The iPad integrates well with Apple's Mac computer, but Luna Display extends some of those capabilities to a Windows PC, making it a wireless monitor and more. For anyone that already owns an iPad this is a clever way to add extra value to the device by enabling it as a second monitor or graphics tablet when using a paint app.
Astropad, the manufacturer of Luna Display, originally developed apps for the Mac and iPad that allowed the tablet to be used with a Mac as a customizable graphics tablet. In 2019, Apple launched a similar feature with Sidecar, allowing anyone to use an iPad as a Mac display and accepting touchscreen and Apple Pencil input. This wasn't the end of Astropad and the apps are still available. For Mac and iPad owners that want a more personalized experience, there is still good value on offer.
Astropad's newest innovation is bringing a similar capability to Windows PCs. With Luna Display, an iPad can be connected wirelessly and used as a second monitor for a Windows laptop or desktop PC. After installing and opening the iPad and PC apps, there is an option to connect via a USB wired connection or to use Wi-Fi. A small USB-C or HDMI dongle must be plugged into the Windows device to allow the wireless connection while a QR code shown on the screen makes it easy to connect by scanning with the iPad. The touchscreen can be used on the iPad as well as an Apple Pencil, making this a graphics tablet for Windows as well. At 16 milliseconds, latency is a very low, and compatibility calls for a minimum of Windows 10, iPadOS 12.1, and 802.11n Wi-Fi.
Using Luna Display With Mac
Astropad's Luna Display can turn an iPad into a Windows graphics tablet, but that's not all. Luna Display can also be used with Mac computers, offering the same 16-millisecond latency since it connects via USB-C directly to the GPU in the Mac and uses their proprietary LIQUID rendering system. Astropad also supports older Mac and iPad models than Apple's built-in Sidecar solution.
An iPad can be used as the only monitor with a Mac mini or Mac Pro, although a dedicated monitor is needed to set this up the first time. Luna Display can also connect two Mac computers, converting one into a secondary display and only one USB dongle is needed. However, both should have the app installed and open in order to connect. At $130, Astropad's Luna Display works with Windows PCs and Macs, converting an iPad into a touchscreen monitor. If an Apple Pencil is available, an iPad can also be used as a graphics tablet.
Source: Astropad