Mac mini & iPad 4 set up.

[Avzone]

Hello
I have been reading up on forums & really just would like to know in simple terms what options do I have to use my iPad 4 as a monitor for a new Mac mini that I will be purchasing real soon.
Please could you tell me:
1. Wired options.
2. Wireless options.
3. Other.?

I also really don't understand what ad hock networking is (I have little knowledge on computers but wish to learn more), but really for now just wondered if I can connect them wirelessly at home & the wired way at home and also anyway wen I am out & about.

I thank you in advance for any decent advise given.

 

[jpietrzak8]

Hello
I have been reading up on forums & really just would like to know in simple terms what options do I have to use my iPad 4 as a monitor for a new Mac mini that I will be purchasing real soon.
Please could you tell me:
1. Wired options.
2. Wireless options.
3. Other.?

Well, there are certainly ways to use an iPad as a monitor (for example, iDisplay, Duet, Air Display). But first, I should note that the iPad was never designed to be used as a monitor for a desktop computer; I doubt you will get good performance out of it, and I suspect that you may reduce its lifespan if you have it running constantly as a display... In any case, I think using a standard desktop monitor would serve you better.

I also really don't understand what ad hock networking is (I have little knowledge on computers but wish to learn more), but really for now just wondered if I can connect them wirelessly at home & the wired way at home and also anyway wen I am out & about.

"Ad Hock" is one method of connecting computers via WiFi. Most commonly today, WiFi networking service is provided by a WiFi "Access Point" or "Router"; your computer (or your iPad) negotiates with the Access Point to gain access to the internet. This process is generally known as using an "Infrastructure" connection. You can, however, connect any two WiFi devices directly to each other without going through an Access Point; and that process is termed an "Ad Hock" connection.

 

[Avzone]

Well, there are certainly ways to use an iPad as a monitor (for example, iDisplay, Duet, Air Display). But first, I should note that the iPad was never designed to be used as a monitor for a desktop computer; I doubt you will get good performance out of it, and I suspect that you may reduce its lifespan if you have it running constantly as a display... In any case, I think using a standard desktop monitor would serve you better.



"Ad Hock" is one method of connecting computers via WiFi. Most commonly today, WiFi networking service is provided by a WiFi "Access Point" or "Router"; your computer (or your iPad) negotiates with the Access Point to gain access to the internet. This process is generally known as using an "Infrastructure" connection. You can, however, connect any two WiFi devices directly to each other without going through an Access Point; and that process is termed an "Ad Hock" connection.

Hi!
Many thanks for your advise.
I will only be using the iPad as the display when going to friends, out & about etc, the rest of the time (at home) I use my third party monitor.
I just wanted to know what was the best option for having my iPad connected to my Mac mini as a temporary display.
Preferably wirelessly.

Again many thanks!

 

[ActionableMango]

I'm a bit confused about the terminology you are using. Typically, when someone says they want to use an iPad as a monitor, they are referring to it as literally a second physical display to extend their OS X desktop onto.

But you mention wanting to do this while "out and about", which makes me think want you really are asking for is remotely accessing your computer and controlling that computer with the iPad's touch screen, which is typically called remote desktop (such as RDP or VLC).

If you want to the latter, remote desktop, I use Jump Desktop. It requires a Google account, but the advantage is that you don't have to mess with any complicated router settings like port forwarding, "it just works".

 

[Avzone]

Oh cool.
Thanks man.