You have a computer you use daily and an Android tablet you never use. So can they be combined to make a unified device? Well, not only is it possible, also recommended: You can use this tablet as a secondary monitor. If you have Windows and MacOS.
Recover the unused devices that we particularly like, we have already written a good amount of related items. Because it is not worth having a smartphone or tablet in the drawer, because They are always useful even exceeded. As a surveillance chamber, for example, it is even possible to transform an Android into an intelligent Judas. And if you have a tablet, it is a shame that this large screen surface is exhausted.
A secondary travel screen, to work more comfortable …
In my case, I usually take the computer and the tablet when I make a trip to use the two devices separately and also together. Because if I connect the laptop to an external monitor to have an extended desk, out of the house, I can do the same with the tablet and in a lower space. Without having much more weight than usual.
MacOS has a native function to extend IT offices simply by connecting an iPad. In Windows, this does not happen (neither with Android nor with an iPhone), but This is what applications are. There is very good software at our reach to enjoy an old Android tablet.
As usual, not all devices will work properly. In addition, it is possible that the image projected on the tablet Suffer the slowdown and until he freezes: Connection situations are also vital. Because you have to take the following:
- You can connect the WiFi cable or tablet. The first connection will be faster and more stable, but all tablets and applications will not allow it.
- The network to which the computer and tablet are connected must be quick. If you have to establish Wi-Fi as a bridge and you are on a public network, it is sure that the desktop extension goes slowly and even falls. The best is the connection, the better the experience.
- There are applications that do not allow to connect the cable tablet. The fact that this is faster does not mean that the software admits: the most universal connection mode is WiFi. With the PEGAS that I have already described.
- If you want stability and fluidity, you will have to pay. I will recommend good and free applications, but they will not always work as they should. Especially in situations with bad Wi-Fi.
- The age of the tablet is important. If it is very overwhelmed and / or has obsolete equipment, it is likely that placing it on the extended screen does not do it. Good result. Image drops, frost, incompatibility …
We are already clear: it is best to have a tablet, as current as possible, and connect it to the cable computer; Without the two conditions being exclusive to perfectly extend the screen. Now let's go with the applications that will reach the bridge between the computer and the tablet.
The best applications to transform your tablet into a second screen for the computer
The idea is to reuse an old device for multitasking on the computer to be extended; both in possibilities and in size. By default, it is not enough to connect the PC / Mac with the tablet, a software that allows communication. You must install it on each of the devices.
I have been several multiplatform applications and I stayed with those who are, for me, the four best options. I leave them here.
Duo display
One of the most veterans and versatile because it admits Windows, Mac, Android and iOS / iPados. This facilitates the connection and expansion of the screens, both by cable and by wi -fi. In addition, Includes a good amount of advanced options; As a remote control or drawing mode to use Android as design tablet. Of course, the configuration is not easy: it requires the user, the computer must recognize the tablet, then you must install the pilot from the duo under Windows. He's the one that made me the most problems.
As in the rest of the applications, Duet needs software downloaded from the developer's page. It weighs more than 160 Mb, a barbarism, you must take it into account. It is free for download and also used: See a minute of ads unlock a day of use. For the rest, there is a subscription.
Splashtop wired xdisplay
It is one of the best quality and fluidity offers to connection. In addition, it is worth both Android and iPad / iPhone, another of its positive points. I use it with USB (it does not support Wi-Fi) without the slightest problem: very stable, fluid and with the feeling of connect a real monitor to the computer. He is the one that gave me the best general feeling: Connect and voila. With some improvements to maximize quality and fluidity.
Splashtop Wired XDISPLAY is an application that costs 7.49 dollars, without subscriptions. To ensure that it works well on the tablet and the computer, there is a 10 -minute test version. It requires the Splashtop page controller and USB purification in Android tablet developer settings. It is worth both for Windows and Mac.
Space
It is the only four that is offered completely free, at least Until the end of 2025. This is an advantage for tight budgets; without involving an operation much worse than that of others. Yes, I cost me to configure the connection with the cable, in Wi-Fi, they were nothing more than a few seconds: once the application on the computer and the tablet has been opened, the two being on the same network, The link was established instantly. A pulsation and shared the secondary screen.
I found something slow and with a slight gap. With the cable, the situation improves: the driver can connect and disconnect from the computer. The application is suitable for Windows and allows you to connect Android and iPads tablets. The Android application is on Google Play and Windows Windows on the SpaceDesk page.
Superdisplay
It is not that I have too many options, but I consider what I was looking for: the conversion of the tablet into a second computer screen. You can do it by connecting the tablet by USB or Wi-Fi, although I cannot do it during the first. By wi-fi it is very stable, I did not appreciate the delays And touch control works perfectly. The Windows driver is not very heavy and can be disconnected from the launcher itself.
Superdisplay is a free application in download, not used. It offers three days for free to make sure it works properly: it costs 16.99 dollars in one payment and without subscriptions. You must download the Android application from Google Play and computer software from its website. It is only valid for Windows.
My favorite application: Splash
Having tried several more than those here and face the four finalists, I keep a winner. And it is none other than Splashtop wired xdisplayI think the best option for quality, stability and price.
It currently costs 7.49 dollars forever, Windows software does not reach 12 MB of weight and its cable connection means that the tablet really seems the second computer screen: Have the applications installed, connect and leave. It was the best of my tests, although it is not necessary to be the best of your equipment: try the four options before paying for one.
Cover image | Iván Linares
In Xataka Android | Your old Android can be the perfect accessory for your office: become an interactive program
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