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All iPads Using the iPad as an Second Display

Suture

Suture

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Feb 22, 2007
1,003
213
Has anyone tried the various apps out for utilizing your iPad as an external/second display on a PC/Mac? I'm actually more interested in the PC-side, as my work laptop is a Dell. I often travel either to my office or a client site, and could really benefit from an extra display. Lugging around a monitor isn't very feasible.

I've been looking at reviews online, and they all seem really 50/50 on these apps. Some complain the text is so small on Retina-enabled iPads that it's not worth it, some say there is noticeable delay in response time, etc. Just looking for some real world experience. Also wondering if any of these apps allow you to change the resolution on the iPad, and if it's all pixelated after that or not.

My main uses would be for referencing spreadsheets, but also would like to have a VM running or even a PDF to reference while I'm editing in Word on my main laptop screen.
 
I don't think its possible since it lacks the ports required to connect the iPAd to the computer for display purposes.
 
Suture said:
Has anyone tried the various apps out for utilizing your iPad as an external/second display on a PC/Mac? I'm actually more interested in the PC-side, as my work laptop is a Dell. I often travel either to my office or a client site, and could really benefit from an extra display. Lugging around a monitor isn't very feasible.

I've been looking at reviews online, and they all seem really 50/50 on these apps. Some complain the text is so small on Retina-enabled iPads that it's not worth it, some say there is noticeable delay in response time, etc. Just looking for some real world experience. Also wondering if any of these apps allow you to change the resolution on the iPad, and if it's all pixelated after that or not.

My main uses would be for referencing spreadsheets, but also would like to have a VM running or even a PDF to reference while I'm editing in Word on my main laptop screen.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure I understand what you want to do.

You want access to some pdfs and spreadsheets to look at while you're working on your laptop?
 
Well, the app store does have Microsoft Remote Desktop. I haven't set this up because I don't have my iPad yet, but it is worth a try.
 
chupachup said:
I'm not sure I understand what you want to do.

You want access to some pdfs and spreadsheets to look at while you're working on your laptop?
Click to expand...

chupachup said:
Well, the app store does have Microsoft Remote Desktop. I haven't set this up because I don't have my iPad yet, but it is worth a try.
Click to expand...

The OP is trying to do something like this:

http://www.avatron.com/applications/air-display/

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OP, here are some links that might be helpful:

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-augment-your-computer-with-an-ipad-513479575

http://getidisplay.com/

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-use-your-ipad-or-iphone-as-a-second-monitor-ios/
 
[/COLOR]OP, here are some links that might be helpful:

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-augment-your-computer-with-an-ipad-513479575

http://getidisplay.com/

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-use-your-ipad-or-iphone-as-a-second-monitor-ios/[/QUOTE]

Yep, this is exactly what I'm trying to do. I had already checked out the Lifehacker article and the MakeUseOf, however that second one I hadn't seen yet -- thanks. These articles list most of the things I'm kinda iffy about, it seems like each option has one great advantage and one "ugh" disadvantage. I think at this rate I'll probably just wind up plunking down a few dollars and testing some of them out. Thanks!
 
I did get hold of one app that is now no longer available that allowed you to use the iPad as a second monitor. There was software you installed on your PC and then it worked over wifi to use the iPad as a second screen but it was a bit slow and laggy so there wasnt a lot of benefit to it.
 
I use Air Display and Teamviewer. I used to use Logmein until they jettisoned their free service. There will always be some lag. You can adjust resolution using Teamviewer and it also allows for VnC capability. If I'm showing content in the field, I normally just use an iPad since it's just large enough and you can interact with data directly on screen. Secondary displays are just that... Secondary ... Displays. Meaning that you don't interact on it most of the time. It's useful if you need a second display to show static content like a pdf or a secondary spreadsheet but interacting on a secondary display is normally a waste of time when done wirelessly.
 
Suture said:
Has anyone tried the various apps out for utilizing your iPad as an external/second display on a PC/Mac? I'm actually more interested in the PC-side, as my work laptop is a Dell. I often travel either to my office or a client site, and could really benefit from an extra display. Lugging around a monitor isn't very feasible.

I've been looking at reviews online, and they all seem really 50/50 on these apps. Some complain the text is so small on Retina-enabled iPads that it's not worth it, some say there is noticeable delay in response time, etc. Just looking for some real world experience. Also wondering if any of these apps allow you to change the resolution on the iPad, and if it's all pixelated after that or not.

My main uses would be for referencing spreadsheets, but also would like to have a VM running or even a PDF to reference while I'm editing in Word on my main laptop screen.
Click to expand...
Can it be done with no display connections?
 
Yes, I've found solutions that use wifi, and some that use Bluetooth.
 
Used Air Display

I've done this with Air Display on my Mac and Lenovo work computer. There is definitely lag, so I would say the iPad is best suited to display content that is more static or doesn't require constant refreshing. In the end, I didn't use it as much as I thought I would.
 
Wifi-n should have enough bandwidth to be reasonable, and if future iPads have Wifi-ac, then even better. If Valve can get it to work between networked computers good enough to play fast-paced computer games, then someone (like Apple or a 3rd party dev) should be able to get it working between computer and iPad.
 
Moonjumper said:
A USB portable monitor is a possibility. Similar size screen to a laptop, so might fit in the same bag. Not ideal, but probably a better option overall than trying to use the iPad.
Click to expand...

You know, I totally forgot about these things. I just checked the prices on Amazon, and I have a ton of gift cards from there, so I'll probably just go with that. Thanks for the suggestion!

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DaCurmudgen said:
I've done this with Air Display on my Mac and Lenovo work computer. There is definitely lag, so I would say the iPad is best suited to display content that is more static or doesn't require constant refreshing. In the end, I didn't use it as much as I thought I would.
Click to expand...

Appreciate the input. The lag would probably be annoying when using a VM for me. But I think I'm going to go with the previous poster's suggestion of a USB monitor since they're relatively cheap and it should fit well inside my backpack.
 
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