Using tablets as a secondary monitor is becoming increasingly popular these days.
It can be very handy specially when it comes to multi-tasking.
Second displays are crucial for feedback when it comes to multimedia work like video & photo editing in particular.
Related : Best Tablets for Video Editing Professionals
Related : Best Tablets for Photo Editing Professionals
It is very easy nowadays to utilise tablets as smart displays or secondary monitors.
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Creative Ways to Use Your Tablet as a Secondary Monitor
In case you are still wondering, using your tablet as a second monitor is totally doable and quite useful.
You will be able to extend your display with it. That feature alone is worth quite a bit, especially if you are the kind of user that keeps several windows and apps open.
It can be quite helpful to move files around or to be able to check up on stuff without having to touch your keyboard or mouse.
1 – Display Options
You will be able to decide if you want to mirror your screen or extend it.
Mirroring your screen is useful if you are away from the monitor or using the Tablet as a touch input device for your PC.
On the other hand, if you are going to sit down at your desk it is often best to extend your display so that you can take full advantage of the extra space.
You can also your iPad or other tablets as smart display and in-corporate them easily in your home automation eco-system.
Related : Use iPad as a Smart Display
2 – Type Of Connection
Depending on the software you choose you will have to decide on whether you use the USB connection on your tablet or wifi to connect the device to your PC.
Let’s make a list of the options you have:
1. WiFi. If you use your network to connect you will not have to deal with cables, this is very convenient to avoid a messy desk or enable you to take the Tablet away from it. There used to be some connectivity and input lag issues associated with this method, but that is no longer the case with all the most popular apps available today.
2. USB. Some of the apps that connect your tablet to your pc as a secondary display do so by using the USB interface on your Tablet. They require you to keep this cable connection up so that the interaction between devices is without latency or any other issues. This should not make much of a difference if you are going to leave your Tablet next to your monitor on the desk.
3. Video display port adapter. There are display adapters available that turn your tablet into a second monitor simply by turning your USB port into an HDMI one. When going for this option your pc will detect your tablet as another screen and you will need an available display port open on it for this to work. Another downside of this approach is that you will not be able to use the touch input on your tablet to interact with your PC.
3 – Finding a Suitable Software
There are several options available in this department, and they all depend on your hardware and Operating System. You need to take both the tablet and computer into account here, so a quick search will help you decide which option is best suited for your set-up. Make sure you pick an app that is compatible with both pieces of hardware.
Some of these options are free, and there are quite a few more that need to be purchased. They are often rather cheap and a one-time payment model.
4 – Touch Input
Depending on the software you chose you may or may not be able to use the touch screen on the tablet to interact with your computer. This is not possible with certain apps and connection methods, but if you have the right set-up you will be able to take full advantage of this. It is a great extra feature to have on your PC.
Conclusion
Once you find the right app that is compatible with your hardware and operating systems having a second monitor on your pc is very easy and straight-forward. You can bring new life to your tablet with this and make your desktop experience all the better for it. Be sure to give it a try.