It is mainly used as a media computer, so it doesn't get used directly very often unless I am ripping a CD or something.
I have a monitor on my mini, but I use it with the iPad just as often. It is mainly used as a media computer, so it doesn't get used directly very often unless I am ripping a CD or something.