Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Mafdet

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 24, 2012
3
0
I'm trying to determine if I can use the iPad as a primary (and sometimes secondary) monitor for the Mac mini without relying on internet or wifi connection. The apps I've seen reviewed and discussed in forums all seem to connect through VNS/wifi. Does anyone know of a way to use the iPad as a monitor for the mini through the usb tether or using bluetooth? Thanks a bunch!
 
Why do you have a problem using WiFi? I use the iPad as my primary monitor sometimes, through SplashTop Remote.
 
im just curious as to where you will be/what function you will have using it as a monitor with only usb or bluetooth. at first i imagined you wanted it as a monitor for when streaming to a television and wanted to control from the couch or something. now im just confused
 
I'm curious to know too.

Let's say, impromptu client presentation at a location without wifi. And all you have with you is the mini and ipad, maybe a blue tooth keybo if you're lucky.

I believe I've read on this forum that it's possible to have the mini create an ad hoc network and then have the ipad connect to that network. The problem then was how to create such a network without a monitor, and how to get the mini to create said network upon start up.
 
I'm curious to know too.

Let's say, impromptu client presentation at a location without wifi. And all you have with you is the mini and ipad, maybe a blue tooth keybo if you're lucky.

I believe I've read on this forum that it's possible to have the mini create an ad hoc network and then have the ipad connect to that network. The problem then was how to create such a network without a monitor, and how to get the mini to create said network upon start up.

But if you have a router at the location, even if it's not connected to the Internet, it shouldn't be a problem, right?
 
iPad monitor connection - Bluetooth or tether

I am primarily interested in using the setu for word processing. I have a monitor at home, but sometimes expect to be at a location without wifi - would like to be able to use the mini and iPad as a monitor in that location.
 
You could bypass the need for a wireless network by setting up an ad-hoc connection between the Mac Mini and iPad. Though you would need to reconfigure the Mac's wireless settings ahead of time.
 
I'm trying to determine if I can use the iPad as a primary (and sometimes secondary) monitor for the Mac mini without relying on internet or wifi connection. The apps I've seen reviewed and discussed in forums all seem to connect through VNS/wifi. Does anyone know of a way to use the iPad as a monitor for the mini through the usb tether or using bluetooth? Thanks a bunch!

You could do it by setting up an ad hoc network on the Mac Mini. It will remember this network and create it each time you boot up. But wouldn't it just be easier to buy a laptop? Frankly, with the "low res" (because you still end up with only 1024 x 768 even on the retina), it makes the iPads display kind of silly for presentations....
 
You could bypass the need for a wireless network by setting up an ad-hoc connection between the Mac Mini and iPad. Though you would need to reconfigure the Mac's wireless settings ahead of time.

Thanks for this info, guys - very helpful and I'll try that.

For more on the "why:" I have worked in a PC environment for many years, with quite a bit of traveling. Since getting the iPad 2+ years ago, the Pad has become my primary mobile device because the PC laptop is so heavy. I've found I can meet almost all of my mobile needs with just the Pad. My personal PC recently went to computer heaven and I'll soon no longer need to be in the PC environment, so I'm taking this opportunity to switch to Mac. I am trying to decide whether to get the mini (a lot more computer for the $$ and I like its configurabulity) or the air (where portability is the main benefit but it comes at a cost in both features and $$). If I can use the Pad as a monitor (along with a bluetooth keyboard) on those few occasions when I am not at home and need access to the "full" computer, I may not need a laptop. I've borrowed a mini, and want to try out the setup before making a final decision.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.