Smartphone Desktop Mode

Cluster focuses on using Android smartphones and tablets, often with Samsung DeX or similar features, connected to external monitors, keyboards, and docks to create a full desktop computing experience.

➡️ Stable 0.5x Hardware
3,334
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#2063
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

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Keywords

CPU SSH PC IDE mymobiler.com PinePhone BTW SDK OTG samsung.com keyboard android phone samsung usb desktop plug monitor bluetooth keyboard mouse

Sample Comments

6ren Aug 25, 2013 View on HN

Maybe android tablet + ubuntu + keyboard?

swalsh Apr 10, 2015 View on HN

I want to be able to hook a keyboard and monitor to my phone, and then have a full ubuntu desktop experience.

maelito Nov 1, 2018 View on HN

If only you could plug an Android phone in desktop mode (Samsung's Dex or Huawei's projection) to power such a perfect mobile touchscreen and keyboard.Android chips lag behind, but they're good enough for occasional development.

ddalex Jul 2, 2024 View on HN

Why just not use Samsung's DeX that gets you a linux desktop when you plug your phone in a usb-c monitor/console

fsflover Oct 28, 2021 View on HN

Perhaps Librem 5 can help you, which is a smartphone running desktop Linux. It even works with an external screen and keyboard if necessary.

t_mann Jan 8, 2025 View on HN

Have you tried Samsung DeX? I find it pretty amazing, you connect your Android smartphone to a docking station, and you have a usable Desktop OS. The only thing holding it back from becoming a full workhorse for eg document editing imho is that most apps will only give you the - substantially nerfed - mobile version.

bergie Jun 7, 2017 View on HN

You might want to check out Samsung Dex then

fouc Jan 29, 2022 View on HN

Why not? An external keyboard & mouse with the android phone as a display should be allowed

jay_kyburz Jan 23, 2015 View on HN

yeah, why can't I plug my android phone into a large monitor and use it like a trackpad!

whynotminot Sep 28, 2025 View on HN

This is such a niche ask. Even Android doesn’t let you do this. Samsung has Dex and most people report it as subpar novelty.Buy a laptop you’ll be ok.