Turn Your Android Device into a Portable Workstation in a Pinch [Android]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5887589/turn-your-android-device-into-a-portable-workstation-in-a-pinch

If you're lucky enough to have an Android device running Ice Cream Sandwich, like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the folks at ExtremeTech have a great walkthrough on how to turn your handset into a fairly powerful workstation. You'll need a couple of items to get started, but the end result is that your phone can turn into a desktop almost anywhere you go.

The source article makes no bones about the fact you'll need a display to connect to if you want the full effect, but they suggest you pick up an HDMI-to-mini-HDMI converter for a few bucks to get video out from your device, and pair a bluetooth keyboard or trackpad to your phone, and call it a day. Even though most people only think to pair bluetooth keyboards or trackpads to their tablets, the process is the same with a handset, and works just as well. Connect the HDMI adapter into any nearby TV or monitor, and you're all set. The end result is a pretty snappy workstation that you can control from a mouse and keyboard and work on a nice large screen.

Plenty of other Android devices have this capability buit-in, even if they don't have Ice Cream Sandwich—if your phone has an mini HDMI output, you may be able to do the same thing, and if the thought of running Android on a huge screen doesn't totally appeal to you, you can always try the same procedure with the upcoming Ubuntu for Android.

Would you give this a shot? Pack up a bluetooth keyboard and trackpad and an HDMI cable for your trip and leave the laptop—or your tablet behind? Or is this a solution looking for a problem? Whatever you think, share your thoughts in the comments below.

How to Use the Galaxy Nexus as a Desktop Replacement | ExtremeTech