Air Display Turns iPad into External Touch Screen Monitor [AppSauce]

If you were looking for another reason to justify getting an iPad, well I’ve got one for you. Thanks to Avatron Software, there’s an app that will turn your iPad into a secondary monitor. They weren’t the first software developer to this party and the app isn’t perfect, but Air Display is a fantastic way to extend your Macbook’s screen estate by up to 70%. That’s right, currently the app is only available for use with Apple computers, although you can sign up to be notified about a Windows version [notify-ad-win@avatron.com].

The software is a breeze to set up and use. Once you’ve installed the program on your computer and iPad, you turn on AirDisplay  on you computer, select your iPad, and open the app on the iPad. Your iPad doesn’t need to be connected to your computer by USB, but your computer and iPad should be on the same wi-fi network. The iPad retains its touch screen functionality, but you’re not going to have multi-touch gestures like pinching to zoom since your touch behaves like a mouse click.

It’s not perfect, there is a little bit of lag when moving windows from your computer to the iPad, and watching a video on YouTube on the iPad produces a little bit of lag. This app is probably perfect for you if you’re the type of person that has a million applications, spreadsheets, chat sessions, stock tickers, Twitter applications,  browser windows, etc. open at any time, which is probably most of us. If you travel with both a MacBook and an iPad it’s a pretty useful app to have and a great way to repurpose your iPad if you don’t have an external monitor.

Download app: http://avatron.com/apps/air-display/

Available on: iPad, currently for use with Mac only

Cost: 9.99