Anyone know of a piece of software that will let me use my MacBook’s display as a second screen?
I’m well aware that it won’t be the most responsive solution, but I figure static content shouldn’t be an issue.
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Interesting idea, but I'd be quite surprised if such software existed.
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There are a handful of apps that make it possible to use an iPad or Android tablet as a second screen, but I find it hard to find something that uses a MacBook screen when connected to a Windows system. The free solution is apparently built in Windows 7 and beyond, but I would rather get a Mac/Windows compatible app.
The closest thing that I’ve found is Synergy so far, but this doesn’t necessarily extend the Windows display. I can’t really articulate what it does instead, so here’s the link: https://symless.com/synergy
I suppose this could work at least in theory (can’t test until I actually get my laptop). -
I'm familiar with Synergy. It just allows one to control multiple devices with one set of mouse and kb.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Network_Computing would be another near miss. -
Yeah, the only thing I don’t know about Synergy is whether it would be more intensive or less intensive than a theoretical monitor extending app since the second system isn’t Windows.
My ideal dual monitor use case is to keep all messaging on the secondary, and when gaming, a FAQ when needed. For work, it’s nice to keep up an article or two on the other screen to refer to when clobbering a document.
So in theory, it shouldn’t be too taxing. In theory. -
Not sure what you mean by more or less intensive? Synergy would be less convenient because you obviously couldn't move apps across. You would have more computing resources though.
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For my use case, I don’t need special software- just a browser and multi platform chat apps. Sure, it’s not as convenient since the keyboard shortcuts don’t always translate.
In the meantime, the search continues. -
Good luck, but I doubt this exists given the price of monitors these days.kylera likes this.
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Starlight5 Yes, I'm a cat. What else is there to say, really?
@kylera you can try SpaceDesk. It will run in a browser on MacOS.
If your Macbook can act as a Miracast receiver/sink, you can use Windows Connect feature, which is built into Windows 10. It should provide better experience than any third-party solution, at least that was the case when I last checked.
FWIW any reasonably modern Windows 10 machine with a Wi-Fi adapter that isn't complete thrash supports Windows Connect as both host and client.kylera likes this. -
It seems I didn’t read the system requirements closely enough the first time around when I dismissed it; I didn’t realize the secondary machine could support it with a web browser!
Thanks! I’m going to set a reminder to install it some time after my laptop finally lands!Starlight5 likes this.
Software to use another laptop’s display as a second monitor?
Discussion in 'Accessories' started by kylera, Jul 12, 2020.