How to use the new iPad (3rd gen) as a second screen?

I carry my iPad everywhere, and now that I've got the new one with the high resolution display, I'd like to use it as a second monitor for my Macbook Pro. It would be great if I could occasionally use it as a second display for my various windows computers as well, but primarily the Mac.

I'm not terribly interested in using the touchscreen or moving the audio - in other words I don't need to control the computer with the iPad. I just want to extend the desktop with the retina display and give myself a ton more space with a tiny monitor.

What iPad secondary monitor apps support the high resolution retina display?

If there are several, preference would be given to the one that uses the least network bandwidth, if known. I won't be watching videos, but when I'm just showing a static image on the iPad (such as a document) I don't want it using 20% of my wireless network.

Solution 1:

There is an app called Air Display that will allow you to do this. It also recently got retina display support for the new iPad.

Some notes:

• Use your iPad, iPhone or Mac as a second (or third) monitor with no messy cables or wires.
• Use your finger to draw directly on the screen. Try it with a Mac calculator app, painting tool, or music control surface!
• Air Display works in both landscape and portrait configurations. Just rotate your screen, and it automatically reconfigures.

MacRumors and 9to5mac.com discussed the upcoming retnia support update coming soon last week. They issued a press release of some sort last week, many blogs covered this upcoming feature. They also covered this on their blog and how it will work.

Update - it looks like this feature is now available in version 1.6. More on MacStories as well.

Solution 2:

Take a look at AirDisplay, which does exactly what you need:

Retina and HiDPI support are coming very soon as per this blog post, which suggests the App is already in the review process:

"So, stay tuned. We need to wait through another Apple review cycle before this goes live but we think it’s going to be worth the wait."

An Instant Second Monitor

Use your iPad, iPhone or Mac as a second (or third) monitor with no messy cables or wires.

Touch your desktop

Use your finger to draw directly on the screen. Try it with a Mac calculator app, painting tool, or music control surface!

Orient it anyway you want

Air Display works in both landscape and portrait configurations. Just rotate your screen, and it automatically reconfigures.

No wires needed

With Air Display you never need to mess with monitor cables.

Solution 3:

I've been using DisplayPad myself. It's been working absolutely flawlessly for me.