MacBooks offer ample screen space when it comes to doing work, but if you want to add more display to the mix on the go, you can hook up an iPad as a second monitor.
While you probably have your MacBook hooked up to a larger external monitor while at the office, you can’t do the same when working from a remote location like a coffee shop or library. However, if you have an iPad, you can put it to good use by using it as a second monitor for your MacBook.
There are several apps that let you connect your iPad to your Mac and use it as a second monitor, but we’re going to focus on an app called Air Display that lets you connect your iPad to your MacBook over WiFi. use the tablet as a second monitor for your MacBook.
Benefits of Second Monitor
You might ask what a second monitor would do, and that’s a very valid question. The truth is, a second monitor setup isn’t for everyone, and not every user needs to have a second monitor, but if you find yourself constantly multitasking at the computer, you may want to try a second monitor to see how you like it. .
With a second monitor, you can open and view two windows simultaneously without having to switch between them. Sure, you can minimize the windows and have them placed side by side on one screen, but having a second monitor allows you to have two fully maximized windows, which can be incredibly useful if you’re multitasking.
For example, many people like to have the main window they are working on on one screen and then have something like Twitter feeds on the second monitor to keep up with breaking news or trends.
Having two monitors is strictly a matter of preference and while some users can take it or leave it, other users simply cannot survive without a second monitor.
How to Use iPad as Second Monitor
To get started with your iPad and Air Display 2, you’ll first want to purchase the app and download it to your iPad. Air Display 2 costs $9.99It might be a bit steep for your budget, but if a second monitor is something you’ll use frequently then it’s money well spent.
Purchase and download the app like you would any other iPad app. Once installed, switch to your Mac and navigate to: GetAirDisplay.com. Here you will download the Mac client that lets your Mac and iPad talk to each other so you can use your iPad as a second display.
The annoying part is you will have to give them your email address, for that they will email you the download link, which is a bit weird. After receiving the email, download and install the AirDisplay Mac client.
You may need to restart your Mac after installation, and after restarting you will be greeted with a new menu bar icon in the upper right corner. Open the Air Display 2 app on your iPad, and then click the Air Display menu bar icon. Your iPad should appear in the list. If not, make sure your Mac and iPad are connected to the same WiFi network.
From there, click on it and the two devices will automatically connect and you’ll now have a two-monitor setup that adds more screen space but still keeps things portable.
You can then support the iPad with a stand or get a stylish accessory like the one below. side car To connect your iPad to your MacBook
Air Display lets you use your iPad as a second monitor, and it works pretty seamlessly, allowing you to drag windows onto the iPad’s screen as you would any other second monitor you install.
