Using your tablet as a secondary display monitor for your computer allows convenient extra screen space for cheap. Modern software connects Android and iOS tablets as wireless second screens.
Overview of Tablets as Monitors
- Tablets can effectively function as second, portable monitors.
- Wireless casting mirror screens or use wired connections.
- Dedicated apps enable easy second display setup.
- Ideal for extra view space on-the-go or at home workstations.
- Touch controls on tablets provide added functionality.
While not all tablets or computers support video input hosting natively, specialized software and protocols now allow most tablets to integrate as secondary displays. Wired connections provide higher performance for gaming or video applications while wireless options offer more flexible mobility uses.
Why Use a Tablet as a Second Monitor?
Adding tablets as additional screens for PCs or laptops brings useful versatility:
Extra View Real Estate
Tablets can provide equivalent (or larger) display space as premium computer monitors for just the tablet cost. Their touch interfaces also add intuitive control input.
Portable Screen Space
Light, thin tablets are easier to transport for mobile workstations than traditional monitors. Quick to setup as needed for shifting locations.
Dual Display Multi-Tasking
Great for productivity tasks like research, writing, design, analytics, and programming requiring side-by-side app views rather than constant window switching.
Gaming Advantages
Supplementary game map/inventory screens or even controller touch displays possible with tablets as secondary interfaces.
How To Connect Tablets As Second Monitors
There are a few methods available to utilize tablets as extended displays, both wireless and wired.
Wireless Screen Mirroring
Apps like AirDisplay and Duet Display enable easy wireless connection over Wi-Fi between tablets and primary computers to mirror or extend view areas.
Wired Video-Out Casting
Lightning or USB-C port tablets can alternatively use cabe adapters to output video from HMDI or DisplayPort computer connections as dedicated monitor interfaces.
Operating System Compatibility
- iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows, and ChromeOS tablets all generally capable of secondary monitor use with appropriate software and connections.
- Source computers can run Windows, macOS, ChromeOS or other operating systems supporting external display output.
So mixing brands across devices fine and mainly just impacts wired vs wireless method capabilities.
Wireless Second Screen Mirroring Setup
For quick cable-free setups, wireless secondary display apps provide the simplest screen mirroring connectivity.
Install Monitor App
On both the tablet and primary computer, download and install an app like Air Display (iOS/Android) or Duet Display (iOS/macOS only).
These handle video transmission encoding/decoding between devices using standard networking.
Connect with PIN Code
The apps then generate device pairing codes (like an AirPlay PIN) to handshake authorization communicating privately over local Wi-Fi.
Once entered to link devices, mirroring activates broadcasting the host computer screen to receiving tablet.
Enable Touch Controls
For enhanced capabilities, virtual touchpad and keyboard features in mirroring apps permit controlling the remote system using the tablet’s touch and stylus functionality for efficient input switching.
This allows intuitive navigation, scrolling, and text entry directly from the second screen plus standard computer peripherals simultaneously.
Wired Video Connections for Second Monitors
For lower latency uses like gaming or maximizing full monitor resolution and performance, wired video-out connections from computers to tablets provide a robust cabled option.
Video-Out Ports and Adapters
Nearly all desktops and modern laptops feature dedicated HDMI or Mini DisplayPort connections for extending displays. USB-C ports on newer models can also output video.
So using appropriate cables or adapters suited for the target tablet display interface allows hosts to transmit screen contents over a direct feed recognized as an auxiliary monitor.
Lightning and USB-C Tablets
Recent iPads or Android/Windows models with USB-C input (instead of older propriety charging ports) can interface display adapters through these more widely compatible modern standards.
For example, iPad Pros have fast Thunderbolt connectivity via USB-C for lossless video hosting as a monitor. This also charges devices simultaneously when using cables with power delivery.
No Touch Without Drivers
Note wired configurations won’t transmit touch inputs back to the host by default since generic display protocols are one-way. Specialized drivers or apps may add touch support depending on devices.
Higher Performance
Overall wired castingprovides the best graphics, smoothest framerate, and lowest latency lethal for gaming or video applications needing robust dedicated bandwidth. Wireless apps see some compression and lag by comparison.
Top Monitor App Software Options
Air Display
- Cross-platform mirroring over Wi-Fi.
- Touch controls for remote input.
- Simple setup from familiar AirPlay-style pairing.
Duet Display
- Dedicated iOS/macOS solution.
- More fully-featured with Apple Pencil integration.
- Higher performance than wireless alternatives.
iDisplay
- MS Windows utility with tablet client apps.
- Gaming optimized configurations.
- Unique “laser finger” touch input.
SpaceDesk
- Free Windows mirroring tools.
- Android and iOS client apps.
- Customizable touchpad/keyboard.
And more niche proprietary solutions available from various hardware brands as well.
Optimal Tablet Types To Use As Portable Monitors
While virtually any tablet with screen mirroring software configured can function as a basic aux monitor replacement, some models are better optimized for desktop expansion roles.
Size
With larger ~10 to 12+ inch screens, fuller-size tablets approximate traditional portable external displays for easier viewing scaled content spread across added workspace.
Resolution
Similarly, tablets with high resolution 2K (1440p) or better panels take fullest advantage of video transmitted for crisp text and imagery. This also enables extending primary displays rather than solely mirroring.
Connectivity
USB-C or Thunderbolt ports ensure compatibility with latest wired adapters and cables for video input without dongles. Plus enables simultaneous charging.
Stylus Support
Touch capabilities enable intuitive control relayed back to computers. While advanced styluses with iPad Pros, Galaxy Tabs or Surface models provide precision input like a graphics tablet for creative work.
Desktop Stands
Adjustable stands or cases that can orient tablets in portrait or landscape modes suit desktop monitor positioning. Bonus points for built-in USB accessories.
As a prime candidate meeting these criteria, the 12.9″ iPad Pro provides an exceptional combination of portable high-resolution display size, USB-C connectivity, Apple Pencil integration, plus smart keyboard and stand accessories perfect for monitor roles.
Key Advantages of Tablets as Second Screens
- Adds affordable extra display area.
- Touch controls enhance interfaces.
- More portable than traditional monitors.
- Greater flexibility for changing locations.
- Positioning options from moveable stands.
- Wireless mobility or wired performance.
For computers with only single built-in screens, tablets make excellent additions for productivity and entertainment. Their thinner form factors, touch capabilities, viewing angles, and wireless streaming connectivity open versatile positioning options difficult for rigid standalone monitors.
Particularly mobile power users can leverage tablets as on-the-go supplemental displays for workspace flexibility impossible lugging full external monitors around. This enables faster switching between apps and workflows directly from the touch surface capacities modern tablets provide.
Summary – Tablets as Convenient Second Screens
Most tablets now readily convert into secondary monitor screens for Windows and macOS computers via wireless mirroring protocols or direct video output connectivity solutions. Dedicated utility software options make the setup process straightforward on both platforms.
While wired connections deliver higher performance, wireless apps provide plenty usability for general productivity with the simplicity of no cables. Extra touches like remote touchpad control from a tablet’s screen further enhance the experience.
So using a tablet as portable second monitor proves an inexpensive and versatile way to add screen real estate supporting multi-tasking uses on-the-go or at stationary work areas equally. Their mobility also allows flexible angling impossible with rigid displays. For enhancing desktop experiences, it’s hard to beat versatile tablets as auxiliary screens.
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