Both monitors are good, and Catalina macOS lets you turn your iPad into a different screen with just a few clicks, thanks to a feature called Sidecar. However, Sidecar is limited to certain Macs and iPads with headaches if you use older devices (or Windows PCs). Fortunately, there are a few standalone applications that can fill the gaps on other computers, Macs, iPads, and Android tablets.
The MacOS Catalina wheelchair turns your iPad into a second screen with just a few clicks, but is limited to some Macs and iPads. Fortunately, some third-party programs help fill the gap.
The latest version of MacOS, Catalina, offers high security, good performance, the ability to use the iPad as a second screen and many other small improvements. This disables support for a 32-bit application, so check your program before upgrading.
The Catalina version of MacOS adds another year of efficiency, security, elegance, and seamless integration to the already released Shocking Mozave version, making it available for free download to all, including Apple-compatible computers. Catalina is the 15th version of Call Apple OS X, based on a robust and secure Unix-based platform like previous versions. Catalina works easily and reliably and adds some interesting new features.
The Fortress of Points includes a sidecar function that allows you to use the latest iPad as a second screen. Catalina also adds iOS ad style features as Screen Time as well as improved parental controls. It replaces the classic iTunes app with a cluttered and confusing interface with a sleek new app for music, podcasts, and TV.
Overview about the sidecar on macOS Catalina
Sidecar is the best option to turn your iPad into a second screen. So, if you have a Mac and an iPad in the past 3-4 years, it’s a good idea to try it first. (If your device is out of date, skip to the next section.)
You may have a MacBook with a small screen or a Mac mini connected to a TV or external monitor, and it seems that you can use a second screen or a device that expands the current view of mirrors. With macOS Catalina and iPad, you can start using a new feature called Sidecar right away.
Sidecar extends the screen from your Mac to your iPad, giving you more space to work or enjoy. You can mirror or mirror your Mac’s display to your iPad, so you don’t have to sit in front of it all the time.
If you want to connect iPad as a display, make sure you have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Handoff turned on to connect iPad to your Mac via USB or to connect wirelessly. You also need to log in with the same Apple ID on both devices.
Then click the AirPlay button in your Mac’s menu bar and choose your iPad from the list. The icon changes and clicking the menu again gives you several options. You can mirror or extend your Mac’s display, show or hide the sidebar and touch bar that appear on your iPad, or disconnect your tablet.
You can use Sidecar either wired or wireless, but to switch between them you’ll need to disconnect and reconnect using the AirPlay menu. Apple should work wirelessly as long as your iPad is within 10 meters (30 feet) of your Mac, and you can also use Apple Pencil to sign documents and draw in supported apps.
Affordable cross-platform option: Splashtop Wired XDisplay
If your Mac or iPad isn’t supported by Sidecar, or if you’re a Windows and Android user, Splashtop Wired XDisplay is a third-party app that lets you turn your tablet into a second monitor. It only works when connected via USB and it’s not the smoothest option I’ve ever used, but it does the job properly for a fraction of the cost.
Splashtop Wired XDisplay consists of two components: a desktop agent that runs in the background on your PC or Mac, and an iPad or Android app that runs on your tablet. (There is a free trial that lasts 10 minutes at a time, but the iPad app appears to be completely free, but the Android app costs $ 7)
After installing the desktop and tablet app, make sure the desktop app is running on the computer, connect the tablet to the computer with a USB cable, then launch the XDisplay app on the tablet. . It is connected to the computer and a blank desktop appears on the tablet. You can rearrange your monitors in your computer’s display settings, drag and drop windows onto your tablet, or use them as a second monitor to increase your productivity.
It is recommended to keep the stand upright. If you’re using a tablet with a laptop, something like this works well, but an adjustable stand like this is ideal for desktop use.
Splashtop Wired XDisplay is fine, at least for iPad and Windows PC environments. There was a noticeable delay and I stayed in mirroring mode on one of my computers, but it’s worth a shot for the free price. (There are more reviews for the $7 Android app, and if you want to pay for it, we recommend using the paid recommendation, Duet Display below).
More expensive, but better alternative: Duo display
Splashtop Wired XDisplay is great for the free option, but if you want the smoothest possible experience, Duet Display is the best app I’ve tested to turn your iPad into a second monitor.
Just like Splashtop, there are apps for tablets that connect to your computer’s companion app. Duet Display’s desktop app is free, but iOS and Android apps cost $10. The standard version of the app only works when connected via USB, but it adds a touch bar to any Mac, supports iPad keyboards, and adds touch controls to Windows or Mac apps. Tablet screen.
There is also an in-app “Duet Air” subscription ($20 per year) and a “Duet Pro” subscription that adds wireless connectivity, remote desktops and enhanced graphics if you want more features. Adds drawing features for $30 per year.
Once you have installed the desktop and tablet app, make sure the Duet Display desktop app is running in the background of your PC, then connect your tablet via USB and launch the Duet Display mobile app. Immediately you are connected to your computer and you will see a desktop ready to use.
Finally, click the Duet Display icon on your PC to access a few other settings such as the frame rate and resolution used by your tablet. For me, the default settings worked great, but if it’s a bit slow on older laptops, try reducing the resolution, frame rate or power consumption in this window that can help your prolem.
Your tablet will appear in the list and you can click to connect. If not, you can connect manually by entering the tablet’s IP address, and If you regularly use your iPad as a secondary monitor, it’s worth it.
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
