How the Innovative AR Laptop Without a Display Became Even Superior and Budget-Friendly – Exclusive Coverage by ZDNET
Transform Any Laptop Into a High-Resolution Dual Display Powerhouse with Our Innovative Gadget Reviews
Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI adapter
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links
If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI adapter is available on Amazon for $90 .
- It’s small, portable dual-HDMI adapter that supports dual 4K 60Hz displays from a single Thunderbolt, USB4, or USB-C port, compatible with macOS 11+, Windows 10+, and ChromeOS 100+ systems.
- This adapter requires drivers to be installed to make use of DisplayLink, and it does not support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) digital rights management.
There’s nothing like attaching a couple of extra displays to a laptop to boost productivity. Sure, it isn’t mobile anymore, but you gain the ability to transform your device into a powerful, versatile desktop setup.
The problem is, that not all laptops natively support dual displays, not even quite powerful, high-end systems such as the base M1, M2, and M3-powered Macs. These MacBooks only support a single external monitor.
Also: I love everything about this budget Android tablet (especially the price)
So, what can you do?
A simple solution is to use a USB-C to dual-HDMI dongle, such as the Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI adapter .
Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI adapter tech specs
- Connection to host: USB-C, Thunderbolt, or USB4
- OS compatibility: macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS
- Number of displays supported: 2
- Ports: 2 x HDMI
- Max resolution: 3840x2160 @ 60Hz
- Driver installation required: Yes
- HDCP support: No
Newsletters
ZDNET Recommends
ZDNET saves you time and money by delivering the best products and tech deals to your inbox every week.
Subscribe
Laptops were supposed to free us from the shackles of a desk and big displays. But as the power of portable systems has increased exponentially over the years, a laptop can now rival the power of a desktop, so it makes sense to have a single system for the office and for when you’re on the move. The only drawback is the display – there’s nothing like sitting in front of a couple of 4K displays to boost productivity.
Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI adapter
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
This is exactly what the Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI adapter offers, and it works even on systems that don’t natively support dual displays. Plug it into a USB-C, Thunderbolt, or USB4 port, install the relevant DisplayLink drivers (a process that’s automatic on Windows systems, Mac users will have to go find them ), and you’re done.
It’s really that simple.
Also: This thermal camera gives your iPhone a cool superpower
While the target market for this adapter includes owners of Macs with the base M1, M2, or M3 chips – processors that don’t natively support dual displays – it also works on Windows and ChromeOS systems.
I’ve tested this adapter with dual 4K displays attached, and it works reliably on both macOS and Windows – the sort of reliability that I’d expect from a Plugable device.
ZDNET’s buying advice
Not everyone needs dual 4K displays connected to their laptop, but if you’re among those who do, the Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI adapter is a great buy if you find yourself with a system that doesn’t support two displays. At $90, it’s not cheap, but it is a solid, reliable solution that works well.
Featured reviews
3 features in Apple’s new AirPods 4 that made me ditch my AirPods Pros
Why I’m recommending the standard iPhone 16 over the Pro this year (and I’m not alone)
The Windows laptop I recommend to most people undercuts the MacBook Air (but is just as capable)
One of the best pool-cleaning robots I’ve tested proved its worth in the most extreme conditions
- 3 features in Apple’s new AirPods 4 that made me ditch my AirPods Pros
- Why I’m recommending the standard iPhone 16 over the Pro this year (and I’m not alone)
- The Windows laptop I recommend to most people undercuts the MacBook Air (but is just as capable)
- One of the best pool-cleaning robots I’ve tested proved its worth in the most extreme conditions
Also read:
- [New] In 2024, From Zero to Hero YouTube's Masterclass in Channels
- [Updated] In 2024, Android's Highest-Rated Portable GBA Simulator Guide
- Download the Most Recent HP Printer Drivers - Optimized for Windows 10, 11
- Fixing SteamVR Error 308: Effective Strategies for a Seamless Virtual Reality Experience
- Get the Updated Epson WF-3620 Driver for Your Windows PC (Windows 10/8/7)
- Get Your Bluetooth Peripheral Up and Running on Windows 11/7/8 with Zexmte Driver Downloads
- How To Stop Terraria From Continuously Crashing: 2024 Guide
- In 2024, Luminous Filmmaking Transform Your Videos with Pro Tips
- In 2024, Ultimate Guide to Documenting Your VR Experiences
- Install SteelSeries Gaming Mouse Drivers Instantly Online
- Nokia Data Retrieval tool – restore lost data from Nokia C110
- Rapid Installation Guide for USB and RS2 232 Communication Bridge Drivers
- Solve Your iPhone-PC Connectivity Woes with These Simple Steps
- Update Your Windows System with New Nvidia MX150 GPU Drivers Now
- Updated Dell Wi-Fi Connectivity Software: Secure Your Download Now
- Title: How the Innovative AR Laptop Without a Display Became Even Superior and Budget-Friendly – Exclusive Coverage by ZDNET
- Author: Richard
- Created at : 2024-10-25 21:32:25
- Updated at : 2024-11-01 18:27:16
- Link: https://hardware-updates.techidaily.com/how-the-innovative-ar-laptop-without-a-display-became-even-superior-and-budget-friendly-exclusive-coverage-by-zdnet/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.