One of the coolest “new” features of the iPad 2 is the ability to mirror its display to an external source (like a TV or projector) via an HDMI output cable that Apple sells for $39. Unfortunately, this is only a wired solution, meaning you are on a leash with your display. That didn’t stop the intrepid folks over at Straight Up Technologies from cobbling up a “hack” that solves this problem by creating a wireless adaptor with some equipment found at a local Fry’s Electronics store.
Observe the fruits of their labor:
According to Eric Govoruhk from stuptech the whole package cost about $275:
It was about $275. The HDMI transmitter was $180, the Apple HDMI adapter was $40, and the battery was another $40. The rest went to scrap pieces for the wood and plastic to test out molds. This was all brick and mortar, so you can save a few bucks if you pick up the electronics online.
If you think about it, their solution makes sense. It’s not really a “hack” in the traditional software sense. They basically took a wireless HDMI transmitter, hooked it up to the TV and iPad, and did a little jury-rigging to get it to be self-powered via a USB battery pack. It’s definitely not the most elegant solution, but gets the job done at the end of the day.
Now if only I wasn’t so lazy, I would probably do something similar for mine. I imagine you might feel the same way unless you really need to do your next presentation wirelessly from your iPad.
via Ars Technica
