All iPads which refurb iPad as second screen

[pvdbg]

I am thinking of getting a refurb iPad to use as a second screen with my macbook.

Use is fairly basic, just somewhere to put all my tool bars, and other things to maximize work area. Might also work well to have as an extra window for 3d modeling which is probably affected by processor speed but I could work around this if it lags.

Maybe serves double duty for drawing with pencil and watching videos, though video quality should be decent enough whichever model, but maybe there is a certain level processor that really makes a difference

Won't be used for accessing sensitive information so I don't think having a fully updated OS is hugely critical, but maybe I'm underestimating this? Not sure if sidecar in Catalina would be affected by that but maybe no one knows that yet.

Any advice on absolute minimum chipset/model, and maybe if there is a model that is worth spending a bit more for to get the extra processing power for display.

Thanks

 

[AutomaticApple]

I am thinking of getting a refurb iPad to use as a second screen with my macbook.

Use is fairly basic, just somewhere to put all my tool bars, and other things to maximize work area. Might also work well to have as an extra window for 3d modeling which is probably affected by processor speed but I could work around this if it lags.

Maybe serves double duty for drawing with pencil and watching videos, though video quality should be decent enough whichever model, but maybe there is a certain level processor that really makes a difference

Won't be used for accessing sensitive information so I don't think having a fully updated OS is hugely critical, but maybe I'm underestimating this? Not sure if sidecar in Catalina would be affected by that but maybe no one knows that yet.

Any advice on absolute minimum chipset/model, and maybe if there is a model that is worth spending a bit more for to get the extra processing power for display.

Thanks

Do you plan on using sidecar?

 

[ScreenSavers]

If you’re wanting the pencil your minimum requirement is the 2015 12.9” iPad Pro.

 

[pvdbg]

Do you plan on using sidecar?

Possibly. Not necessary I think. I saw some apps like air display 3 that seem to work well

 

[Shirasaki]

If your main need is to get a second display while using an iPad, any iPad is ok. For Apple Pencil support, refer to previous posts. Don’t bother about Sidecar. It is limited to latest Mac models and more recent iPad models and Catalina will be a huge mess even after being released. Duet or Luna display are both powerful apps to extend your Mac display.

 

[Digitalguy]

I recommend using Duet. It works with any ipad except the first gen one (same as Luna display). But the latest update only works with ios 10 and above, which only ipad 4 or better can have... Personally I would avoid ipad 2 because of the low resolution. Also, I haven't tried it with anything older than an ipad air 1 or mini 2, but with those it works perfectly smooth...

 

[pvdbg]

I recommend using Duet. It works with any ipad except the first gen one (same as Luna display). But the latest update only works with ios 10 and above, which only ipad 4 or better can have... Personally I would avoid ipad 2 because of the low resolution. Also, I haven't tried it with anything older than an ipad air 1 or mini 2, but with those it works perfectly smooth...

ok thanks that helps give me a starting point

 

[AutomaticApple]

ok thanks that helps give me a starting point

I’d recommend the iPad 4. It works great as a second display.