There are some good apps available for iOS and Android that make it easy to turn your tablet into a second monitor for your PC, but if you’re the type of person who thinks that’s just too easy, here’s a hack for you. Someone figured out a way to turn the Kindle e-reader (not the Kindle Fire) into a second monitor.
This works with both Mac and PC on the regular 6-inch Kindle and the larger Kindle DX (which makes a tiny sliver more sense). It requires jailbreaking the device, which is pretty easy, though does mean you’re testing the limits of your warranty.
The Kindle e-readers sport e-Ink displays with low refresh rates, so why would you want to use it as a second monitor? Well, e-Ink is easier on the eyes for reading. And… I got nothin’. It could still be fun, nonetheless.
Tiny Apps has the full instructions for Mac and PCWorld has the Windows version.
via Lifehacker
Is the normal functionality (i.e. reading ebooks) compromised? Can you switch between “monitor” mode and “reader” mode?
Ugh. Too many commands to type. Too much of a hassle. Too bad, because an external eInk monitor sounds like a cool idea.
Maybe for when you’re reading outdoors and the bright sun comes out? …or you’re in the front seat and your kid (or cat) is bored and trying to read over your shoulder–just hook up the Kindle and toss it over the seat 😉
In my line of work, I spend hours staring at code and documentation. An e-ink display would be a huge improvement over the eye strain I deal with from LCDs on a daily basis. I’ve been waiting for someone to start producing decent-sized ( > 13″) external e-ink displays for computers for exactly this purpose, but either the market is too small or the manufacturers are waiting for e-ink with a higher refresh rate. If the Kindle DX were a little bigger, or at least a little less expensive, I’d certainly be giving this hack a try.
+1 on the larger eInk display.
I can see how this would be good for that purpose. You can probably get a used DX for a reasonable price.