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NexDock 2 is another bid to make laptop shells a success

The NexDock 2 is the latest product in the lapdock category, but will it be more successful than prior attempts?
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Published onMarch 27, 2019

The NexDock 2.

There have been several attempts to make lapdocks and laptop shells over the years, with varying degrees of success. Now, the team behind 2016’s NexDock is back with a sequel on Kickstarter, dubbed the NexDock 2 (h/t: SlashGear).

Much like other laptop shells, the NexDock 2 offers a display, keyboard, trackpad, battery, and several ports. But it improves upon the original design by offering a full HD IPS display, a full-sized HDMI port, a USB port, and several USB-C ports (including one for charging). The first NexDock, on the other hand, delivered a 768p TN panel, a mini-HDMI port, and full-sized USB ports only.

Otherwise, the fundamental proposition here is still the same, allowing you to plug in a compatible smartphone to gain a laptop-like experience (while charging your phone). We say a “compatible” phone because the NexDock 2 only works with Samsung and Huawei phones that offer a desktop mode (DeX and Easy Projection respectively). However, the NexDock team notes that Android Q phones will likely be compatible in the future, citing a rough desktop mode in the developer preview.

Don’t care for a smartphone-powered desktop experience? Well, the HDMI port means you can also use this as a secondary screen for your computer, a display for your gaming console, or a screen for your Raspberry Pi or computer stick. 

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The NexDock 2 has already shot past its $50,000 goal on Kickstarter, with Early Bird devices starting at $199. Otherwise, the standard price is $279. The device is scheduled to ship from September 2019, so you’ve still got a few months to wait before getting your hands on one.

You can certainly buy an entry-level Chromebook for $279 and under, so the NexDock 2 isn’t the cheapest option if you want a laptop experience on a budget. And with previous entries like the Sentio Superbook not achieving mainstream success, you have to wonder whether this new device will enjoy a better commercial reception.

If you’re keen, you can check out the Kickstarter page via the button below.

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