Back in June Terry reviewed Air Display and at the time it was only available for use with Macs. Since then the developer has updated the drivers on the computer end to allow for PC compatibility. I got a chance to spend some time with this app and my Toshiba laptop loaded with Windows Vista recently and after a little setup and a visit to the tech support on the developer’s site, Air Display works just as well on my PC as it does on Terry’s Mac.
 

PC Use

Setup was as easy as downloading and running an install file for the desktop software to connect to the app. After installing the desktop software my initial attempt to connect to the iPad was unsuccessful due to a firewall setting on my home network. This app requires a wireless connection either over a standard network or via an Adhoc (device to device connection) to communicate between the devices. After a quick trip to the developer’s Windows troubleshooting forum here(http://avatron.com/forums/read.php?40,12002) I had the problem sorted out quickly. Like Terry, I am making use of Lightroom3’s second display integration with this app and my iPad. It’s perfect for proofing with my senior clients, as well as allowing my commercial clients to see what I’m seeing on my tethered display during shoots.
 

We need multi-iPad Support

We have multiple iPads at my studio. It would be really nice to be able to connect multiple iPads to the same computer. It would help, for example when we have a mother and the senior selecting images together. They can each have their own iPad display to view the images. The developer is working on this support and will hopefully have it included in a future update. There was one issue I came across that involved Microsoft office and the way it displays when the iPad is connected. The problem is with the way Office renders when a display with a lower resolution than the default screen is connected. Office reverts to a lower resolution “Windows 95” look when the iPad is connected as a second display. This problem lies within Windows, not the iPad or the app. Hopefully Microsoft will fix that issue, but I’m not holding my breath.
 

I love this app

If you were waiting for PC support now is the time to get this app. It supports Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7, and of course has always supported the Mac platform. Air Display performs just as described, and has become an integral part of my workflow in Lightroom as well as a second display for my tools in Photoshop CS5.

You can get Air Display for $9.99 here from the App Store Air Display - Avatron Software, Inc.