Avatron’s Air Display for iPad

Avatron’s Air Display for iPad

“Get a great 2nd Monitor out of your iPad”

Technorati Tags: Innovation, Computer, Internet, Blog, Digital, iPad, Apple
Gather Tags: Innovation, Computer, Internet, Blog, Digital, iPad, Apple
Vendor Tags: Avatron, Air Display


I have been working with my iPad for a while, and thought I should write a quick blog about one product that I find very useful. It is called “Air Display” from Avatron Software. I give this software 5 stars, as it really performs well, and now it also works on the PC!

Simply put, this app makes your iPad a second screen to your laptop.  What is marvelous about it is that it is done wirelessly, so there are no wires connecting your iPad to your notebook (Macintosh or PC).

Having the extra screen space is great especially if you are a true heavy notebook “multi-tasker”. I have found it useful for managing conference calls, presentations and spreadsheets simultaneously. It is great to get that needed extra space to see “everything”. I have been using Air Display for about 3 months now (ever since I got my iPad). It has worked flawlessly.  I have also used it recreationally (as the screen allows you to click on what you place on it) while watching TV to view information about programs or what I am watching.  There is a small drawback, in that you cannot type into the window being displayed on the iPad.

 

Macintosh sharing its screen on the iPad - No Wires!



The picture above is a good view as to what Air Display can do. (c) Avatron

The setup of Air Display is easy. You simply purchase the app from the iTunes AppStore, and get it loaded onto your iPad. Next, there is a client you download from the Avatron website that you configure onto your Macintosh or PC. Make sure that the Macintosh (or PC) system is on the same wireless network as your iPad. Open the Air Display application on your iPad. Then configure the applet on your Macintosh (or PC) to share its screen with the iPad. Voila! You are now sharing your Macintosh (or PC) screen with your iPad.



There are a few other products from Avatron that are also worth looking at as well (subjects for future blogs). I have found them to be a reliable software company with good products that immediately add value to your computing environment.

Air Display Icon used on the iTunes AppStore

DROID 2 Costs!

I am getting tired of paying a lot for technology. Here's why.

Verizon now has the Droid 2, which is definitely an awesome mobile "smartphone" device. The new Droid 2 has the Mi-Fi option built into it, so I thought I would check it out.

I always check out the price of a potential candidate first before I go off and start talking to the sales staff. It is important to get through the long-term and short-term costs, just to make sure it is worth the investment. Usually from there I can make a more informed decision at the store, if it is warranted.

Here is what my initial (monthly cost) findings are (and I stopped there):

1. 500 messages + Unlimited Mobile-to-Mobile Messaging ($ 10.00)
2. Equipment Insurance/Ext Warrantee Coverage ($ 7.99)
3. Unlimited Corp E-mail/Data Plan & Personal ($ 44.99)
4. Mobile Broadband Connect/3G Mobile Hotspot ($ 20.00)
5. Detailed Billing ($ 1.99)
6. Nationwide Talk 450 - 2 year contract ($ 39.99)

Monthly Charge for Droid: $124.96

Just to buy the Droid on the two-year plan is another $199.00 upfront. The features selected enable a large enough data-plan and Mi-Fi offering to support up to 5 devices to connect through the Droid 2 to the Internet. I have an iPad, iPhone and a few laptops with me at all times, so having that is handy. I currently use the Verizon Mi-Fi device, and it works well, I was thinking of giving that to my wife for her needs and I will get the Droid 2.

After looking at the cost, I am a bit shocked. So unfortunately (Verizon), I am going to have to pass on your Droid 2. I am sticking with my Mi-Fi device (cheap at $60/month) instead of trying to rationalize this 2 year $125 per month hit to my check book. I have to admit though, I like the package, just not at $125/month.

... I'll keep you posted if I change my mind. :-)