Connecting a Laptop to a Monitor
This section guides you through connecting a laptop to an external monitor.
Step 1: Identify Laptop Outputs
Determine your laptop's video output ports. Common types include HDMI, mini-HDMI, USB-C with Thunderbolt or DisplayPort support, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, VGA, or DVI. For older computers, VGA or DVI ports (often with holes) are common. Consult your laptop manufacturer's website or reviews if unsure. Note that not all USB-C ports support DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 3; check for specific symbols or manufacturer specifications.
Step 2: Connect Portable Monitor
Connect the portable monitor to its power source and then connect its video input using the appropriate cable. Portable monitors often feature Mini HDMI and USB-C inputs. Ensure the monitor is powered on before connecting.
Step 3: Match Connections
If your laptop and monitor lack a common connection type, adapters can be used. Examples include:
- Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort
- VGA to HDMI
- DVI to HDMI
- HDMI to DisplayPort
- DisplayPort to HDMI
- USB-C to HDMI
After connecting the display, you may need to press a function key combination (often involving the 'Fn' key and F-keys like F3, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9, or F10) on your laptop to activate the external display. This combination varies by laptop brand. Once connected, adjust your display settings for optimal workflow.
Connecting a Smartphone to a Portable Monitor
This section covers connecting smartphones to portable monitors.
Method 1: Single USB-C Cable Connection
Requirements: Your smartphone must have a USB-C port supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), and the USB-C cable must also support Alt Mode for video signal transfer. Using the included USB-C cable is recommended.
Compatible Smartphones: Many smartphones support DP Alt Mode, including Samsung Galaxy Note and S series, flagship HTC U series, Huawei Mate and P series, LG G and V series, and Razer/ROGH phones. A compatible list is available for more devices.
Connection Steps:
- Connect the portable monitor to an electric outlet and power it on.
- Connect one end of the DP Alt Mode capable USB-C cable to your phone and the other end to the portable monitor.
- For Android devices running OS 10 or later, enable "Desktop Mode" in Developer Options.
- For older Android versions or phones without Desktop Mode, enable "mirror screen" functionality.
The phone's interface should now appear on the portable monitor. The interface may differ based on the smartphone model.
Method 2: iOS/Android HDMI Adapter Connection
If your phone supports DP Alt Mode but not Desktop Mode, you can still cast your screen using an iOS/Android HDMI adapter.
Connection Steps:
- Connect the portable monitor to an electric outlet.
- Connect your iPhone or Android phone to the monitor using an iOS/Android 3-in-1 adapter.
- Power the adapter via a USB port.
- Scan a QR Code for device matching if needed.
This method mirrors your phone's screen but does not support touch functionality. Orient your phone in landscape mode for a full-screen view. Specific adapter requirements may vary; consult the adapter's retailer for details.
Device Compatibility Lists
The following sections detail devices compatible with video output over USB-C and DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
Desktops with Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C
This category includes various desktop computers and AIC (Add-in Cards) from manufacturers like Apple, Intel, ASRock, Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI, supporting macOS and Windows operating systems.
Laptops with Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C
This list features numerous laptop models from brands such as Apple (MacBook Pro/Air), Razer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, and Gigabyte, running macOS, Windows, and Linux.
2-in-1 PCs with DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C
This section covers 2-in-1 convertible and detachable devices from HP, Dell, Huawei, and Medion, primarily running macOS and Windows.
Desktops with DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C
Includes desktop systems from Asus (Zen AiO, Chromebox 3), Intel (NUC), Zotac, and Sunix, operating on Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux.
Laptops with DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C
This list includes Chrome OS devices like Google Chromebook Pixel, as well as laptops from Acer, Apple, HP, Lenovo, and Xiaomi, running Chrome OS, Windows, and Linux.
2-in-1 PCs / Tablets with Desktop OS
Features devices like Google Pixelbook/Slate, Acer Chromebooks, HP Envy, and Acer Spin/Nitro, running Chrome OS and Windows.
Tablets with Mobile OS
Details tablets from Lenovo, Samsung (Galaxy Tab series with Samsung DeX), Vivo, and Apple (iPad series), running Android and iOS, with release dates and desktop mode support.
Smartphones
This comprehensive section lists smartphones from various manufacturers that support wired video output, including:
- Apple: iPhones and iPod touches (from specific generations onwards) supporting video output via 30-pin dock, Lightning, or USB-C connectors.
- HTC: U series, U12+, U11, U Ultra, Exodus 1, and HTC 10.
- LG: G series (G5, G6, G7, G8) and V series (V20, V30, V35, V40, V50, V60), with notes on support updates.
- Huawei: Mate series (Mate 10 to Mate 40), P series (P20 to P40), Honor View series, and Honor Magic series, often supporting Easy Projection.
- Samsung: Galaxy S series, Note series, M series, A series, and Z Fold/Flip series, many supporting Samsung DeX.
- Asus: ZenFone series and ROG Phone series, with details on desktop modes and docks.
- Sony: Xperia series (Xperia 1, 5, 10, Pro).
- OnePlus: OnePlus series (e.g., 7, 8, 9).
- Motorola: Edge series, Moto G series, and Lumia series (Microsoft).
- Other Brands: Including Xiaomi (Black Shark), Google (Pixel), Essential Phone, BQ Aquaris, BlackBerry, Sharp Aquos, Smartisan, PINE64 PinePhone, and Purism Librem.
Support details often include initial support year, models, operating system (Android, iOS, Windows, Linux), and specific desktop modes or features like Samsung DeX, Huawei Easy Projection, or Continuum.