So you want to expand your real screen estate but don’t have the money for a second monitor? You can instead use your iPad as a second monitor with one of these free iPad apps.
SplashtopXD
Splashtop has a collection of second-screen tablet apps, but its free SplashtopXD more than does the job. But with the free version, you will have to make some sacrifices when it comes to features, like remotely wiping the screen.
Setting up the application is relatively simple. Just download both the app and the Splashtop Streamer PC software, and the two will communicate with each other. The app should recognize your PC on opening. After setting a password, you'll have options to tweak and improve video, audio or bring up the virtual keyboard. The app also gives you hints and tips, but these can be turned off if you wish.
In terms of performance, there is not much between Splashtop XD and other second-screen iPad apps like DisplayLink, although we did find that Splashtop XD occasionally lagged when moving the cursor on a web page.
AirDisplay Free
AirDisplay Free is similar to the paid-for AirDisplay iPad app, but does compensate for being free by featuring a number of ads on the second screen. On installing the desktop client (fromAvatron.com/d) and the iPad app, we found AirDisplay to be OK, if slightly fiddly.
Sharing between PC and iPad is not as fluid as it could be and re-sizing file windows is difficult because of the banner ad —- which cannot be moved — at the top of the screen, and the keyboard option at the bottom.
Nonetheless, it is functional and does support AirSharing with other iOS users and PrintSharing with compatible AirPrint printers. The display arrangement can support the option to run Retina resolution when available.
Photo courtesy of Flickr, JuditK
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