Blog . X Display
02/07/14 | Posted by | Posted in Digital Canvas - Apps & Accessories
When working in a digital environment, it can sometimes feel limiting to work with only one display. Working on one monitor can limit how many windows you can see at once, limiting the ability to multitask. Extra monitors can be very expensive, but with the iPad there's a way to utilize it as an extra wireless monitor with an application called Splashtop X Display.
X Display will turn the iPad into a second wireless display, which is useful for reducing desktop clutter and having another screen while working. It can be used for other recreational activities like playing a movie on the second screen while working on the main display. Being able to use the iPad as a portable display is great for laptop owners because both are extremely portable. While using the iPad as a second display, you can take full advantage of touch gestures. I've personally used my iPad and X Display as a cheaper mini Cintiq. While using X Display, I've experienced little to no video lag when drawing on it in Photoshop or watching videos.
You can download X Display from the app store, but in order to use it on your laptop, PC, or Mac you have to download the Splashtop Streamer and create an account. X Display is free to download, but is limited to 5 minute sessions. You can upgrade to the full version for $9.99.
I use X Display while drawing in Photoshop and have an internet browser open in another tab with my reference, or maybe a video playing for entertainment while I work. While working in Blender and Scupltris, dual monitors allow me to model and sculpt detail without having to close or move windows.