Air Display for the iPad Review. Use Your iPad as a Second Wireless Monitor. FTW!

App Name:	Air Display
Platforms:	iPad
Publisher(s):	Avatron
Genre(s):	Productivity

Air Display for the iPad is a new app that conveniently allows you to turn your iPad into a second, or a third screen for your computing pleasure!  No wires, no dongles, no USB connectors, this app works all on its own to provide you with a lot more visual real estate.  Developed by Avatron, this app follows up on their previous success with Air Share for the iPhone and subsequently the iPad, which simplifies file sharing between computers and devices.

So many apps promise and fail to deliver those promises.   This new app does not disappoint and therefore will help to solidify Avatron’s position as a developer that delivers.

As a busy writer with the constant need for more research material within view I thought this might be worth a look. (pun intended!)  I plunked down my $9.99 and downloaded the app (which is currently only compatible with Mac OS X).  I was prompted to download an installer which provided me with a toolbar button on the top right of my iMac screen.  Clicking on that gives you a screen which allows you to select your iPad in your wifi network.

Once my computer and my iPad were talking, then the screens go blue momentarily and reopen with the familiar purple starburst mac screen.  You then use your mouse to move the page you want displayed on the iPad into place to the right of the screen(s) you are currently using.  You will end up with something like this:

How this all really works is a bit beyond me I am afraid, but I am glad to be able to get it working so easily and efficiently!  There are a few weird things about this setup however.  It will take you a while to get the hang of using the mouse in all the various screens.  A certain amount of repositioning of the browser (or whatever you have displayed on the iPad) will be necessary.  The mouse and the iPad display itself is a bit stuttery but not to the point that it is frustrating.  Once you have your page on your iPad the temptation to use your fingers is overwhelming and they will work, but not very well.  The most frustrating thing I find is that no keyboard pops up on the iPad, something I have learned to expect.  Another factor to consider is that sound will only play on your main computer speakers, not from your iPad.  Video will play albeit with a bit of a dim quality.

Computer monitors are definitely coming down in price to hover around the $100 mark, so the $$ are not a huge concern.  But the desk space can be an issue for some.  Not to mention the extra wiring work needed to run the second monitor so it sits in an optimal location.  This app allows you to bypass all those hardware issues and add your second (or third) monitor in an almost virtual way.  Once you have it up and running it is then movable, you can run about the house (within your wifi network) with your computer’s screen at your beck and call, even dare I say it, while you’re in the washroom!  You never know when  inspiration will strike!

This app will be of particular interest to those of you who own a Mac Mini since the Mini does not support a second screen without a USB solution.  It will be a third screen option for those with an iMac (which supports one extra screen) and those with a Mac Pro or anybody who wants a cheap screen solution.  The Mac Pro can accommodate multiple screens.

With the iPad we are experiencing the birth of truly mobile computing.  Air Display for the iPad gives us a very useful tool to improve the portability and personalization of our computer experience.  People will find weird and wonderful ways to use this app to allow them the flexibility to make their computer work for them instead of against them.

Overall I would have to say that this app pretty much perfectly delivers on its promise.  I give this app full marks in execution!

Our Rating: 5/5

Air Display is currently available in the App Store for $9.99 at the time of this review. (App Store Link)

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andreag

 

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