Motorola has long been pushing their Webtop-enabled phones, allowing folks to use their phones as a pseudo-desktop or laptop, complete with keyboard, trackpad, and monitor. YouTube user Christian Qantrell decided to see if he could replicate something similar using only his unrooted Galaxy Nexus, Apple keyboard and trackpad, and computer monitor.

His goal was to do this using only standard equipment with no hacking. Connecting his phone to the monitor using an MHL adapter, and using his Bluetooth connected keyboard and trackpad, he manages a surprisingly smooth experience. Having a large trackpad helps replicate finger swipes and gestures, allowing for a more natural feel. Other surprise features that just work are Alt-Tab bringing up Android’s native task switcher, and the Esc key acting as a back button. Check out his video after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Galaxy Nexus continues running smoothly, even while mirroring its 720p display on the monitor and phone. The browser displaying mobile sites by default is not quite as optimal, but that can easily be worked around by downloading alternate browsers or requesting the full site from the stock browser.

It’s great to see all these standards working together so well. Bluetooth and MHL coupled with the right peripheral hardware is a powerful combination for superphones like the Galaxy Nexus. This also makes me think it would not be difficult for a 3rd party manufacturer to create more generic “lapdocks” like Motorola’s that work with any modern Android smartphone.

source: androidcommunity



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