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Ask HN: Likely demand for a big monitor extension for a small laptop?

by skowmunk on 10/22/10, 11:38 AM with 12 comments

An idea has been stirring in my grey mash for a while, got no way I can follow it up. But, I was wondering what you would think of it:

A large monitor(extension) for a small laptop.

This was a an issue I wrestled when I bought my last laptop. I loved the small laptops but hated their small monitor size. I like the low weight, but am addicted to screen space. Not having enough monitor space just brings down my productivity and its just so tiring toggling between windows.

So, I thought, why can't be there be a light and thin portable monitor? something that has a monitor cable for getting the display info and a usb cable for the power supply. Something that can be either just clipped over the original laptop monitor or be propped up to the side of the laptop, to enable the use of both monitors at the same time.

I don't think its impossible to make a 15" portable monitor that is not more than 5mm to 8 mm thick, with a stiff enough case to safely carry it around.

But, the big question - would there be a market for such a product?

Any thoughts?

  • by gaius on 10/22/10, 12:13 PM

  • by mooism2 on 10/22/10, 12:54 PM

    I don't see the point. What is the advantage of a small laptop + portable monitor -v- a larger laptop? How can it outweigh the inconvenience of carrying two gadgets instead of one, and having to dis/connect them all the time?

  • by limmeau on 10/22/10, 11:55 AM

    USB powered may be a problem: 2.5W doesn't get you far.

  • by limmeau on 10/22/10, 11:57 AM

    Perhaps something to use an iPad as a second screen?