Secondary monitors are a great aid to productivity, especially for devices with screens smaller than 15 inches. Extra screen real estate gives users the ability to see multiple pages of info, work between the two, and avoid moving windows around to do so.
While a second-screen setup has been available via HDMI for a while on Chrome OS devices, HDMI monitors have an inherent drawback: power.
Taking a monitor along with you to a coffee shop or co-working space isn’t really a viable solution due to the need to have it on a stand and provide an outlet for power at all times. The idea is ridiculous if you really think about it.
Enter DisplayLink technology. DisplayLink drivers allow high def video to be sent over a standard USB connection. Even more amazing is the ability to also provide power over the same cable when using a USB 3.0 monitor. With this setup, you have the ability to carry a screen that needs only one cable to get power and video, allowing you to have an on-the-go second-screen setup anywhere you need.
In the video below, we take a look at the ease of setup on the ASUS MB169B+ and talk through the options you get once you are plugged in. It is simple, effective, and brilliant. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with Chrome’s implementation of this tech and plan on, from this point forward, keeping a second screen in my bag at all times. Enjoy the video!
