So I start a new job where I get a MacBook to work with. I can’t use it privately but I travel a lot. The company gives me a budget for equipment so I wouldn’t have to pay for anything I buy extra, e.g. a second screen or an iPad.

I was thinking of buying an iPad because I could use it as a desktop replacement when traveling and as a second screen as well. However, I also can’t use the same AppleID on my work and private device, so I was wondering if it’s possible and reliable to use the iPad as a second screen, e.g. through connecting it via cable.

I do mainly coding and would just need a second screen for googling stuff and reading documentation. Would be very happy to hear about your experiences.

  • Ace@feddit.uk
    0·
    2 months ago

    If you want to use Sidecar (native wireless connection) then you need the same Apple account (note Apple ID is now renamed). If you’re ok with using a wire I also have used Duet, as alexc recommended, and which doesn’t require the same Apple account. I have found it a bit flaky but usually ok.

    You might also consider a small portable usb monitor instead of an iPad.

    • fantasty@programming.devOP
      0·
      2 months ago

      Yeah I was thinking about a portable monitor but then I’d still have to bring my private laptop when traveling (I do need it sometimes). That’s why I was wondering if an iPad could do both especially since I’ll get fully reimbursed.

      Yeah I mentioned the cable because I know sidecar won’t work and probably the picture would be better I guess?

      What kind of flakiness did you experience? Was it about picture quality or connectivity? I use universal control every now and then and sometimes it just doesn’t recognize the devices. That’s annoying but I guess I could live with this.

      • Ace@feddit.uk
        0·
        2 months ago

        to be honest I haven’t used Duet in a few years, but I recall that it’s one of those apps which either just magically works or it doesn’t and there’s not much you can do to debug. So sometimes I’d connect the wire and it just wouldn’t show up as a display, and the iPad app didn’t report any connected device, and there’s not much you can do to try to figure it out. So I unplug and replug a few times, try different wires, different usb ports etc.

        But when it does work it was great - very little letency, good quality etc.

        I’ve been meaning to order a portable usb monitor for a while so I used the opportunity to order one today. I got the LG +view.