When we said we wanted to see whether device manufacturers could take the desktop-like capabilities of the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL and run with it, we weren’t sure this is what we had in mind.
NexDock, a new kid on the block to to speak, is bringing out its first device whose purpose is to do just that. Yet, you’d be forgiven if you mistook it for something else entirely.
This device, which goes by the name of NexDock, is a 14-inch monitor with a built-in battery and bluetooth keyboard that, at an estimated retail price of $149 is “a fraction of the cost of a laptop.”
Essentially, it’s a laptop with the compute capabilities stripped out, and seems to serve no function unless a smartphone, PC stick or tablet is connected to it – via a USB dongle no less.
While trying various use cases is always great, we’re not sure why someone would buy a laptop-sized device to accompany their smartphone as opposed to simply bringing their laptop, especially when a dongle and some software would likely solve this issue that has yet to plague large amounts of smartphone owners.
In the company’s defence, they’ve ensured it is cross-platform compatible with Windows, Android and iOS, and even the Raspberry Pi.
Here are the device specs:
Dimensions & weight: 351 mm x 233 mm x 20 mm, 1490 gr
Display: 14.1 inch 1366*768 TN Screen with 16:9 display ratio
Keyboard and Touchpad: Bluetooth class 4.0
Battery: Li-ion battery, 3.8V / 10000mAh
HDMI port: mini HDMI
Connectivity: 2x USB port, 1 x TF card slot, 1 x 3.5mm headphone port
Power: DC 3.5mm 5V/2.5 A
The device is now crowdfunding on Indiegogo.
What are your thoughts on this dock? Would you use it to extend the functions of your increasingly more powerful smartphones? Let us know in the comments below.
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Dave: I like the idea as long as the devices become available in public places. (could replace ipads in restaurants, airports, etc.) Although, would be cool to have them throughout our offices in ‘touch down’ areas and meeting rooms, as long as they are compatible with multiple devices and OS. It will be interesting to see the uptake on indiegogo.