Many people today use extended screens with a computers to get the most out of a working environment.
Using multiple monitorsis ideal for many since it increases productivity and is much easier to use than a single screen.
But what if you have a laptop and want to have another screen for a added display window?
There are a few devices that can be used to wireless display a video output to second monitor.
The most common is Chromecast and Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.
Miracast VS Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.
I dont recommend using Chromecast for a work environment.
First of all it only mirrors whats on a laptops screen and doesn’t extend it.
Mirroring a screen no doubt has a lot of potential in the right setting but for times when work needs to be done with different screens Chromecast is not a good solution.
Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter does a much better job for multiple displays setup like a desktop would with 2-3 monitors.
Keep in mind Microsoft option is not without its own faults. First off all any device that transmits video wireless to a second monitor will have lag.
How much lag depends on what is being transferred, basically forget about a ideal gaming environment.
It does work fine when doing simple browsing or even steaming a movie. Having a powerful laptop is obviously better and will improve the output.
They have just released the new version of the adapter called V2.
It basically plugs into a HDMI port on a TV or monitor which a computer can than broadcast video to wirelessly.
Microsoft adapter is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 since both have Miracast built in.
Summary
There are a few ways to duplicate or extend video from a laptop to a second monitor.
Chromcast is good for duplicating a screen and will be good in situations that only require the screen to be mirrored onto a TV or second monitor.
Microsoft’s V2 adapter is better for extending a screen which most are used to in work environments.
The V2 is not perfect, but it’s the next best thing compared to using a HDMI cable.
If you use Apple products for a multiple display setup than they use AirPlay which is a proprietary technology that only works with Apple products.
Which ever setup you have using more than one monitor that also allows complete control from a single mouse and keyboard is the ultimate work setup.
The average home user will have no need for this type of setup and can no doubt simply use a classical singe screen for basic online browsing or social media updates.
Having more than one screen is geared much more toward the professional who spends a lot of time working with a computer from researching a topic to coding a database.
And while a HDMI cable is much better than a wireless dongle for those who use a laptop that has only one output it is the best option currently available.
As always be sure to reads the reviews on Amazon or elsewhere to see is it is a good fit for you.
I am looking to set up a wireless monitor in my office. The desktop will be in a cabinet. There is wire mesh on the front doors so signal should through. I want to eliminate the cable to the monitor . Basically so I can clean up the visual look in the office. Will any of these devices work for basic email, spreadsheet, word doc. and web surfing????
Bob,
I want to do the same in my office. Do you have an idea how to do it? Have you in other words been able to find out a solution? Thank you.