Using a second screen for MacBook Pro?

[kat.hayes]

I’d like to use a 12.9 or 9.7 as a second screen for a MacBook Pro mainly for Adobe apps, to put panels on the screen or to possible draw/paint on the iPad, though not too much of that. I’m looking at DuetDisplay as an option. I read reviews though I’m just not sure if they’re real?

1. Does anyone have experience with this?
2. Do you get the functionality of a 2nd display without paying additional fees or subscriptions?
3. Any other apps I should look at?
4. How much lag can I expect?

Thanks!

 

[mk313]

Personally I like Air Display better than Duet. It does the same thing, but also allows you to connect to your Mac over wifi, in case you don't have a cable with you. Aside from that, they work pretty much the same.

I've had better luck with Air Display than with Duet, although others have had better luck the other way around.

To answers your questions
1. yes
2. yes
3. Air Display
4. I don't really see any lag at all. I"m sure there is some minimal amount, but it is small enough that I don't notice it at all in day to day use. If you choose Air Display & use it over wifi, there is a lot more lag. But if you use it over a cable, there is not any.

 

[subjonas]

For Duet Display, second display functionality comes with the one-time app purchase, but Duet Pro is required for drawing functionality which is an added subscription. I believe it’s $20/year. I draw for a living and found it too laggy/inaccurate, but if your drawing needs are modest it may suffice.

I haven’t tested DD much in regards to just display, but it seemed fine for what it is—basically a software hack (as are all these second display apps).

One option that I am waiting to check out is Luna from the makers of Astropad. It’s a small dongle that allows wired or wireless extended display output to an iPad. It’s supposedly much better than the current apps because it is the first hardware solution. We’ll see. I’m particularly interested to see how well it improves drawing. It’s currently just a kickstarter.