[thecyclinghen]

It looks like the ipad has a really nice display and everything and I was wondering if anyone knows if it will be able to be used as an external display for something like the Mac Mini? I figure I would use the ipad as my device on the go but when I need processing power, multitasking, and other things a Mac Mini I could put the ipad on the dock and hook it up to the mini to use as a display! If not... it would be a really interesting concept for future models!

[Wiskedjak]

Doubtful. I suspect the only way you'd be able to do this will be through one of the many VNC apps available to the iPhone.

[mduell]

Nope. The integration between Macs and iPhones and iPads is pretty limited. You can't tether your iPhone to your iPad, you can't use your iPad or iPhone as a secondary display your Macs, etc.

VNC is a half assed option, since you'll be forced to do it over high latency wireless.

[Simon]

Q: What makes Apple's products so damn good?
A: Apple understands that you need to leave out rarely used features.

This is one of those features. You'll have to use VNC.

[Wiskedjak]

Originally Posted by Simon 

A: Apple understands that you need to leave out rarely used features.

And then to hype up those features as must-haves as a means to sell later versions. Apple has successfully applied the software upgrade business model to the hardware business.

[Eug]

Originally Posted by Wiskedjak 

And then to hype up those features as must-haves as a means to sell later versions. Apple has successfully applied the software upgrade business model to the hardware business.

They have.

However, I suspect that won't happen with using the iPad as an external monitor. Quite frankly, I think that's a total waste of money on a lower cost item like that. I'm actually surprised they did it with the 27" iMac, but at least with that it's a relatively high cost unit and the incremental cost difference is low, especially since the port is already there anyway.

[Wiskedjak]

Originally Posted by Eug 

They have.

However, I suspect that won't happen with using the iPad as an external monitor. Quite frankly, I think that's a total waste of money on a lower cost item like that.

Quite right for external monitor use. I remember that being a feature of some of Microsoft's early tablet concepts (back in 2000) ... an idea that clearly didn't have enough traction to make it into anybody's production models.

The comparison between Apple's hardware upgrade strategy and typical software upgrade strategy was just a realization I had as I was reading Simon's comment.

[turtle777]

Get a 17" LCD for $ 100. It even has a higher resolution.

-t

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Wiskedjak 

And then to hype up those features as must-haves as a means to sell later versions.

I wouldn't count on that happening with this idea.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

Get a 17" LCD for $ 100.

Bingo.

It even has a higher resolution.

Indeed. Along with a stand, tilting, its own power supply, etc.