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

#1

Post by skowmunk » Fri, Oct 22, 2010, 11:38 AM UTC

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?

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

#2

Post by limmeau » Fri, Oct 22, 2010, 11:55 AM UTC

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

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

#3

Post by limmeau » Fri, Oct 22, 2010, 11:57 AM UTC

Perhaps something to use an iPad as a second screen?

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

#4

Post by gaius » Fri, Oct 22, 2010, 12:13 PM UTC

How well did these sell? http://technologizer.com/2008/12/19/two-screen-laptops/

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

#5

Post by skowmunk » Fri, Oct 22, 2010, 12:53 PM UTC

limmeau wrote: post #3

Perhaps something to use an iPad as a second screen?

That did be a great idea by itself.

Still, when wanting to carry a really small laptop, an ipad is quit an additional weight.

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

#6

Post by mooism2 » Fri, Oct 22, 2010, 12:54 PM UTC

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?

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

#7

Post by skowmunk » Fri, Oct 22, 2010, 12:54 PM UTC

gaius wrote: post #4

How well did these sell? http://technologizer.com/2008/12/19/two-screen-laptops/

wouldn't a permanently attached second monitor increase the form factor of the laptop itself?

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

#8

Post by skowmunk » Fri, Oct 22, 2010, 12:57 PM UTC

limmeau wrote: post #2

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

that indeed would be a problem.

I wonder how much power the Ipad screen uses.

hmm... mebbe a regular power cord would be required.

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

#9

Post by gaius » Fri, Oct 22, 2010, 1:05 PM UTC

skowmunk wrote: post #7

gaius wrote: post #4

How well did these sell? http://technologizer.com/2008/12/19/two-screen-laptops/

wouldn't a permanently attached second monitor increase the form factor of the laptop itself?

I think the first one was detachable.

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

#10

Post by limmeau » Fri, Oct 22, 2010, 1:17 PM UTC

skowmunk wrote: post #5

limmeau wrote: post #3

Perhaps something to use an iPad as a second screen?

That did be a great idea by itself. Still, when wanting to carry a really small laptop, an ipad is quit an additional weight.

Are you sure a portable 15" screen with today's technology would be lighter than the iPad?