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Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

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Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#22
Love this sort of hackery, but also -- it just kind of shows how very goofy all the limitations we have on this are.

If you go with the idea that a computer should be a general purpose machine -- we have so many things that aren't computers.

"Wireless external monitor" should be a trivially easy built-in to all operating systems, and that it isn't is kind of ridiculous.

Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#23

For Windows, the paid program SuperDisplay will also allow you to use an Android device as a second screen, works wireless or over USB. My Galaxy Tab S7+ is great as a second monitor. https://superdisplay.app/

A good SuperDisplay alternative is something I really miss on Linux. Even over wifi, the latency is imperceptible to me, and being able to use the pen input (with pressure and tilt) is the cherry on top.

Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#25
Would be better if the LVDS ribbon cable connectors for all of these devices was more standardized, and you could just buy an adapter to HDMI/Display Port. These actually exist but AFAIK there isn't just one LVDS ribbon cable standard or even close to one.

Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#27
post #18
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I collect and use as many input devices as I can, as a bit of a hobby. It all started when I was younger and got a CueCat. Now I’m up to webcams, microphones, fingerprint sensors, many keyboards, mice, trackpads, trackballs, many game pads, MakeyMakey, a VR system, CharaChorder, MIDI keyboard, floor dance pad, Wacom tablet, BlackMagic keyboard with jog shuttle, and HOTaS. I’ve still got my eye on a macro pad, MIDI Fi…

I picture you having them all hooked up at once, one-man band style.

I actually do have many of them attached at once. I have an extra-wide desk and two PCIe expansion cards that provide 7 USB ports each, with their own USB controllers to solve bandwidth/timing issues.

Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#28
post #22

Love this sort of hackery, but also -- it just kind of shows how very goofy all the limitations we have on this are. If you go with the idea that a computer should be a general purpose machine -- we have so many things that aren't computers. "Wireless external monitor" should be a trivially easy built-in to all operating systems, and that it isn't is kind of ridiculous.

I was thinking exactly the same when reading this, but wireless programmable led display keyboard buttons. I think these should exist, but don't know of any easy implementations.

Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#29

Any options for an ancient iPad?

If you're on a recent macOS + iPad, there's Universal Control[0] (I use this as a way to have chat/mail on a second monitor). If you don't mind some noticeable latency, you can use it as a second display via Sidecar[1]. Finally, you can do the same thing described in the article with any terminal emulator app and SSHing into the remote system (I've had luck with Prompt[2], which is available as a one-time $15 purchase).

[0]: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212757

[1]: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210380

[2]: https://panic.com/prompt/

Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#30
post #24

Got to mention that you can use your tablet on Linux GNOME DE not only for terminal: https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2022/06/use-ipad-as-second-monit... . Still waiting for even better solution, like streaming games to such second tablet "monitor".

does this work in KDE too or is there a similar solution?
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