If you’re lucky enough to have an Android device running Ice Cream Sandwich, like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the folks at ExtremeTech have a great walkthrough on how to turn your handset into a fairly powerful workstation. You’ll need a couple of items to get started, but the end result is that your phone can turn into a desktop almost anywhere you go.The source article makes no bones about the fact you’ll need a display to connect to if you want the full effect, but they suggest you pick up an HDMI-to-mini-HDMI converter for a few bucks to get video out from your device, and pair a bluetooth keyboard or trackpad to your phone, and call it a day. Even though most people only think to pair Bluetooth keyboards or trackpads to their tablets, the process is the same with a handset, and works just as well. Connect the HDMI adaptor into any nearby TV or monitor, and you’re all set. The end result is a pretty snappy workstation that you can control from a mouse and keyboard and work on a nice large screen.
Plenty of other Android devices have this capability built in, even if they don’t have Ice Cream Sandwich — if your phone has an mini HDMI output, you may be able to do the same thing, and if the thought of running Android on a huge screen doesn’t totally appeal to you, you can always try the same procedure with the upcoming Ubuntu for Android.
Would you give this a shot? Pack up a Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad and an HDMI cable for your trip and leave the laptop behind? Or is this a solution looking for a problem? Whatever you think, share your thoughts in the comments below.
How to Use the Galaxy Nexus as a Desktop Replacement [ExtremeTech]
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