laptop lcd screen cable free sample

It is such a waste to only use the LCD for desktop computers. Connecting it up with a laptop PC has many merits for the user and can also bring out the latent power of the laptop.

Most laptops have a handy "external display output" port. It can be used in the home to transmit videos played on the laptop to a large screen TV or, in the office, to connect up with a projector for presentations. In fact, there must be many users who already use it like this. However, people tend to use just the laptop in their daily routine and there are probably not so many cases where they use the external display output.

A laptop can be put to more effective use if it is connected to an external LCD. The photograph shows an EIZO 23-inch wide-screen LCD connected by HDMI to a Sony VAIO C laptop (VPCCW28FJ/R).

This time we would like to suggest a style that can be used in both the home and the office, where a laptop and stand-alone LCD remain connected. A laptop already has an LCD, but using it with an additional stand-alone LCD offers various merits. Not only does it make the laptop environment more pleasant and convenient, it also expands the potential of the computer itself, for example by making it possible to use it for new purposes.

Even if the LCD is already connected to a desktop computer and being used for something other than the laptop, most monitors nowadays have two or more video inputs and they tend not to use this capability to the full. It is such a waste to let the laptop"s external display output function and the monitor"s video input function remain dormant, so we would like them to be put to effective use. Of course, we would also recommend the introduction of a new LCD to connect to your laptop.

The biggest merit of connecting a laptop with a stand-alone LCD is that it gives you a large screen and high resolution dual display environment. Standard laptop models usually come with a built-in 13-inch to 15-inch wide-screen LCD with a 1280 × 800 dot or 1366 × 768 dot resolution.

This level of resolution is good enough for basic Windows operations, but it goes without saying that a large, high-resolution computer screen is much more user-friendly. Combining a laptop with one of the latest wide-screen monitors enables you to easily construct a large-screen, high-resolution dual display environment. It is a real boon to dramatically boost the screen size and resolution while continuing to use your familiar laptop.

Another plus is that you can create the luxury of a "watching while" environment where you run the web browser, for instance, on the laptop"s built-in LCD and watch the video content on the large screen of the external monitor. This can be really useful for hobbies too. For example, while playing a game on the large external LCD screen you can check out strategies on websites, post information on a BBS or communicate with other users.

You can smoothly use multiple applications at the same time in the large workspace provided by a dual display. The photograph shows an EIZO 24.1-inch wide-screen LCD, the FlexScan SX2462W connected to a VAIO C. By supplementing the laptop"s built-in 1366 × 768 dot 14-inch wide-screen LCD with a 1920 × 1200 dot 24.1-inch wide-screen, it is possible to show more data at a time, a huge boost to work efficiency.

With two screens it"s easy to have full-screen display of the video content on one screen while you operate the computer on the other. The photograph shows an EIZO 23-inch wide-screen LCD monitor connected to a VAIO C. The VAIO C has HDMI output and the LCD monitor has HDMI input so visuals and sound can be transmitted by a single HDMI cable. The LCD monitor has full HD screen resolution (1920 × 1080 dot), making it the perfect match for HD video content.

At the office, it is very helpful for presentations to use "clone view" for the laptop"s built-in LCD and the external LCD screen. Clone view means showing exactly the same content on two display screens. It is normally set by a graphics driver function.

When holding small meetings it is certainly very convenient to be able to offer simple explanations of the presentation materials displayed on the external LCD, rather than having to ready a projector. Being able to explain about what is displayed on the screen means fewer documents to distribute, helping your office to "go paperless", which can only be a good thing.

We would like to point out here that you should check in advance the maximum resolution that the laptop"s external display output can handle. This can be found in documents such as the laptop"s specifications chart and support information. This is because, although most laptops can handle output up to 1920 × 1080 dots or 1920 × 1200 dots, some slightly older computers have an upper limit of 1680 × 1050 dots or 1600 × 1200 dots.

Even if the upper limit is 1680 × 1050 dots, the LCD can still display the data if its own resolution is 1680 × 1050 dots or higher. In such cases, it is better to use a monitor that offers dot-by-dot display, which displays the input resolution as it is, or enlarged display, which maintains the screen"s aspect ratio as it is. You do not need to worry because EIZO wide-screen LCDs can handle such display methods (although in some cases they do not function properly depending on the laptop computer or input resolution).

This is an example of a low-resolution display on the 1920 × 1200 dot display SX2462W. Since dot-by-dot display outputs the physical "1 dot" of the LCD and the input resolution "1 dot" without enlargement or reduction, it is shown small in the center of the screen (photo on the left). The display is a little blurred if it is enlarged while maintaining the aspect ratio, but this method is suitable for displaying images as they are shown large with low resolution to make the most of the screen size (photo on the right). Many monitors that cannot handle such display methods enlarge the display to full screen regardless of the input resolution. In such cases you have to be careful as the aspect ratio of the image is altered (for example, people appear to be thinner or fatter).

It is easy to set up a dual display in Windows 7. A menu is displayed when you right-click on the desktop. From "Screen resolution" it is possible to detect and align the external LCD, and set details such as resolution, display method and which will be the main display screen.

The "Screen resolution" menu. If the external LCD is not automatically recognized, click on "Detect". After the monitor has been recognized, you can select the display mode from the "Multiple displays" drop-down menu. Select "Extend display screen" to make the laptop screen and the external LCD into a single display screen (dual display).

Select "Duplicate display screen" from the "Multiple displays" drop-down menu to display the same content on the laptop screen and the external LCD screen (clone view). With this drop-down menu you can also set it to display video on one of the LCDs.

It is also worth noting that Windows 7 has added functions so that dual display can be used more effectively. An active window can be moved to the screen of another LCD by simultaneously pushing "Windows" + "Shift" + "→" (or "←"). It is also possible to maximize the window by pressing "Windows" + "↑", minimize it by pressing "Windows" + "↓", and shift it to the left or right of each screen by pressing "Windows" + "→" (or "←"). Making good use of these shortcuts should enable the efficient placing of windows in the two screens.

In Windows 7, pressing "Windows" + "Shift" + "→" instantly moves the active window from the left-hand screen (photo on the left) to the right-hand screen (photo on the right). Conversely, you can move the active window from the right-hand screen to the left-hand one by pressing "Windows" + "Shift" + "←".

We would recommend a wide-screen model with a screen resolution of 1920 × 1080 dots (Full HD) or 1920 × 1200 dots (WUXGA) as the LCD to connect to a laptop, so that you can make full use of the advantages of dual display. EIZO has an extensive line up of wide-screen LCDs which can offer many benefits, in addition to the merits of a large screen and high resolution, when used with a laptop for dual display.

One such feature is the flexible stand adjustment. For example, the tilt, swivel and height can be adjusted for the FlexScan SX2462W, a 24.1-inch WUXGA model, and the FlexScan EV2333, a 23-inch full HD model. This enables users to adjust the screen position for easy viewing according to their own posture, which not only boosts work efficiency but also reduces physical strain.

The SX2462W stand. The simultaneous adjustment of its tilt, swivel and height enables the optimum screen position to be aligned for its operating environment.

The SX2462W is also equipped with vertical display function, turning the screen through 90 degrees. Vertical display is really handy when viewing elongated documents, graphics or web pages. In addition, when used as a standard horizontal screen, a 24.1 wide-screen, with its 518.4 × 324.0 mm display area, can display two A4 sheets, in other words one A3 (420 × 297 mm) in actual size. As well as being very useful in areas such as graphics or desk top publishing, this is also bound to come in handy when checking large business or accounting documents.

With a 24.1 inch wide-screen like the SX2462W, an A3 sheet (two A4 sheets side by side) can be viewed in actual size, particularly effective for paper-based creative work ITmedia LCD Course II, Lesson 3: Which is better, 16:10 or 16:9 ? – "Screen size / resolution / aspect ratio"

We must not forget that EIZO"s wide-screen LCDs have non-glare screens (processed to reduce ambient light reflection). Nowadays the trend is for laptops to have an LCD with glare (glossy) surface treatment. While these can display images in bright color, reflected ambient light can sometimes be distracting.

A laptop screen is not so large and adjusting its angle can avoid the reflection of lights and so on, however it is not so easy with the large screen of an external LCD. When it comes to the large screen of an LCD in habitual use, a non-glare type that is not reflective is probably easier to see, as well as being kinder on the eyes. A large screen, high resolution and non-glare ensure that you can comfortably continue viewing over a prolonged period of time.

The surface treatment of an LCD makes a difference to the background reflection. Glare panels do not diffuse background light, making it easier to achieve high color purity, but easily reflect the user or lights (photo on the left). If the lights are similarly trained on a non-glare panel they do not have much effect, only appearing as a fuzzy brightness (photo on the right).

Another distinctive feature of EIZO wide-screen LCDs is a commitment to energy saving. They incorporate various power saving features that support "EcoView". A pivotal feature is the "EcoView Sense" adopted in the FlexScan EV series, such as the EV2333W.

This is the motion sensor on the front of the LCD. It constantly monitors the user"s movements to automatically take finely-tuned power saving measures. To be more precise, if the user"s presence is not detected for a specified period of time, for example if he leaves his seat, the monitor automatically switches to power save mode, and then automatically switches back when the user"s presence is detected again.

Other features include "Auto EcoView", which automatically optimizes the brightness of the LCD based on ambient lighting, and "EcoView Index", which displays a meter on the screen showing how much power is being saved. All these features can be expected to have a strong energy saving effect and to boost the user"s awareness of power saving, making them particularly useful in the office.

A standard laptop computer switches to sleep mode if the built-in LCD is closed while it is running but, if this function is turned off, a laptop can be treated as a "small desktop computer."

It can be set to use only the connected external LCD and not to react when the laptop"s built-in LCD is closed. The transformation into a small desktop PC is complete if you add a keyboard and mouse connected to the laptop via USB ports, for example. The OS is still running even though the laptop"s built-in LCD is closed, so you can carry out normal operations using the external keyboard and mouse, and also use the laptop"s built-in optical drives.

The idea is to use a large screen, high resolution external LCD at home or in the office, and to use the laptop"s built-in LCD as usual for mobile purposes. This helps to boost the longevity of the laptop"s built-in LCD and many people do use their laptop in this way. If you feel reluctant to use a dual display environment, where the screen is split in two, why not give this a try?

Select "Only show the desktop on 2" from the "Multiple displays" list in the "Screen resolution" menu. The laptop"s built-in LCD will be switched off and the external LCD will become the main display.

By making this simple setting your laptop can be used as a space saving desktop computer. Another plus is that the laptop"s built-in LCD will last longer.

Recently some high-end laptop computers, such as the Sony VAIO F, are insisting on good display quality for their LCDs. However, a typical laptop"s built-in LCD does not have as good image quality as a stand-alone LCD. This is only natural since the costs allowed for display quality are completely different for an LCD incorporated into the PC as one of its parts and a specialized LCD.

However, by using an EIZO wide-screen LCD a laptop user can still fully enjoy such benefits of a stand-alone high-quality LCD as excellent color reproduction, a wide viewing angle, more even display and a wealth of items that can be adjusted to improve image quality. This is a crucial point for people who use their computer for photographs and videos in particular.

EIZO"s wide-screen LCDs emphasize color reproduction, and the coloration in sRGB mode has a high degree of accuracy. The standard color gamut used in PC environments and Internet content is sRGB, so you need have no worries about viewing or editing videos and photographs. They can also display images on web pages, such as products in online shops or goods for sale in online auctions, in colors that are very close to the real thing. (This is also influenced by how the seller took the photographs and processed the images, so we cannot say that the colors will always be accurate.)

Adobe RGB is the de facto standard in the publishing field and, closer to home, is used in digital SLR cameras and high grade compact digital cameras. The FlexScan SX series can reproduce the colors of photos taken in Adobe RGB mode with almost perfect accuracy on the screen. Retouching photographs proceeds more efficiently since subtle differences in color can be checked on the screen.

An example of sRGB color gamut image data displayed on a standard laptop and on the SX2462W. The SX2462W"s reproducibility of sRGB mode is of a considerably high standard but the color balance on the laptop has been lost. This would make it difficult to perform rigorous photo retouching.

In this case, if the image is edited on the external LCD with its high color reproducibility and the many tool palettes in the application are grouped in the laptop"s built-in LCD, there is less need to display or hide the tool palettes or to switch back and forth, and the image data to be edited can be displayed in a large form, making for more efficient work.

In this case, if the image is edited on the external LCD with its high color reproducibility and the many tool palettes in the application are grouped in the laptop"s built-in LCD, there is less need to display or hide the tool palettes or to switch back and forth, and the image data to be edited can be displayed in a large form, making for more efficient work.

When doing things like photo retouching, using software where there is a lot of switching between tool palettes it is very handy to display the image data to be edited on the external LCD with its high color reproducibility, and to gather the palette tools to be used on the laptop"s built-in LCD.

Going back to the subject of laptop computers, it is not going too far to say that applications and functions are being spoiled in laptops whose built-in LCD"s image quality is not too good. Connecting a laptop to a monitor with high image quality dispels any concerns about work that deals with colors and also helps to bring out the laptop"s potential.

Combining an EIZO wide-screen LCD with a laptop computer makes viewing videos and images even more fun. Just being able to see them on a large screen is a pleasure, but what makes it even better is that our LCDs are equipped with Fine Contrast, the optimum image quality mode for video and visuals. You can also use the Custom mode to create the image quality you prefer.

We expect that you now understand how displaying screens from a laptop computer on a stand-alone LCD can create a very pleasant environment. It feels as if your everyday laptop has been transformed into a completely different desktop machine. Even if you only use laptop computers, it is definitely worthwhile to add a stand-alone LCD.

When choosing the type of LCD the most important consideration is to choose one with overall high quality. When it comes to that, we can recommend EIZO wide-screen LCDs to a broad range of laptop users. In addition to their high image quality, EIZO wide-screen LCD are built with careful attention to detail, including non-glare screens, versatile stand features, dot-by-dot capability, abundant image quality modes, and our proprietary eco-functions. We want you to make full use of your beloved laptop computer along with an EIZO wide-screen LCD.

This time we have spoken about how an external LCD can be connected to a laptop computer, but if your main machine is a desktop computer then you probably already have a LCD.

In which case, why not consider adding a full HD (1920 × 1080 dot) or WUXGA (1920 × 1200 dot) wide-screen LCD and creating a more advanced dual display environment to further enhance your computer"s usability.

The dual display environment of a desktop PC has a wider range of options than a laptop computer, which is already installed with an LCD. Depending on the combination of products used you can seek for a larger screen, higher resolution and better image quality.

You can get a super high resolution of 3840 × 1200 dots in total by putting two 24.1-inch 1920 × 1200 dot wide-screen LCDs side by side. The advantage in this is that a larger screen and higher resolution are achieved at a lower cost than buying a single 30-inch high resolution model

Splitters are supported in DisplayPort connections, for example, which will allow you to use one port on the laptop to connect a number of monitors, although this isn’t a very economical way to do it since it might be a bit expensive.

Alternatively, if you have a hub or a laptop with a DVI, USB-C, Displayport, and HDMI, feel free to mix and match the monitors. Do bear in mind that you’ll need to select the best input for each monitor’s specification so that you get the best refresh rate and resolution out of each one. This is known as the “all-hands-on-deck” strategy.

If you"re in the market for a new laptop, be sure to have a look at our best business laptops guide, as we always value devices with plenty of connectivity options.

As technology continues to progress and new standards are created, it’s becoming more frequent to find difficulties in achieving the result you want. This also applies to monitors. The everyday, casual, user might not be familiar with USB-C, Displayport, or HDMI, and it’s not always clear for them. Usually, a task which should essentially be “plug this into this” becomes complex and time consuming. However, don’t let this dissuade you from accomplishing your monitor goal, just make sure you do plenty of research before buying a cable, and make sure it’s the one you need. Once you’ve overcome this, the rest is more or less quite straightforward.

Make sure the video cable is securely plugged into your external display or TV. On the other end, make sure the video cable is securely plugged into the adapter.

Disconnect the adapter from your Surface, and then reconnect it. If that doesn’t work, disconnect the video cable from your adapter, and then reconnect it.

If you use a stationary computer, your second screen options are almost endless. Because a second screen doesn"t have any computing power (meaning it cannot run unless connected to your main screen), you can pick pretty much any size or model you want. You just need to keep in mind how much space you have for your second screen and its intended use.

For example, if you"re a graphic designer or artist of some sort, you may want to select a screen that boasts a better resolution so you can most accurately work with colors and patterns. If you"re a gamer, you might consider a second screen that offers a large widescreen display to get the most of your gameplay. Or if you experience neck or back pain, you might want to pick a monitor that is VESA-compliant so it can be mounted to an optimal ergonomic height. Most desktop users looking for a second screen generally either purchase a duplicate of their existing monitor or one that is slightly smaller in size.

Once you"ve selected your second screen, all you have to do is hook it up to start living the easier, more productive second screen life. Using the cord that came with your new screen, attach one end to your existing desktop and the other to the second screen. Ports are usually in the back. If the cord that came with your second screen won"t work with your existing monitor, you may need to purchase an adaptor. For example, most second screens use a DVI connection cable, which doesn"t work with iMacs. Make sure you know what kind of connection you"ll need in anticipation of your second screen so you don"t have to waste time finding the right adaptor.

If you"re a laptop user (as most students, digital nomads, freelancers, and travelers are), you may be wondering if there will ever be a second screen option that works for you. Sure, you can hook your laptop up to a desktop screen, but that only works if you"re going into the same office every day. If you like to mix it up or you just prefer the laptop life, you may feel stuck. It"s not like you"re going to lug a giant second screen with you to Starbucks or to the airport. Thankfully, the portable monitor is your perfect solution.

The best part of using a portable monitor is you don"t have to worry about buying additional adaptor cables or wondering if it"ll work with your laptop. If your laptop was made within the last 5 years, it"s pretty likely that a portable monitor will work for you right out of the box.

If you consider yourself tech-savvy and always ahead of the curve when it comes to the next best thing, you"re probably interested in an attachable portable monitor option. The SideTrak portable monitorcomes equipped with everything you need to get working, with ultra-strong and secure magnetic plates that adhere the portable monitor to your laptop. Plus, this means you can pull out, tilt, and flip your screen. You can"t do that with a normal desktop monitor or other freestanding portable options. But if you ever feel like going back to your one-screen roots, you can easily remove the SideTrak and use your laptop solo. Just a heads up, though: Once you start using the SideTrak, you probably won"t want to part with it.

Once you"ve set up your second screen, you"re ready to get to work! With a second monitor configuration, you are able to double your screen size and enjoy a huge productivity boost. Here are just a few functions you can use to best benefit from two screens:

Extend displays: With this default option, your second monitor will work as an extension of your primary monitor. You can drag and drop windows and tabs from screen to screen without any lag or data loss.

Duplicate displays: When you select this option (Available in the "Screen Resolution" drop-down menu on PCs and in the "Displays" section of System Preferences on Macs), your second screen will turn into a copy of your primary monitor. This is ideal for presentations.

Copy and paste: When working with data or reference material, you can easily copy information from one window and paste it in the other! When using a second monitor, you can effortlessly migrate information between screens.

Display reference material: Many people use their second screen to keep reference material at a quick glance, or to keep an eye on email or calendars to stay on top of meetings and conversations as they happen.

Samsung DeX is a software platform that extends your smartphone or tablet into a desktop computing experience. It runs on virtually all of Samsung’s flagship smartphones introduced since 2017, starting with the Galaxy S8 and right up to this year’s Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra. DeX is also supported on selected Samsung’s Galaxy tablets, including the Tab S7, Tab S8 and the rugged Tab Active Proand Tab Active3. With larger tablets, DeX can be used directly on-screen with a keyboard case, as well as on a connected monitor with an external keyboard and mouse. You can also run DeX on a monitor from Samsung’s flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold4.

The first iteration of Samsung DeX, launched in early 2017, required a docking accessory (DeX Station or DeX Pad) to power the software and connect the peripherals. With the launch of the Note9 in August 2018, Samsung eliminated the need for these docking accessories with the introduction of the DeX HDMI adapter, cable and multiport adapter.

With the launch of the Note20, Samsung introduced wireless DeX, which allows DeX to be used without a cable on Smart TVs featuring Miracast, as long as both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Samsung offers several accessories and cables that can be used for Samsung DeX and Samsung DeX on PC. Each cable and adapter offers different advantages depending on where and how you use the platform. The DeX cable allows you to easily connect your device to a standard HDMI port on your monitor. It’s 1.4 meters long, so you have the flexibility to work with just about any monitor setup. The DeX cable is ideal if you plan to use DeX primarily in one location and can leave the cable connected to your monitor. It’s often used in corporate hot-desking scenarios, where users drop by, connect their phone to the cable and get to work. Since there are no additional ports to connect a USB keyboard and mouse, you’ll instead need to use Bluetooth peripherals. For longer DeX work sessions, use wireless charging to keep your battery full.

With a full range of ports, the DeX multiport adapter offers the most flexibility in using DeX. In addition to the HDMI port to connect to your monitor’s HDMI cable, you have a USB 3.0 port to connect a keyboard or mouse, as well as a USB-C port to connect your phone’s charging cable. The multiport adapter is compact and easily pocketable.

A USB-C to USB-C cable is a great option if you have a USB-C monitor. One end connects to your device and the other connects directly to the monitor. The other advantage of USB-C cables and monitors is that your monitor can act as a hub to connect your wired keyboard and mouse. It can also keep your device charged while you’re in DeX mode. You can also use a USB-C to USB-C cable for DeX on PC if you have a newer laptop with USB-C ports.

The other option for wired DeX on PC is a regular USB-C to USB-A charging cable. You likely already have one for charging your device. Just detach the USB cable from the wall charger and connect it to the USB port on your PC or Mac.

If you’re using the DeX cable, plug it into your monitor’s HDMI port. If you’re using a multiport adapter, you can just connect a standard HDMI cable from your monitor into the adapter.

Now connect your keyboard and mouse. If you’re using the DeX cable, you’ll be pairing a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. On your device, turn on Bluetooth and scan for peripherals. Then follow the manufacturer’s instructions (which often involve holding down a Bluetooth button to make your keyboard or mouse “visible” to your phone or tablet). If you’re using the multiport adapter, you have the option of connecting via USB 3.0. You can also choose to use your device as a touchpad instead of connecting a mouse; read more on that below, in the “Tips for getting started with Samsung DeX” section.

If you’re using the multiport adapter, you can also connect your device’s charging cable to the adapter’s USB-C port. If you’re using the DeX cable, you can keep your device charged by placing it on a wireless charger while you’re using DeX.

To use wireless DeX, first go into screen mirroring mode on your TV or monitor. Then, on your smartphone or tablet, pull down the Quick Settings and tap DeX. Now select the TV or monitor you want to cast to.

Wireless DeX on TV is a true second-screen experience — for example, you can keep using your phone as a phone while it powers the DeX interface on your TV. It’s ideal for sharing content like PowerPoint presentations or videos, but you can also connect a keyboard and mouse and use the TV as a monitor to work productively.

Adjusting your display settings: When you first boot up DeX, you’ll be prompted to check that the desktop is displaying correctly on your connected monitor or TV. If the corners of the DeX desktop don’t fit properly within the display, you’ll need to go into the settings menu of your monitor or TV to adjust the scaling. This is particularly common on TVs that have the picture set to a certain aspect ratio. Select the “Fit to Screen” option and you should be all set.

Screen mirroring versus DeX mode: After connecting to your monitor, you’ll see several new options in your device’s notifications menu, including the option to move between screen mirroring and DeX mode. As its name indicates, screen mirroring simply mirrors your device screen on the connected monitor. Screen mirroring is useful in some circumstances, but DeX offers a much different, completely optimized desktop computing experience for productive work on a larger screen. Tap the notification to go into DeX mode.

Use your phone or tablet as a touchpad: Once you are connected to an external display with DeX running, you’ll see a touchpad icon at the bottom left of your mobile device’s screen. After selecting this, you’ll be able to use your finger or an S Pen to navigate within DeX. This setting is particularly useful if you don’t have a Bluetooth mouse handy and want to open an app, PowerPoint or video, especially if you’re using DeX during a presentation. When you’re using DeX from a tablet, you can also use your tablet’s screen as a graphics pad for sketching.

Activate DeX Labs: DeX Labs offers access to “experimental” features that aren’t officially supported. Two current features include allowing DeX to force-resize apps and auto-open the last used app. To activate these features, click the App tray icon in the bottom right of your screen, open DeX Labs and toggle the features on. Now, when you open an app that isn’t DeX-optimized, you’ll be able to view it in a larger window or fully maximized. Opting to auto-open the last used app makes using DeX even more seamless, giving you more continuity between your mobile device and DeX.

Apps tray: At the bottom of your screen on the far left is the Apps tray icon (the grid with nine dots). Click on it and you’ll find all your apps arranged just as you see them on your device. You can browse between screens or use the search bar to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Lock or exit DeX: When you tap the App tray icon, you’ll also see a menu with several other options. You can lock DeX, in case you need to leave your desk for a moment. You can also exit DeX mode here or switch to screen mirroring.

Recent, home and back: The other three icons in the bar at the bottom-left of your screen will be familiar. They’re the same recent, home and back icons that you’ll see at the bottom of your device’s screen; they provide shortcuts for hopping between apps and returning to your desktop. You can also access your currently opened apps via the shortcuts that appear just to the right of this menu.

Customizing your DeX home screen: Customizing your DeX home screen works just like it does on your mobile device. Select and drag apps from your Apps tray onto your home screen and position them in any order you like. To change your wallpaper in DeX, tap once with two fingers on your touchpad (or right click on your mouse) to access the customizer menu, then select any image from your Gallery.

With a wired connection, DeX can work on just about any monitor or TV with an HDMI port. But the supported resolution and aspect ratio will differ depending on the mobile device and adapter used. After connecting to a monitor or TV, open your Settings and click into the DeX menu. Here, you’ll see the display resolutions supported for your setup. You may also need to adjust the settings on your monitor or TV to ensure content doesn’t overlap the edges of your screen, as noted in our “Tips for getting started” above.

Today’s smartphones, tablets and foldables offer enough computing power to complete most work tasks. But smaller screens can make it difficult to multitask or maximize productivity. Using Samsung DeX with a full-size monitor, keyboard and mouse makes it possible to replace the laptop or desktop PC for good.

For individuals, DeX is a great way to work more flexibly. Instead of booting up your laptop to catch up on work at home, just connect your phone or tablet to a monitor and get straight to work. You can run up to five apps at once and easily complete most tasks without hassle.

For small business owners and IT decision makers, DeX allows you to consolidate your IT investment and device management. By using a smartphone or tablet as their primary computing device, your team members will have instant access to business apps and corporate email — wherever they are. Rather than having a dedicated PC for each employee, you can create flexible workstations outfitted with a DeX cable, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, allowing users to drop in and start working within seconds.

Samsung and VMware recently announced the addition of second screen support for virtualized Windows PC desktop environments running in DeX. The jointly developed capability enables Galaxy Tab S8 series, S22 series, and other flagship Galaxy tablets or smartphones to display a VMware-virtualized Windows PC environment on a connected monitor while enabling movement of content across screens.

For the small or medium-sized business (SMB), there’s the obvious financial benefit of having to buy fewer PCs and laptops. But beyond those upfront savings, giving employees greater work flexibility also improves efficiency, communication and productivity. In industries like public safety, DeX is even being leveraged in-vehicle to replace rugged laptops that remain bolted into the vehicle. It can also be used to power rugged mobile command centers at an emergency scene.