Product: AirDisplay v1.8
Author: Avatron
Requirements: If you can run the Mac App Store, you can run the Air Display app. Both 32-Bit & 64-Bit systems are supported.; Your computer and iOS device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Price: $9.99
Test Rig: Mid 2010 MBP, 8GB, 240GB SSD; iPad (3rd generation)
It’s time once again for one of my favorite one-trick ponies. I’m willing to bet that many of you know of and use this app. But I can’t rest until I make sure that EVERYBODY knows of its existence.
“Use your iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac or Windows PC as a second (or third) monitor with no messy cables or wires … Use your finger to draw directly on the screen … Try it with a calculator app, painting tool, or music control surface! … [It] works in both landscape and portrait configurations. Just rotate your screen, and it automatically reconfigures.”
I use it as a second monitor to my desktop to star palettes when performing editing or graphics work. Still, I know of others that use it successfully as a second monitor with their laptop while on the road.
And they call this über-app AirDisplay.

THE JUICE

AirDisplay is platform agnostic: it comes in all flavors (iOS, Android and Windows). What’s really useful is that even though you’re using a Mac as your source computer, you can pair it with, say, a Windows’ monitor r an Android phone!
AirPlay is simple to set up. Purchase and download the drivers. Install one in your host computer. This will show up in your System Preferences. Turn it on. Then install the other drivers in the devices that you would like to pair the host computer with.
Once everything is installed, you can go back to your host computer and place your second monitor wherever it suits your needs. As an example; I like to use my iPad to hold palettes when video editing or working on graphics, leaving the entire host screen for my canvas. For me, the iPad is best situated to the right of my main screen.
The beauty of this configuration is that you cad rag your cursor, windows, et al., across both screens. You can see how this would be an absolute boon while business traveling!

THE PULP

If you read the reviews, you’ll find that many people complain of a lag time. As I use the arrangement for palettes primarily, I can’t really address this issue All I can say is that I have noticed no lag time using it primarily for my palettes.
So, apparently, YMMV.
As for installation, it’s a breeze. Once installed, you switch on AirDisplay in System Preferences and drag your second monitor to where you would like it in relation to the host computer.

THE RIND

In my configuration, I haven’t noticed a lag issue but apparently others have.

SUMMARY

AirDisplay is a godsend for those who need two monitors while on the road. And, as I pointed out earlier, it can be a valuable asset in your home system.
Or if you’re real fortunate, you can use your iPad as your third monitor.

RATING

9 out of 10
© 2013 Frank Petrie