Loading ...This is a guide for those who wants to use the iPad as a second monitor for a windows laptop.
Here’s what I used:
- ultraVNC (uvnc.com) for PC (free)
- Mocha VNC Lite – for the iPad (free)
It’s actually very simple to do.
1. Install the ultraVNC server
2. You should see the VNC Server icon in the task bar. Right click on it.
3. Click on Admin Property, select Display No 2
I chose to Remove Aero and Wallpaper, just to make it go faster
4. Right Click on uVNC Icon again and then Properties. Select Video Hook Driver. Optionally select the Low Accuracy to increase speed.
5. One more setting:
In C:\Program Files\UltraVNC, edit ultravnc.ini, to enable to secondary display:
primary=1
secondary=1
6. Make sure your laptop’s Display #2 is active, select Extend these displays
7. Startup Mocha Lite on your iPad. Note: IP address will be the laptop’s address, possibly 192.168.0.x but depends on the network. You can find it out by hovering over the uVNC server icon. Port number is 5902.
You will find that when it starts up it is basically mirroring your display. However, you can use your finger to scroll the screen – and that will display a second screen.
Next, get a stand and enjoy it as your second screen!
P.S. for those who do not have a laptop, google something called the Virtual Video Driver. I found one here. I don’t think I’ve got it working on my Windows 7 but I later realize my laptop card can do without.
There are programs and solutions available for the Mac Users,
iDisplay: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/idisplay/id363500805?mt=8
Mocha VNC Lite + Screen Recycler: http://marthees.com/2010/04/hacksugar-using-your-ipad-as-a-second-monitor/
Related posts:
Fun. I use Mocha VNC too on my iPhone to remote to my work.
Good idea but not much gaining due to the iPad low resolution.
Is it me or did this article make you want to buy an iPad?
Great post.
Keep up the Great work.
Only 8 more days until the iPad gets released in Australia ( not that Im counting )
How is the latency using this method?
It’s obviously slower than a hardware connection (i.e. USB cable)
But because the two devices resides on the same network, refresh rate is acceptable.
I have a feeling that this is the same technology that the paid app uses also, but since I don’t have a Mac I can’t try it out. Maybe someone can comment on this?
I’ve tried this method on a Vista x64 laptop, but it doesn’t seem to work. I’ve installed the video hook driver and tried extending the display. However all I see is a mirror of my desktop on the Ipad..
Is there anything that I need to do, to get this up and running so that it can be an actual 2nd display.
thanks.
Have you tried use your finger scroll the screen on your iPad to the right?
Hi there,
Yes, tried that, but it just mirrors the current screen and doesn’t scroll past it.
hmm. I wonder if anyone else got this to work.
i would separate the issue into two potential areas.
1. test out if your video driver is setup to be extendable – plug in another monitor using the VGA cable, and see if the monitor shows the extended display?
2. double check the VNC Server’s setting.
i cant edit ultravnc.ini. when i save it does this msg:
cannot create C:\Program Files\UltraVNC\ultravnc.ini file
make sure the path and filename are correct
is this procedure the same using desktop running vista instead of laptop?
The major difference is the built-in video card/ VGA adapter in all laptops. This allows the VNC server to extend.
If you don’t have an extra video card, you can try with the video hook driver in the post. That should give you a virtual display.
I have the same problem as www, I only get a mirror image, no secondary screen. Anyone have this problem?
Thank goodness I came across this. I have an old 12 inch g4 powerbook i wanted to use as an extra monitor with my win7 pc and i couldn’t find a way to get it to work. I was trying to work vnc with a freeware program called zonescreen but it either doesn’t work or I lack the expertise. But trying your method worked out perfectly with just VNC (although obviously a little laggy). tyvm!
I try with XP and that don’t work. Do you have a solution ?