Whether for personal use, work, or both, nearly everyone has a smartphone today. As smartphones become more powerful, we might one day get to the point where our phone is the only computer we need. Even today, with the right accessories, you can turn your smartphone into a computer. Keep reading to learn how to conveniently make one device work as your phone and your computer.
Bluetooth Keyboard
When you’re turning your smartphone into a computer for work, a Bluetooth keyboard is a must from a productivity standpoint. It’s nearly impossible to get any typing done efficiently on a touchscreen keyboard. Keyboards will connect using either USB or Bluetooth.
Luckily, nearly all Apple and Android smartphones are capable of pairing with a Bluetooth keyboard, which keeps your USB slot open for other important connections. If you travel a lot and space is at a premium, consider a folding keyboard that won’t take up a lot of room. There are also keyboards that don’t fold, but are around the thickness of a book cover.
USB Hub
If you need to use a USB keyboard and you need to plug your phone in to charge it, you’ll quickly realize you have a problem. With only one USB port available on your smartphone, you have to decide whether power or a keyboard is more important. You can solve this problem by getting a micro USB hub with power. With this device, you can plug the hub into your smartphone’s micro USB port, and then use the other cable to power your phone, connect your keyboard, and connect any other USB-enabled device you need.
Charging Cables
You’ll soon see how fast you drain your smartphone’s battery when you’re using it as a computer. If you plan on doing any work for an extended period of time, you’ll want to make sure you have your phone’s charging cables handy so you can recharge the battery. You can use the charging cable that came with your smartphone, but if you’re working at a desk and the plug is far away, you can also purchase charging cables that go as far as 10 feet in length to easily reach any outlet.
HDMI or MHL Cable
You can simply use your smartphone’s screen as the computer monitor, but if you’re giving a presentation or want to share what’s on your phone with other people, it will be easier to use a larger monitor. If you’re using an Android device, look for an MHL cable.
If you’re using a powerful smartphone like the iPhone 6S, you’ll need a HDMI cable to broadcast the phone display onto a bigger screen. For Apple devices, the HDMI cable plugs into the same port that powers the phone. It comes with a lightning port so that you can also power your smartphone at the same time if you need to. However, since it uses the charging port, you have to use a Bluetooth keyboard.
Monitor
If you want to display your smartphone’s screen on a monitor, you need to make sure you have one that’s compatible with the cables you’re using. You can use a computer monitor, or you can use a television screen. Nearly all modern monitors and televisions come with a HDMI input. If you’re using an HDMI cable, it’s as simple as locating the right port and plugging it in. If you’re using an MHL cable and your monitor only supports an HDMI connection, you’ll just have to buy an MHL-to-HDMI adapter to convert.
Phone Stand
Even if you won’t be using a monitor to turn your smartphone into a computer, you still want to use a phone stand so you can see your phone’s screen more easily. Stands can range from simple plastic props to docks that will charge your phone at the same time. If you’re not interested in spending any money on a stand, you can even make one from items you have scattered around the house.
If you’re looking for the convenience of turning your smartphone into a computer anywhere you go, these accessories can help you do it.
