Mini DisplayPort to HDMI,Anbear Gold Plated Mini Display Port(ThunderboltTM Port Compatible) to HDMI HDTV Male to Female Adapter for Mac Book, iMac, and More, DP V1.2 Support 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,467 $7.99 $ 7. If you've bought a Mac mini or Mac Pro, you'll need a display to go with it; and even those with an iMac or MacBook might fancy a second screen. We've tested, reviewed and ranked the best Mac. With just a click or a tap, you can extend your Mac desktop using your iPad, effortlessly share files with friends, and more. Learn how to use your Mac and devices together To browse the macOS User Guide, click Table of Contents at the top of the page. Use your TV as a display with Mac. Many televisions can also be used as computer displays. To connect your Mac to your television, you need a video cable that connects your computer’s display port to the video input port on your TV. If you can’t find a cable that connects the ports on your Mac and TV, you may also need an adapter for the cable.
It seems like Apple promotes its iPad Pro as a computer and encourages young users to get more mobile with iPad. And lo, I came to know about a cool new product that can turn an iPad into a Mac mini display. It is Luna Display, a dongle that helps you turn your iPad into a wireless display for Mac mini. This small product creates a new workspace that boasts the best of Mac and iPad. The best thing is, it works on all major iPads except the first generation.
How to Use iPad as Mac Mini Display or Secondary Display for Any Mac with Luna Display
Your iPad becomes a wireless display for Mac mini, which is a stationary hub. The processing power of Mac mini and edge-to-edge retina display of iPad are at your fingertips.
Before we delve into the method, you need to put a few things into place:
- Your Mac mini (or any MacBook Pro/Air, iMac that has USB Type C port.)
- Any iPad (except the first generation iPad.)
- Accessories: A Bluetooth keyboard case, Mouse, and Apple Pencil (Second Generation)
- Strong Wi-fi network
Step #1. You need to download Luna for Mac app on your Mac mini; for this purpose, keep your existing external display connected to the Mac mini.
Step #2. Next, launch System Preferences on your Mac mini.
Step #3. Now click “Users and Groups” and choose your preferred account for automatic login.
Step #4. Connect your iPad to the same Wi-fi network as your Mac mini.
Note: If Wi-fi is not available, you can connect your two devices using a USB cable.
Step #5. Then you are required to download Luna Display app on your iPad.
Step #6. When both apps are installed on both devices, open Luna Display app and follow on-screen instructions.
You will be asked to insert Luna device into Mac mini.
Step #7. It is time to disconnect the external display from your Mac mini.
Note that if you use FileVault, you’ll still need an external display to unlock your drive whenever you reboot.
Imac As Display For Mac Mini
There you go!
Video: iPad touchscreen Mac Mini Setup
Now you can use your iPad as a Mac mini display.
Since Mac mini is shipped without a display, Luna Display finds a suitable usage for Mac mini users. One should not limit the use of Luna Display to Mac mini as users can always use this dongle with MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or an iMac.
Users, who wanted to experience superior graphics on iPad, can now use programs like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro on iPad.
When you wish to go back to iOS on your iPad, simply swipe up like you used to bring home screen on your iPad. Coming back to macOS is equally easy; just tap on Luna Display app to go back to macOS.
Is it a good deal?
Only if you have both devices at home or office. You should not buy an expensive iPad only to use it as your Mac mini display.
Luna Display: A sincere effort to rework Apple ecosystem
Apple is creating competition among its own devices; my article (linked above) hints at this point. For the last three years, Apple has made tremendous efforts to improve its iPad 12.9″ as the company knew that the large-screen tablet has nearly replaced laptops, though it hasn’t replaced computers yet.
Makers of Luna Display have not failed to sense this practice of Apple, as they note, “Anyone with a close eye on Apple will notice there’s a common theme with each hardware announcement: Apple is always trying to outdo itself by creating more powerful standalone products, as if each product is slowly creeping up on the boundaries of another product.”
iPhones are so big now that they’re practically mini iPads, and iPads are marketed as “like a computer, unlike any computer.” But the reality is that even though the iPad keeps getting more powerful, it hasn’t replaced the computer yet, and people are still reaching for their Macbooks to get real work done.
Summing up…
While Apple could not (or they don’t want to) combine the iPad and Mac mini, Luna Display has successfully done this. Users will surely welcome this product to make their life more comfortable and mobile.
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Do you think people will adopt Luna Display to use their iPad as a Mac mini display? Share your feedback with us in the comment below.
Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com who has a keen eye for news, rumors and all the unusual stuff that happens around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting contents on social media.
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/iosblogger/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/iosblogger/How to Share Purchased Apps Between iPhones and iPads
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/iosblogger/
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The only hardware solution that turns any Mac or iPad into a wireless second display. Available for $79.99.
Use Imac Screen As Monitor For Mac Mini
work however you want —
the choice is yours
Mac-to-iPad Mode
Seamlessly extend your desktop from Mac to iPad. Featuring full touch support and gestures, you can now turn your iPad into a touchscreen-Mac.
Mac-to-Mac Mode
Use any Mac as a second display — perfect for anyone with multiple Macs. It also works on older Mac models.
Headless Mode
Looking for a powerful travel-friendly setup with your Mac mini? Headless Mode lets you use your Mac or iPad as the main display for Mac mini and Mac Pro.
sets up in seconds
Simply plug in Luna, launch the apps, and your devices will automatically connect! Luna is available for USB-C or Mini DisplayPort.
connects over wifi or USB
Luna’s connectivity reaches as far as your WiFi network. And if WiFi isn’t available, Luna connects over USB too.
full touch support for iPad
Luna turns your iPad into a complete extension to your Mac — with full support for external keyboards, Apple Pencil, and touch interactions.
What Astro has pulled off is remarkable
Luna will change your travel workflow
For the first time a wireless solution has impressed us
Luna’s visual fidelity is frankly stunning
Luna is incredibly impressive
Use the iPad as a touchscreen Mac
Available for USB-C or Mini DisplayPort.
Free shipping within the U.S.
Luna fully integrates with Astropad — our award-winning drawing software that turns the iPad into a professional graphics tablet for Mac.
Astropad offers absolute workflow customization, featuring a packed suite full of creatives tools like unlimited workflow shortcuts, Magic Gestures, and custom pressure curves.
Pairing Luna with Astropad gives professional creatives the freedom and flexibility that their workflow deserves.
free up your
workflow
Use Imac As Display For Mac Mini
Luna gives you the flexibility to work wherever you want, however you want. Whether it’s extending your Mac or iPad into a second display, or making your iPad the main display for your Mac mini, the choice is yours. Create your ultimate setup with Luna Display.